Cytokeratins 8 and 18 are responsible for distribution and secretion of hepatitis B virus surface proteins

Chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) induces liver cirrhosis and liver cancer (HCC). The pathologic phenotype is based on host autoimmune reactions against the virus and by direct cytotoxic effects of viral components, e.g. the accumulation of the large surface protein of HBV (LHBs) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hepatocytes, which leads to ER-stress. If the cells cannot normalize the state by activating of protecting mechanisms they finally undergo apoptosis or transform into tumor cells. In this work we could show that cytokeratins are responsible for intracellular distribution and also secretion of HBV surface pro…