Functional interaction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and hepatitis B virus in the pathogenesis of liver diseases

Core Tip

Core tip: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the major site of protein folding and calcium storage. Beside the role of ER in protein homeostasis, it controls the cholesterol production and lipid-membrane biosynthesis as well as surviving and cell death signaling mechanisms in the cell. It is well-documented that abnormal metabolic regulation induces adverse effects in liver disorders, such as non-alcoholic steatosis hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma which are associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Recent animal model and human studies have showed ER stress as an emerging factors involved in the development of metabolic and liver diseases. In this review, we will summarize the crucial effects of ER stress response in the pathogenesis of HBV-induced liver diseases.