Visualization and characterization of HBV-receptor interactions [Elektronische Ressource] / vorgelegt von Anja Meier

Inaugural-Dissertation zur Erlangung der Doktorwürde der Naturwissenschaftlich-Mathematischen Gesamtfakultät der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg vorgelegt von Diplom-Biologin Anja Meier aus Münster Tag der mündlichen Prüfung:……………………………………………………………………………………………… Visualization and Characterization of HBV-Receptor Interactions Anja Meier 2010 Referees: Prof. Dr. Stephan Urban Prof. Dr. Martin Löchelt Summary The human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is characterized by a pronounced liver tropism and a restricted host range. While the viral determinants essential for the host cell entry are well characterized, little is known about cellular factors involved in early steps of HBV infection. Proteoglycans have been described as primary attachment factors, but neither a receptor molecule nor the exact entry pathway is elucidated yet. myrPeptides comprising the first 47 amino acids (HBVpreS/2-48 ) of the preS1-domain of the HBV surface protein L have been shown to inhibit an infection in vitro and in vivo with high specificity. The myrfull inhibitory potential of HBVpreS/2-48 relies on the integrity of an essential region (amino acids 9 - 15) and the presence of an acylation.