HBV AND HDV REPLICATION IN EXPERIMENTAL-MODELS - EFFECT OF INTERFERON

The use of HBV and HDV experimental models has significantly contribut ed to understand the viral life cycle and to systematically test antiv iral effects of various drugs on a pre-clinical level. Similar replica tion strategies of related hepadna viruses permit the use of chimpanze es (Pan troglodytes), woodchucks (Marmota monax), ground and tree squi rrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) or Pekin ducks (Anas domesticus) as appr opriate animal models. Cell culture systems for in vitro infection or transfection using both primary cultures of human and non-human hepato cytes and non-hepatocytes and cell lines have recently been identified . The advantages and restrictions of these experimental models with re spect to evaluation of interferon effects on viral and hepatocellular gene expression are discussed.