ABSTRACT
Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) often have immune-mediated liver injury, and it is considered that the interaction between viral infection and immune response is an important cause of disease progression. CHB can progress to liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This article reviews the discovery of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, describes their own features, and elaborates on their role and mechanism of action in maintaining the stability of the immune system. This article also analyzes the role of Th17/Treg cell imbalance in CHB, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and HCC and points out that Th17/Treg cell imbalance may promote the aggravation of HBV-related liver diseases.