Objective      To determine the effect of heat shock protein B1 (HSPB1) on the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV).  Methods      The expression level of HSPB1 in the normal liver cell line (HepRG) and HBV stable replication cell lines (HepAD38 and HepG2.2.15) was determined by Western blotting. Both HepAD38 cells and HepG2.2.15 cells were transfected with pCMV6-HSPB1 or control vector

and the over-expression efficiency of HSPB1 was confirmed by Western blotting. The effect of HSPB1 on HBV replicative intermediates was measured by real-time PCR and Southern blotting. The effect of HSPB1 on the HBV 3.5kb mRNA was determined by qRT-PCR. And the secretion levels of HBsAg and HBeAg in the cell culture medium were detected by ELISA. Finally

pCH9/3091 and pCMV6-HSPB1 were co-transfected in Huh-7 cells

and its efficiency was confirmed by Western blotting. The effect of HSPB1 on HBV replicative intermediates was measured by real-time PCR and Southern blotting.  Results      The expression level of HSPB1 was obviously decreased in HepAD38 cells and HepG2.2.15 cells when compared with HepRG cells. HBV replicative intermediates

3.5kb mRNA level and the secretion levels of HBsAg and HBeAg were decreased in HepAD38 cells and HepG2.2.15 cells with HSPB1 over-expression. HSPB1 was over-expressed in the pCH9/3091-transfected Huh-7 cells

which inhibited the replication of HBV.  Conclusion      HSPB1 can inhibit HBV replication.