Hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocyte

A "Hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocyte" is a liver epithelial cell (hepatocyte) that has been infected by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a DNA virus from the hepadnaviridae family[1][2][4][5]. After entry, HBV delivers its DNA genome into the host cell nucleus, where it forms a persistent covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, serving as the template for all viral RNAs[4][2]. These infected hepatocytes produce and secrete viral proteins (HBsAg, HBcAg, HBeAg), infectious virions, and non-infectious subviral particles[1][2]. HBV-infected hepatocytes are the main source of circulating HBV antigens and critical mediators of immune responses, viral persistence, and disease pathogenesis. Chronic infection of these cells can lead to progressive liver inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma, reflecting their key roles in both infection and liver disease progression[4][6]. Although not a single molecular target, but rather a cellular compartment affected by HBV, "hepatitis B virus-infected hepatocyte" is a key concept in the study of HBV biology, antiviral drug development, and immunopathology.

Other names

HBV-infected hepatocyteHBV-infected liver cellhepatitis B-infected hepatocyteinfected hepatocyte (HBV)HBV-positive hepatocyte

Viral polymerase inhibition; Reverse transcriptase inhibition; Immune modulation (e.g., interferons)