Spacer Domain in Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase: Plugging a Hole or Performing a Role?
Caitlin Pley, José Lourenço, Anna McNaughton, Philippa C. Matthews
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase is divided into terminal protein, spacer, reverse transcriptase, and RNase domains. Spacer has previously been considered dispensable, merely acting as a tether between other domains or providing plasticity to accommodate deletions and mutations. We explore evidence for the role of spacer sequence, structure, and function in HBV evolution and lineage, consider its associations with escape from drugs, vaccines, and immune responses, and review its potential impacts on disease outcomes.
Topics & Concepts
BiologyHepatitis B virusPolymeraseVirologyReverse transcriptaseVirusHepadnaviridaeGeneticsGenePolymerase chain reactionHepatitis B Virus StudiesHepatitis C virus researchHepatitis Viruses Studies and Epidemiology