Understanding the Hepatitis B and D Viruses: Recent Scientific Advancements

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small, enveloped DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family and remains a global health problem. In 2022, the World Health Organization estimates around 250 million people are chronically infected with HBV. A unique characteristic of HBV is its partially double-stranded DNA genome that undergoes replication via reverse transcription. The virus primarily infects hepatocytes, where it establishes a stable covalently closed circular DNA in the nucleus, serving as a template for viral transcription and persistence. Although HBV itself is not innately destructive to the liver, the host immune system's response to HBV-infected cells leads to liver damage. While most adults clear the virus, infection perinatally or in early childhood often progress to chronic infection. Chronic HBV infection is a major cause of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, driven by both persistent inflammation and integration of HBV DNA into the host genome. Despite the availability of universal vaccines, HBV still accounts for over 800,000 deaths annually, underscoring the need for improved antiviral strategies and a functional cure.



Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that requires HBV surface antigens for assembly and transmission. HDV co-infection or superinfection with HBV accelerates liver disease progression and increases severity.



This Research Topic aims to generate new insights into the biology of HBV/HDV infection and replication, the mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and viral pathogenicity, host–pathogen interactions, and host immune responses. A comprehensive understanding of both viral and host factors involved in HBV/HDV infection and disease progression is essential for developing effective medical interventions and novel therapeutic strategies to reduce the global threat of HBV/HDV infection. By elucidating these fundamental processes, the study seeks to contribute to improved prevention, innovative therapeutics, and ultimately better control of HBV/HDV-related diseases.



Submissions of original research, brief research reports, reviews, mini reviews and perspectives with a focus on HBV and/or HDV are welcomed. Research areas may include:

 Emerging models and technologies

 Profiling intrahepatic complexity

 Viral life cycle

 Pathogenesis

 Host-virus interplay

 Innate immunity

 Adaptive immunity

 New perspectives in current treatments

 Novel medical countermeasures (vaccines and antivirals)

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: hepatitis B virus; hepatitis D virus; emerging model; viral life cycle; pathogenesis; immunology; vaccine; antiviral

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.