| Theme |
Hepatitis B: Trends & Topics |
| Title |
Mechanism of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Replication: Insights into the Obstacles to Eliminating HBV |
| Author |
Masanori Isogawa |
Department of Virology & Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, |
| Author |
Yasuhito Tanaka |
Department of Virology & Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, |
| [ Summary ] |
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a very small DNA virus that efficiently replicates by utilizing its limited genome information. Once persistent HBV infection is established, it is difficult to eliminate the virus. The most important obstacle to eliminating HBV is the presence of extremely stable cccDNA that serves as a template for HBV infection. Currently, the most efficient way to eliminate cccDNA is the specific destruction of infected hepatocytes by the host immune response. However, this host immune response is usually very weak in persistently infected patients and considered immune tolerant to HBV. The unique mechanism of HBV infection and replication contributes to the induction of immune tolerance. |