Molecular Biology of Hepatitis B: Understanding and Treating Chronic Infection

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health problem, affecting over 250 million people worldwide. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine and several antiviral therapies, a cure for chronic HBV infection remains elusive. Molecular biology has played a crucial role in elucidating the pathogenesis of HBV infection and in the development of new therapies. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV replication, immune evasion, and liver pathogenesis. It also discusses the current state of antiviral therapies and the potential for new therapeutics based on a molecular understanding of the virus-host interaction. Finally, the review highlights the importance of continued research efforts in molecular biology to address the challenges of chronic HBV infection.