Sirtuin 1 Dynamic Interplay of IFI16 and STING Interferon-Stimulated Gene Regulate Hepatitis B Virus Replication

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern, affecting millions worldwide and often leading to severe liver diseases. Chronic conditions associated with HBV contribute to the development of liver fibrosis, a crucial prognostic factor necessitating urgent therapeutic strategies. Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the interplay between interferon (IFN)-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) (NAD-dependent deacetylase), and STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) in the context of HBV infection, focusing on understanding their roles in viral replication and innate immune responses. Methods: This study investigates the interaction between Sirt1 and IFI16 during active HBV replication using siRNA-mediated knockdown and co-transfection techniques. HBV replication is assessed following IFI16 silencing, and the synergistic inhibition of IFI16 and Sirt1 is evaluated. Western blotting, electrophoresis, and immunoprecipitation methods are employed to explore STING's role in DNA-mediated innate immunity and interferon-stimulated gene activation during viral infection. Results: While individual knockdown of IFI16 has minimal impact on HBV replication, with a reduction of less than 10%, dual inhibition of IFI16 and Sirt1 resulted in a significant reduction in viral replication by approximately 70%. This underscores the synergistic role of these proteins in the context of HBV infection. Furthermore, the study implicates STING as a promising therapeutic target for viral infections, shedding light on its regulatory role in innate immune responses and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Conclusions: Our study reveals the complex interplay between IFI16, Sirt1, and STING in HBV infection, highlighting potential therapeutic targets. While in vitro findings offer valuable insights, in vivo validation and further exploration of broader pathway interactions are essential. Future efforts should prioritize translating these findings into clinical applications for HBV treatment.