Efficient Infection of Primary Tupaia Hepatocytes with Purified Human and Woolly Monkey Hepatitis B Virus

• DOI: 10.1128/jvi.75.11.5084-5089.2001
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:06:37Z
• Authors: Josef Köck; Michael Nassal; Sabine MacNelly; Thomas F. Baumert; Hubert E. Blum; Fritz von Weizsä...
• Keywords: Infectivity; Woodchuck hepatitis virus; Multiplicity of infection

ABSTRACT The Asian tree shrew, Tupaia belangeri , has been proposed as a novel animal model for studying hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we describe protocol efficient and reproducible infection of primary tupaia hepatocytes with HBV. We report that human serum interferes HBV binding to the hepatocytes, thus limiting maximum multiplicity Purification virions by gradient sedimentation greatly enhances infectivity. Covalently closed circular DNA was clearly detectable Southern blot analysis newly synthesized single-stranded visible 2 weeks postinoculation. Primary are also susceptible recently discovered woolly monkey (WMHBV) but not woodchuck Compared HBV, WMHBV replicated at higher rate within first week should represent useful system early steps