Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus Replication and Expression by Small Interfering RNA in Mice Targeting S Gene Region and C Gene Region

Objective:To evaluate the inhibitory effect of the small interfering RNA(siRNA) on hepatitis B virus(HBV) in mice which targets HBV S and C gene regions.Methods:Animal model of HBV infection was developed hydrodynamically by injecting pcDNA3.1-HBV and siRNA through the caudal vein of BALB/c.HBsAg was analyzed by time-resolved immunofluorometric assay,HBV DNA by fluorogenic quantitative PCR(FQ-PCR),and HBV S-mRNA and C-mRNA by semi-quantitative RT-PCR.Results:In mice,the S-siRNA and C-siRNA were shown to inhibit 96% and 90% of HBsAg production,and reduce the titers of HBV DNA by 47% and 71%,respectively,on day 1.The grayscales of S-mRNA and C-mRNA bands were markedly decreased.Such inhibitory effects remained detectable for at least 3 days.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that the siRNAs targeting HBV S and C gene regions can substantially and specifically inhibit HBV replication and expression in mice.