Inhibitory efects of vector-based RNAi on S gene expression of hepatitis B virus

Objective To construct RNAi expressing vectors targeting HBV S gene and to evaluate the inhibitory effects on HBV replication.Methods Two sequences targeting HBV S gene were cloned into pSUPER vector and then were cotransfected with pHBV into HepG2 cells.HBsAg expression was assayed by ELISA and Western blot.Results PSUPER-S1 and pSUPER-S2 RNAi expressing vectors were successfully constructed and inhibited HBsAg in HepG2 cells by 79.0% and 43.2%,Whereas irrelevant RNAi expressing vector did not show inhibitory effects on the HBsAg expression.Conclusion Vector-based RNAi can inhibit HBV replication effectively and specifically.