Abstract
Both the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been independently implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, there have been no reports describing HBV infection within CSCs. In this report we describe HBV core (HBcAg) and HBx protein expression within CSCs associated with human HCC. HBV markers were also identified in nonmalignant stem cells present in adjacent nontumor tissue. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HBV-induced HCC and are potentially relevant to the treatment of both HCC and chronic HBV.
Highlights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world today [1]
The mechanisms whereby hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to the development of HCC remain to be fully elucidated
While HBcAg is the principal target for immune mediated cytolysis and is often employed as a marker of HBV infection within cells, HBx may be more relevant to the pathogenesis of HCC in that it possesses transcriptional transregulatory properties that include modulating the transcriptional activation of p53, interruption of apoptosis, inhibiting proteasomal degradation of growth regulatory proteins, and stimulating cellular kinases that alter signal transduction [7]
Summary
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world today [1]. HCC is common in Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa where prevalences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are highest. HBV is considered an oncogenic virus, the mechanisms whereby it contributes to the development and/or growth of HCC remain to be fully elucidated [2]. Previous studies have indicated that HBx protein, a potent transcriptional transactivator, plays an important role in HCC carcinogenesis [3]. Hepatitis B core (HBcAg) may be of pathophysiologic importance as the expression of this protein serves as a target for immune mediated chronic inflammation and eventually the development of cirrhosis, a premalignant condition [3]. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation of malignant embryonic/progenitor cells that contribute to the development, growth, and metastasis of HCC [4]. Despite well documented independent associations between HBV and HCC and CSCs and HCC and reports of increased HBx expression in HCCs with a high prevalence of CSCs, there have been no reports describing HBV markers within CSCs associated with human HCC [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
