Hepatitis B virus/human immunodeficiency virus coinfection: interaction among human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and host immunity / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This review discusses progress in the studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and focuses on the interaction among HIV infection, chronic HBV infection, and host immunity.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>Data and studies published mainly from 2008 to 2011 were selected using PubMed.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Original articles and critical reviews concerning HBV/HIV coinfection and HBV and HIV pathogenesis were selected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HIV may accelerate HBV progression by lowering CD4 count, weakening HBV-specific immunity, "enriching" HBV mutants, causing immune activation, etc. On the other hand, HBV may enhance HIV replication by activating HIV long terminal repeat (LTR) with X protein (HBX) and cause immune activation in synergy with HIV. Paradoxically, HBV may also inhibit HIV dissemination via dendritic cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The interaction among HIV, HBV, and host immunity remains poorly understood. Further research is warranted to elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms and to translate these mechanisms into clinical practice.</p>