Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA: A Mini-Review

Eradication of cccDNA is an ideal goal of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapy. Understanding the changes in the cccDNA pool during therapy provides a basis for developing CHB treatment strategies. On the other hand, the shift in the balance of the cccDNA pool following therapies allowed researchers to investigate the dynamics of cccDNA. Central to the description of cccDNA dynamics is a parameter called cccDNA half-life. CccDNA half-life is not an intrinsic property of cccDNA molecules, but a description of an observed phenomenon characterized by cccDNA pool decline. Since cccDNA has to be in the nuclei of host cells to function, the half-life of cccDNA is determined by the state and destiny of the host cells. The major factors that drive cccDNA decay include noncytopathic effects and hepatocyte turnover (death and division). In some cases, the determining factor is not the half-life of cccDNA itself, but rather the half-life of the hepatocyte. The main purpose of this review is to analyze the major factors affecting cccDNA half-life and determine the areas requiring further study. In addition, the discrepancy in cccDNA half-life between short-term and long-term nucleot(s)ide analog (NUC) therapy was reported. Hypotheses were proposed to explain the multi-phasic decline of cccDNA during NUC therapy, and a framework based on cccDNA dynamics was suggested for the consideration of various anti-HBV strategies.