Cellular Factors Involved in the Hepatitis D Virus Life Cycle

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA with negative-strand genome encompassing less than 1700 nucleotides. The HDV encodes only for one protein, the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg), which exists in two forms acting as nucleoproteins. depends on envelope proteins of B helper packaging its ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). considered causative agent most severe form viral leading to liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Many steps life cycle are still enigmatic. This review gives an overview complete identifies gaps knowledge. focus description cellular factors being involved deregulation pathways by respect their relevance replication, morphogenesis HDV-associated pathogenesis. Moreover, recent progress antiviral strategies targeting structures summarized this article.