Hepatitis: Genetic variability in HBV resistance.

摘要

HBV has a high degree of genetic variation with eight known genotypes (A-H). New research has now defined the different mutations in the various HBV genotypes that are associated with how the virus can escape the immune system or become resistant to antiviral drugs.The genetic barrier of HBV-the number and type of mutations needed for the virus to overcome the effects of the immune system or antiviral therapy-is an important consideration when treating HBV infection. "Previous studies have highlighted that, under [selective] drug pressure, some HBV genotypes have preference for specific drug-resistance mutations," says senior author Carlo-Federico Perno. Thus, the investigators wanted to verify whether the high variability among HBV genotypes influenced the HBV genetic barrier to drug resistance or immune evasion.