Core Protein-Directed Antivirals and Importin β Can Synergistically Disrupt Hepatitis B Virus Capsids

Abstract

The HBV core, an icosahedral complex of 120 copies of the homodimeric core (capsid) protein with or without packaged nucleic acid, is transported to the host nucleus by its interaction with host importin proteins. Importin-core interaction requires the core protein C-terminal domain, which is inside the capsid, to “flip” to the capsid exterior.