Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can arise from various factors, among which infection by hepatotropic viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E is a leading cause.

Among these, the hepatitis B virus, or HBV, is one of the most prevalent and primarily infects hepatocytes, the main functional cells of the liver.

Structurally, the viral nucleocapsid is enclosed by an envelope containing the hepatitis B surface antigen, HBsAg.

When the virus enters the host, this antigen binds to a specific hepatocyte surface receptor.

Next, HBV enters via receptor-mediated endocytosis, releasing its nucleocapsid into the cytoplasm. The nucleocapsid is then transported to the nucleus.

Using the cellular replication and translation machinery, HBV replicates and exits hepatocytes to enter the bloodstream.

The presence of HBV triggers T cells to attack infected hepatocytes.

Chronic infection occurs if the virus is not cleared from the body. It may lead to severe inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.