Interplay between hepatitis B virus and the innate immune responses: implications for new therapeutic strategies.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a worldwide health problem; however, the current antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B are limited in efficacy. The outcome of HBV infection is thought to be the result of complex interactions between the HBV and the host immune system. While the role of the adaptive immune responses in the resolution of HBV infection has been well characterized, the contribution of innate immune mechanisms remains elusive until recent evidence implicates that HBV appears to activate the innate immune response and this response is important for controlling HBV infection. Here, we review our current understanding of innate immune responses to HBV infection and the multifaceted evasion by the virus and discuss the potential strategies to combat chronic HBV infection via induction and restoration of host innate antiviral responses.
Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
Jieliang
J
Chen
Zhenghong
Z
Yuan
D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*
D007155:Immunologic Factors