title: Innate immune recognition of hepatitis B virus.
abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic DNA virus and its infection results in acute or chronic hepatitis. It is reported that the host innate immune system contributes to viral control and liver pathology, while whether and how HBV can trigger the components of innate immunity remains controversial. In recent years, the data accumulated from HBV-infected patients, cellular and animal models have challenged the concept of a stealth virus for HBV infection. This editorial focuses on the current findings about the innate immune recognition to HBV. Such evaluation could help us to understand HBV immunopathogenesis and develop novel immune therapeutic strategies to combat HBV infection.
authors.affiliation: Hong-Yan Liu, Xiao-Yong Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
authors.forename: Hong-Yan
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Hong-Yan Liu, Xiao-Yong Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Yong
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Zhang
keywords: Hepatitis B virus; Hepatocytes; Innate immunity; Interferon; Pathogen-recognition receptor