Interaction of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) with p53 family-induced apoptosis signaling pathways is involved in viral clearance

One major risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). We have previously shown in vivo that a functional p53 pathway and an intact CD95-apoptosis signaling pathway are essential for clearance of HBV infection. In addition, we have described a central role of the p53/p63/p73 network for tumor development, treatment response and prognosis of HCC. Upregulation of the antiapoptotic, dominant negative isoform of p73, ΔNp73, in patients with HCC correlated with reduced survival. Our data indicate that ΔNp73 is an important gene in hepatocarcinogenesi…