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Hepatocytes infected with hepatitis B virus
Hepatocytes infected with hepatitis B virus secrete large numbers of exosomes, highlighted in purple. These exosomes also can contain hepatitis B virions.
Mechanisms of Hepatitis B Infection
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. Infected individuals are at risk of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that around 400 million people are chronically infected with HBV despite the availability of effective vaccines.
The lab's team seeks to gain a better understanding of the HBV life cycle and the mechanisms by which this virus usurps the established vesicle trafficking and autophagic, secretory and endocytic pathways of the hepatocyte host. This is essential to enable the identification of new antiviral targets.