Epigenetic regulation of hepatitis B virus infection

Epigenetics is the study of changes in phenotype or gene expression that take place outside of the DNA sequence. Examples of epigenetic phenomena include the methylation of DNA, acetylation of histones involved in DNA packaging, and the production of microRNAs. Collectively, these processes can alter gene transcription and translation, post-translational modifications, and insertional mutagenesis in order to modify health and disease. In recent years, tremendous in vivo and in vitro evidence has accumulated that replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the production of RNA intermediates, as well as antigen expression can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, an understanding of the epigenetic regulation of HBV has already been applied toward new approaches in vivo and in small animal models for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). These approaches are important steps toward translating this knowledge into improved therapies for humans suffering from this infection, which is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality globally.