Targeting HBV cccDNA Levels: Key to Achieving Complete Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) caused by HBV infection has brought suffering to numerous people. Due to the stable existence of HBV cccDNA, the original template for HBV replication, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is difficult to cure completely. Despite current antiviral strategies being able to effectively limit the progression of CHB, complete CHB cure requires directly targeting HBV cccDNA. In this review, we discuss strategies that may achieve a complete cure of CHB, including inhibition of cccDNA de novo synthesis, targeting cccDNA degradation through host factors and small molecules, CRISP-Cas9-based cccDNA editing, and silencing cccDNA epigenetically.