The Mechanisms of HBV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Yu Jiang, Qiuju Han, Huajun Zhao, Jian Zhang Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jian ZhangInstitute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People’s Republic of ChinaTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [email protected]: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy, and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is its major pathogenic factor. Over the past decades, it has been confirmed that HBV infection could promote disease progression through a variety of mechanisms, ultimately leading to the malignant transformation of liver cells. Many factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC), including HBV gene integration, genomic instability caused by mutation, and activation of cancer-promoting signaling pathways. As research in the progression of HBV-HCC progresses, the role of many new mechanisms, such as epigenetics, exosomes, autophagy, metabolic regulation, and immune suppression, is also being continuously explored. The occurrence of HBV-HCC is a complex process caused by interactions across multiple genes and multiple steps, where the synergistic effects of various cancer-promoting mechanisms accelerate the process of disease evolution from inflammation to tumorigenesis. In this review, we aim to provide a brief overview of the mechanisms involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-HCC, which may contribute to a better understanding of the role of HBV in the occurrence and development of HCC.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B virus, carcinogenic mechanisms, therapy

Keywords

• hepatocellular carcinoma
• hepatitis b virus
• carcinogenic mechanisms
• therapy