Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Tumor necrosis factor receptors in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
G Marinos1, N V Naoumov, S Rossol
1Institute of Liver Studies, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, England.
Background/Aims:
Patients with chronic hepatitis B infection have elevated plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha levels. Two TNF-alpha receptors have been identified, each responsible for distinct TNF-alpha activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological function of the elevated TNF-alpha in chronic hepatitis B virus infection by examining the two TNF signaling pathways in the evolution of hepatitis B-related liver injury.
Methods:
The hepatic expression of the two TNF receptors and the corresponding serum levels of the soluble forms of both TNF receptors were determined and correlated with hepatic inflammation and virus replication in 98 chronic hepatitis B surface antigen carriers. Forty hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients were also studied prospectively, while on interferon alfa treatment, to examine the TNF receptor response during viral clearance.
Results:
In chronic hepatitis B virus infection, the hepatic expression and serum levels of TNF receptors, in particular 75-kilodalton TNF receptor subtype (TNF-R p75), are significantly enhanced in association with hepatic inflammation and hepatocytolysis but not with hepatitis B virus replication. During interferon alfa treatment, a significant increase of soluble TNF-R p75 always precedes the hepatitis B e antigen antibody against hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion in responders to treatment.
Conclusions:
In chronic active hepatitis B infection, there is an up-regulation of the TNF receptor system, preferentially the TNF-R p75 signaling pathway, which suggests that the TNF-alpha/TNF receptor system has an important role in the pathogenesis of liver damage and viral clearance.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

