Hepatitis B virus/human immunodeficiency virus coinfection: interaction among human immunodeficiency virus infection, chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and host immunity.

OBJECTIVE

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.

DATA SOURCES: Data and studies published mainly from 2008 to 2011 were selected using PubMed.

STUDY SELECTION: Original articles and critical reviews concerning HBV/HIV coinfection and HBV and HIV pathogenesis were selected.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.