Hepatitis B virus infection: Overview and new treatment targeting NTCP

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus and the etiological agent for acute or chronic hepatitis, which has become a important public health problem across the world. Since the first discovery of HBV in 1965, a lot of studies have shown a relatively complete comprehension in virology, pathogenesis mechanism and treatment of HBV. In this review, we describe a brief introduction of the virology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, immunopathogenesis and treatment of HBV. We also briefly summarize the development of potential therapies targeting the recently discovered protein, sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), which is critical for HBV entry into hepatic cells.