Role of the Hepatitis B Virus X Protein in Viral Pathogenesis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of acute and chronic liver disease, with an estimated 400 million people chronically infected worldwide. Chronic HBV infection is associated with the development of liver disorders such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a small virally encoded multifunctional regulator protein that has been implicated in HBV-associated liver pathogenesis. In this review, the various roles of HBx will be briefly discussed with respect to the pathogenesis of HBV infection. Understanding the function of HBx during HBV replication and its effect on HBV-mediated liver pathogenesis may lead to new therapeutic options for controlling HBV-associated liver disease.