Hepatitis B Viral Protein HBx and the Molecular Mechanisms Modulating the Hallmarks of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review

Cells. 2022 Feb 21;11(4):741. doi: 10.3390/cells11040741.

Abstract

With 296 million cases estimated worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV-encoded oncogene X protein (HBx), a key multifunctional regulatory protein, drives viral replication and interferes with several cellular signalling pathways that drive virus-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of HBx in modulating the various hallmarks of HCC by supporting tumour initiation, progression, invasion and metastasis. Understanding HBx-mediated dimensions of complexity in driving liver malignancies could provide the key to unlocking novel and repurposed combinatorial therapies to combat HCC.

Keywords: HBx protein; cancer hallmarks; hepatitis B virus; hepatocellular carcinoma; therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / virology
  • Hepatitis B virus / metabolism
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic* / complications
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / virology
  • Trans-Activators* / metabolism
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins* / metabolism

Substances

  • Trans-Activators
  • Viral Regulatory and Accessory Proteins
  • hepatitis B virus X protein