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New concepts in the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B: the importance of the innate immune response

  • ACT−HBV Asia Pacific Suppl
  • Published:
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Abstract

Acute and chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with an increased risk of developing liver disease including cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The clinical presentation and natural history of HBV infection is mediated through complex interactions between the virus and the host immune response. HBV is not directly cytopathic to heptocytes; however, the interaction between the virus and the host immune response plays a central role in the pathogenesis of necroinflammation and liver fibrosis. Emerging data from immunopathogenesis studies in animal models and in vitro studies of liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis B demonstrate a potentially important interaction between hepatitis B e antigen, HBV, and components of the innate immune response including Toll-like receptors, Kupffer cells, natural killer T-cells, and dendritic cells. These findings suggest that the innate immune response has an important role in influencing the outcome of acute and chronic HBV infection. The current knowledge regarding the interaction between HBV and components of the innate immune response during acute and chronic HBV infection is reviewed.

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Abbreviations

CCL-3:

CC chemokine ligand-3

CMV:

Cytomegalovirus

HBeAg:

Hepatitis B e antigen

HBsAg:

Hepatitis B surface antigen

IFN:

Interferon

IL:

Interleukin

MBL:

Mannose-binding lectin

MHC:

Major histocompability complex

NF-κB:

Nuclear factor kappa B

NK:

Natural killer

NKT:

Natural killer T (cells)

PRR:

Pattern recognition receptor

TLR:

Toll-like receptor

TNF:

Tumor necrosis factor

TRAIL:

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

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Acknowledgment

Dr. Visvanathan is a recipient of an NHMRC (Australia) practitioner fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Innate Immunity Laboratory, Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Level 5, Block E, 246 Clayton Rd., Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

    Dilip Ratnam & Kumar Visvanathan

  2. Gastrointestinal and Liver Unit, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd., Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

    Dilip Ratnam

  3. Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd., Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

    Kumar Visvanathan

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  1. Dilip Ratnam
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Correspondence to Kumar Visvanathan.

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Ratnam, D., Visvanathan, K. New concepts in the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B: the importance of the innate immune response. Hepatol Int 2 (Suppl 1), 12–18 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-008-9067-0

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