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Epitranscriptomic Regulation of Hepatitis B Virus by RNA 5-Methylcytosine: Functions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential.

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Title: Epitranscriptomic Regulation of Hepatitis B Virus by RNA 5-Methylcytosine: Functions, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential.
Authors: Zhou, Xuliu, Huang, Yanling, Zhang, Xueyan, Guan, Wuxiang, Zhang, Fang, Hao, Haojie
Source: Viruses (1999-4915); Sep2025, Vol. 17 Issue 9, p1159, 22p
Subject Terms: HEPATITIS B virus, METHYLCYTOSINE, RNA modification & restriction, VIRAL replication, RNA methylation, HEPATOCELLULAR carcinoma, THERAPEUTICS, ANTIVIRAL agents
Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, with over 296 million people chronically infected worldwide. Despite the availability of antiviral therapies, a functional cure is rarely achieved, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a pivotal epitranscriptomic mark implicated in RNA stability, transport, and translation. Emerging evidence shows that m5C is conserved within HBV RNA and plays critical roles in the viral life cycle. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms governing m5C deposition and recognition, summarizes recent advances in m5C biology, and highlights the emerging role of epitranscriptomic m5C regulation in HBV infection. We discuss the identification of HBV-specific m5C sites, the functions of key regulatory enzymes, and their interplay in viral RNA stabilization and evasion of innate immune responses. Interplay between m5C and other RNA modifications—particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A)—is examined alongside virus-specific m5C regulation in EV71, HIV, HCV, EBV, and SARS-CoV-2. Potential links between m5C dysregulation and HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis are outlined, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the m5C machinery are highlighted. Together, these insights position the epitranscriptomic landscape as a promising avenue for innovative antiviral strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Biomedical Index
Description
Abstract:Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major global health challenge, with over 296 million people chronically infected worldwide. Despite the availability of antiviral therapies, a functional cure is rarely achieved, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. RNA 5-methylcytosine (m<sup>5</sup>C) is a pivotal epitranscriptomic mark implicated in RNA stability, transport, and translation. Emerging evidence shows that m<sup>5</sup>C is conserved within HBV RNA and plays critical roles in the viral life cycle. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular mechanisms governing m<sup>5</sup>C deposition and recognition, summarizes recent advances in m<sup>5</sup>C biology, and highlights the emerging role of epitranscriptomic m<sup>5</sup>C regulation in HBV infection. We discuss the identification of HBV-specific m<sup>5</sup>C sites, the functions of key regulatory enzymes, and their interplay in viral RNA stabilization and evasion of innate immune responses. Interplay between m<sup>5</sup>C and other RNA modifications—particularly N6-methyladenosine (m<sup>6</sup>A)—is examined alongside virus-specific m<sup>5</sup>C regulation in EV71, HIV, HCV, EBV, and SARS-CoV-2. Potential links between m<sup>5</sup>C dysregulation and HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis are outlined, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting the m<sup>5</sup>C machinery are highlighted. Together, these insights position the epitranscriptomic landscape as a promising avenue for innovative antiviral strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:19994915
DOI:10.3390/v17091159