Combination antiviral and immune therapies for hepatitis B virus infection. [ 2001 - 2003 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Allison Jilbert (Principal investigator) ,  E/Pr Christopher Burrell

Brief description Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and persistent (chronic) infection with varying degrees of liver damage and a strong association with the development of liver cancer. Worldwide ~ 250 million people have persistent HBV infection and while a HBV vaccine is available that protects against infection, current treatments for existing infection are largely ineffective. We wish to study a combination of antiviral drug therapy and vaccination with DNA vaccines, to develop new treatment protocols for persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The human HBV is a member of the hepadnavirus family that includes a number of other very similar host-specific viruses. Therapies will be tested in ducks infected with the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) as these animals provide the only model system available in Australia for development of HBV therapies. DHBV-infected ducks will be treated with a new and extremely potent antiviral drug Entacavir (ETV; Bristol-Myers Squibb). Drug treatment will be combined with various DNA vaccination protocols, including new strategies that involve DNA vaccine priming and recombinant fowlpoxvirus (rFPV) boosting of immune responses. Inoculation of DNA vaccines and rFPV results in expression of viral proteins that are presented to the immune system and evoke strong immune responses. 'Prime boost' protocols with DNA vaccines and rFPV have shown promise for protection against and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (AIDS virus) infection. We will assess the effect of treatment by measuring levels of DHBV in liver and blood, clearance of infected cells and serological changes. The ultimate aim is to develop successful therapies that can then be applied to treatment and elimination of HBV infection in humans.

Funding Amount $AUD 227,036.72

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant