Hepatitis B treatment

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Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as well as methods for identifying a compound or a composition that is suitable for treating HBV infection. In addition, the present invention provides a suitable non-mammalian animal model that can be used to screen for a compound or a composition that can inhibit HBV replication or treat HBV infection in a mammal. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating hepatitis B infection by inhibiting interaction between HBV x protein and a Bcl-2 family protein or by reducing the expression level of a Bcl-2 family protein.This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/706,083, filed Sep. 26, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.This invention was made with government support under grant numbers GM059083, GM079097 and GM088241 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention. Field of the invention: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating hepatitis B infection by modulating interaction between HBV x protein and a Bcl-2 family protein or by reducing the expression level of a Bcl-2 family protein. Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infects more than 400 million people in the world and is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other liver disease. It has been a major health issue in many countries. Although the current HBV vaccine can prevent new HBV infections, there is no effective treatment for chronic HBV carriers, many of whom will eventually develop various liver disorders and HCC.