Abrogation of hepatitis B virus infection in vivo by envelope protein derived entry inhibitors

Interference with HBV infection by externally applied fragments of viral surface proteins that interfere with receptor interaction or membrane fusion is a valuable approach for understanding key events of the hepadnaviral entry process. In addition this approach might also be important for the development of novel antiviral strategies, as has been shown for gp–41-derived T20-peptides in HIV-therapy. We have recently demonstrated that authentically myristoylated or otherwise acylated peptides encompassing the N-terminal 47 pre-S1 amino acids of the HBV L-protein block HBV infection of primary human and tupaia bel…