Exosomes in HBV infection
Ziyu Liu, Yanan Li, Yufeng Wang, Xinquan Bai, Ying Zhang
Abstract
Exosomes have been identified as important mediators of intercellular communication in several physiological and pathological processes. Hepatitis B is caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which impairs hepatocytes, with chronic infection resulting in cirrhosis or liver cancer. We studied the roles and functions of exosomes in HBV infection and found that exosomes could promote HBV spread and development of HBV-related diseases. Exosomes could be used as potential biomarkers for HBV diagnosis. Furthermore, exosomes have potential applications in treatment for HBV infection via inhibition of HBV replication and transcription.
Topics & Concepts
MicrovesiclesHepatitis B virusVirologyCirrhosisImmunologyHepatitis BMedicineChronic infectionVirusBiologymicroRNAImmune systemInternal medicineGeneBiochemistryHepatitis B Virus StudiesExtracellular vesicles in diseaseHepatitis C virus research