Immune pathogenesis of hepatitis B

Available information about the immune pathogenesis of HBV infection in man is very limited. However, the present availability of recombinant sources of the different HBV antigens expressed in the appropriate forms to induce activation of either HLA class I or HLA class II-restricted T cells, provides the necessary tools to investigate directly the mechanisms of liver damage, the role of the different cellular components of the immune system in HBV clearance and the specific nature of the immune defects potentially responsible for the chronic evolution of HBV infection. In addition, improved knowledge of HBV biology suggests a dynamic interpretation of the HBV-immune system interactions, based on which viral mutations as well as direct interferences of HBV with specific immune functions are believed to play a relevant role with respect to the outcome of HBV infection.