This Week in Virology TWiV Special: A shot of HepB with Stephan Urban
Apr 22, 2025
Stephan Urban, a renowned HBV and HDV researcher from the University of Heidelberg, shares insights from his prolific career, including the challenges of hepatitis B research. He discusses the complexities of developing peptide-based therapeutics and the hurdles faced during phase one trials. Urban also explores the role of bile acid transporters in HBV treatment and the interconnection with hepatitis delta virus. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of reinvesting financial success into public health and education for underserved communities.
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Early Passion for Biochemistry
- Stephan Urban began his scientific career fascinated by chemistry and biochemistry from a young age, even conducting experiments in his home's cellar.
- His early exposure led him to a research path focusing on hepatitis B virus more than 30 years ago in Germany.
HBV's Compact Genome Challenges
- Hepatitis B virus is a remarkably compact virus using minimal genetic elements with overlapping genes.
- Its liver specificity and difficulty cultivating in cell cultures made studying the viral receptor critical for advancing research.
Using Duck HBV to Find Receptor
- Stephan Urban used duck hepatitis B virus and primary duck hepatocytes to identify the viral receptor, overcoming challenges like prevalent natural infection.
- This discovery formed the basis of his habilitation academic qualification in Germany.