Objective: To investigate the effect of retroviral vector expressing the dual--target antisense RNA of hepatitis B virus (HBV) on the replication and expression of HBV.
Methods: Recombinant retroviral vector plasmids expressing dual-target antisense RNA complementary to HBV X (1400 - 1430) and P (2375 - 2405) were constructed and transduced into 2.2.15 cells. The experimental cells were divided into PLXSN + X, PLXSN + P, PLXSN + X/P, and PLXSN + Xpos/P pos groups. The HBV expression was tested by ELISA method. HBV DNA and RNA were tested by FQ-PCR.
Results: The inhibition rates of 2.2.15 cells transduced with recombinant vector plasmids (PLXSN + X group, PLXSN + P group, especially the PLXSN + X/P group) on expression of HBV DNA and RNA were higher than those of blank control group, PLXSN group, and PLXSN + Xpos/Ppos group. The expression of the three ORFs, S, C, and P were significantly inhibited.
Conclusion: The expression of HBV antisense RNA in 2.2.15 cells can inhibit the replication and expression of HBV. The inhibitory effect of dual antisense-RNA group is higher than that of single antisense-RNA group. Dual antisense RNA has the potentiality in anti-HBV gene therapy.