hepatitis

[Scientific Reports] Investigators utilized in vitro transcribed mRNA to introduce Na+-taurocholate-cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) into cells. After transfection of mRNA, surface expression and functionality of NTCP was demonstrated by staining with an N-terminal HBV-preS peptide and bile acid uptake.

[Science Advances] The authors described a previously unrecognized role for pseudogenes as potent epigenetic regulators that could demethylate and activate oncogenes. They focused on SALL4, a known oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma with eight pseudogenes.

[npj Vaccines] Scientists investigated metabolic and functional responses of NK cells to simian adenovirus prime and MVA boost vaccination in a cohort of healthy volunteers receiving a dual HCV-HIV-1 vaccine.

[Merck] Merck announced that the Phase III KEYNOTE-394 trial investigating KEYTRUDA, Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in Asian patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma previously treated with sorafenib met its primary endpoint of overall survival.

[Enochian BioSciences, Inc.] Enochian BioSciences, Inc. announced the completion of a Pre-Investigational New Drug process for ENOB-HB-01, a novel approach to potentially eliminate HBV-infected liver cells with an innovative “Hijack RNA” strategy that co-opts the virus’ machinery to induce the death of infected cells rather than reproducing and causing more infection and liver disease.

[Cellular & Molecular Immunology] The authors offer a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological and clinical aspects of autoimmune hepatitis.