Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is one of the most important factors in HBV infection and HBV infection-related diseases. Although TNF-α is critical and beneficial in HBV clearance, the liver injury is progressed by the up-regulation of TNF-α production. Taken together, TNF-α contribute to the cure and increase of severity in acute hepatitis caused by HBV. It is very important to understand the role of TNF-α, which has two-wedge sword in HBV infection, and the mechanism of TNF-α production. This review briefly overviews up to date about the role of TNF-α in HBV-induced liver injury and HBV clearance, including our results achieved recently.
