Elena Smekalova

Dr. Elena Smekalova


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 November 2022 in Viruses
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MMMaria Guadalupe Martinez
Maria Guadalupe Martinez
ESElena Smekalova
Elena Smekalova
ECEmmanuel Combe
Emmanuel Combe
FGFrancine Gregoire
Francine Gregoire
Fabien ZoulimFabien Zoulim
Fabien Zoulim
BTBarbara Testoni
Barbara Testoni
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, since chronic HBV infection is associated with elevated risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current licensed therapies against HBV efficiently suppress viral replication; however, they do not have significant effects on the intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of the viral minichromosome responsible for viral persistence. Thus, life-long treatment is required to avoid viral rebound. There is a significant need for novel therapies that can reduce, silence or eradicate cccDNA, thus preventing HBV reemergence after treatment withdrawal. In this review, we discuss the latest developments and applications of gene editing and related approaches for directly targeting HBV DNA and, more specifically, cccDNA in infected hepatocytes.