Export of hepatitis B virus RNA on a Rev-like pathway: inhibition by the regenerating liver inhibitory factor IkappaB alpha.

Nuclear export of hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA is mediated by a specific RNA element but, in contrast to lentivirus genomic RNA, does not depend on viral proteins. We show that nonetheless, the export of HBV RNA can be blocked by competitive inhibitors of Rev-mediated lentivirus RNA export, suggesting that the export pathways of both viral species share components and might be driven by the same nuclear export machinery. HBV RNA export is also inhibited by overexpression of IkappaB alpha, as reported previously for the export of human immunodeficiency virus RNA. Since IkappaB alpha is strongly overexpressed during liver regeneration, its inhibition of HBV RNA export might contribute to elimination or silent persistence of HBV.