SIRT1 and IFI16 cooperatively regulate HBV replication via epigenetic modulation and innate immune activation
Publication Name: Future Virology
Publication Date: 2026-01-01
Volume: 21
Issue: 6
Page Range: 393-404
Description:
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) establishes persistent infection through the formation of a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, which enables immune evasion and sustained viral replication. While SIRT1, IFI16, and STING are known to modulate antiviral pathways, their cooperative role in regulating HBV transcription and host immunity remains poorly defined. Methods: We investigated the functional interplay between SIRT1, IFI16, and STING using confocal microscopy, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), gene silencing, and quantitative PCR in HBV-replicating cell models. Interactions with HBV cccDNA and effects on viral transcription and interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression were analyzed. Northern blotting and RT-qPCR were used to evaluate HBV RNA output, including total HBV RNA and 3.5 kb RNA, in order to provide both transcript-pattern and quantitative assessment of transcriptional changes. Results: SIRT1 physically interacted with IFI16, with increased colocalization during HBV replication. Both proteins were recruited to HBV cccDNA, promoting transcriptionally active chromatin. Silencing SIRT1 or IFI16 disrupted cccDNA binding and reduced viral RNA levels. Although STING was not cccDNA-associated, its antiviral activity via ISG induction was dependent on IFI16 knockdown produced the strongest reduction in both total HBV RNA and 3.5 kb RNA, supporting a cooperative role for these factors in sustaining HBV transcriptional output. Although STING was not cccDNA-associated, its antiviral activity via ISG induction was dependent on IFI16. Triple knockdown of SIRT1, IFI16, and STING showed the strongest suppression of ISG expression. Conclusion: SIRT1 and IFI16 enhance HBV gene expression through epigenetic regulation of cccDNA, while also supporting STING-mediated antiviral responses. These findings reveal a dual regulatory axis governing HBV persistence and identify potential targets for antiviral therapy.
Open Access: Yes
Authors - 11
D. U. Ozsahin
35222353000
U. Saeed
36612315100
Z. Z. Piracha
57189084862
Surya M. Nauli
57207598064
S. S. Gilani
58490388400
Muhammad Waseem
60059578100
Areesha Wasti
60369156900
Dilber Uzun Ozsahin
60450840000
Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Akhtar Chughtai
60700409800
Neelam Abid
60700813900
Andromeda M. Nauli
6506442060