Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
Results of recent studies on the problem of hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence are presented in this review. Different mechanisms of development of chronic form of infection from position of its immunopathogenesis are reviewed. Data obtained in studies of genetic properties of HBV and emergence of its mutant forms as well as significance of apoptosis as a fundamental process of homeostasis, role of HLA-restricted T-cell response and cytokines for resolved and persistent form of infection caused by HBV are discussed.
Zh. Mikrobiol. (Moscow), 2009, No. 4, P. 33—39