S基因变异与隐匿性HBV感染的关系

Occult hepatitis B virus infection is characterised by the presence of HBV DNA in liver or serum of individuals testing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative by currently available assays. Its existence and clinical relevance are reported on many researches. Nowadays, large numbers of studies attended the molecular and immunopathogenetic mechanisms associated with occult hepatitis B, in particular, the relationship of the S gene mutation and occult HBV infection. A large number of studies indicate that hepatitis B virus strains from liver and / or serum from the occult HBV infection of occult hepatitis B infection patients may exist S gene mutation. Some studies in vivo and in vitro confirm that the S gene mutation may lead to low-level replication of hepatitis B virus; HBsAg expression and / or secretion of obstacles; decrease affinity of the HBsAg and anti-HBs and false negative of HBsAg; reduce virus immunogenicity and lead to immune escape. This review focuses on the relationship of occult infection and mutations in the S gene region of hepatitis B virus.