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Hepatitis D Virus

The hepatitis D/delta virus (HDV) was discovered in 1977 by Marcus Rizzetto. The HDV is the smallest RNA pathogen known to interact with a human host and to cause substantial global morbidity and mortality. As a virology antibody expert, Creative Biolabs offers a comprehensive series of HCV antibody services to advance your research.

HDV Structure

HDV particles, 35-37 nm, are composed of an envelope and a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). The RNP consists of the HDV genome and two isoforms of hepatitis D antigen (HDAg), L-HDAg and S-HDAg. HDV RNA is a single-stranded circle about 1.7 kb and negative polarity, with a high degree of self-complementarity and G+C content causing the circle to collapse as a rod-like structure. HDV requires the presence of HBV for its assembly and replication. HDV is formed, on the outside, by a spherical lipoprotein envelope containing HBsAg.

Structures of HDV virion and genome. Fig.1 Structures of HDV virion and genome. (Urban, 2021)

Pathogenesis

HDV infection can only be achieved in the presence of its helper virus, HBV. More than one factors seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of HDV hepatitis and end-stage liver diseases, implicating HDV, HBV, and host-associated factors associated with immune response, underlining the complexity of this multifaceted disease. HDV pathogenesis can vary from asymptomatic cases to acute liver failure and chronic hepatitis D (CHD). A simultaneous HDV and HBV infection will lead to acute hepatitis, whereas an HDV super-infection of a chronic HBV carrier will mainly result in the establishment of a chronic HDV infection. In addition, the pathogenesis of HDV is associated with many immune responses including interferon-α signaling inhibition, HDV-specific T-lymphocyte activation, and cytokine responses, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nuclear factor kappa B signaling.

HBV as a helper virus for HDV. Fig.2 HBV as a helper virus for HDV. (Giersch, 2015)

Epidemiology

By a recent meta-analysis, approximately 62-72 million patients were thought to be also affected by HDV. The viral genetic diversity is related to the geographic origin of the isolates, and so far eight genotypes have been identified classified as HDV-1 through HDV-8.

By sharing the same viral envelope (HBV viral proteins), HDV is also transmitted parenterally through infected blood or body fluids and sexual contact. Vertical transmission is however rare.

Symptom

The signs of HDV is similar to other hepatitis including:

  • Yellow skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Throwing up
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Dark-colored urine

Prevention and Treatment

  • There is no vaccine for hepatitis D directly. Pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis with HBV vaccine or HBV immune globulin can prevent HDV-HBV co-infection.
  • Hepatitis D goes away on its own when the immune system fights off the infection. No specific drug treatment exists for Hepatitis D infections. The drug prescribed most often is pegylated interferon-alfa (peg-IFNa), but it is largely unsatisfactory.

Anti-HAV Products and Services

Based on antibody development platform and technical advantages, Creative Biolabs has the ability to provide a one-stop service for antibody engineering and production. As an award-winning custom antibody supplier, now we provide various anti-HDV antibody products and services for multiple applications. In addition, a fully comprehensive suite of primary antibodies, secondary antibodies, and isotype controls are supplied to meet your needs. We also provide other hepatitis virus antibodies, referred to as types A, B, C and E. Please feel free to contact us for further information.

References

  1. Urban, S.; et al. Hepatitis D virus in 2021: virology, immunology, and new treatment approach for a difficult-to-treat disease. Gut. 2021, 70(9): 1782-1794.
  2. Giersch, K.; Dandri, M. Hepatitis B and delta virus: advances on studies about interactions between the two viruses and the infected hepatocyte. J Clin Transl Hepatol. 2015, 3(3): 220-229.

All products and services are intended for Research Use Only, and NOT to be used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.

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