Inhibiting Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide in HBV-Related Diseases: From Biological Function to Therapeutic Potential

J Med Chem. 2022 Oct 13;65(19):12546-12561. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01097. Epub 2022 Sep 15.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem, and chronic infection can cause many diseases ranging from liver fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by complicated mechanisms. Currently, the treatment of HBV infection mainly depends on interferons (IFNs) and nucleotide analogues (NAs); however, both have some limitations. In 2012, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) was identified as the entry receptor of HBV. Based upon this groundbreaking discovery, a series of molecules have been gradually developed and evaluated to discover novel entry inhibitors targeting NTCP. However, only two macromolecules have been used for potential clinical applications so far. In this Perspective, we focus on summarizing the structural features that convey the biological functions of NTCP, as well as further discuss the anti-HBV activity and selectivity of inhibitors in HBV-related diseases, which should provide clues in the future for the discovery of drug candidates targeting NTCP.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology
  • Hepatitis B* / drug therapy
  • Hepatocytes
  • Humans
  • Interferons
  • Liver Neoplasms*
  • Nucleotides
  • Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent
  • Symporters*
  • Virus Internalization

Substances

  • Nucleotides
  • Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent
  • Symporters
  • sodium-bile acid cotransporter
  • Interferons