Prototype of Hepativir-B
Our prototype of Hepativir-B
We designed and built a prototype of Hepativir-B, our one-time cure for chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Hepativir-B consists of lipid nanoparticles which are used to deliver CRISPR-Cas9s that recognize the DNA sequence for HBV-related proteins, NTCP and HBx. In addition, these nanoparticles are decorated GalNAc molecules to target this medicine to liver cells.
A lipid monolayer encapsulates and protects the CRISPR-Cas9. Each phospholipid molecule consists of a phosphate group “head” which is hydrophilic and two fatty acid “tails” which are hydrophobic.
The GalNAc molecule binds to the ASPG receptor on liver cells to attract Hepativir-B to its intended destination.
A closer view of our prototype
The CRISPR-Cas9 target the genes for the HBx protein and NTCP receptor.