Hepatitis B Core Protein Capsids.

Non-enveloped Nackednaviridae and enveloped hepadnaviridae both have capsids that are formed by related small proteins which evolved more than 430 Mya. In Hepatitis B virus, which belongs to the enveloped hepadnaviridae, this small protein is termed Hepatitis B core protein (Hbc). Its function, as building block of a major human pathogen, triggered extensive research that elucidated the importance of almost every single amino acid for the structural integrity of the capsids and the orderly progression of the viral life cycle. In particular, encapsidation of the genome, envelopment of the capsid, uncoating of the genome and targeting of the different compartments during viral maturation have been a vivid focus of research. HBc has also been developed as a biotechnological tool for the design of nano-containers with tailored properties. These nano-containers can display foreign epitopes on their surfaces and induce a strong immune response, which is attractive for the development of vaccines against other pathogens. This chapter will discuss some of the unique properties of HBc and their significance for the formation of a functional macromolecular capsid.