Immunomodulation and RNA interference alter hepatitis B virus-specific CD8 T-cell recognition of infected HepG2-NTCP.

Background And Aims: CD8 T cells are essential in controlling HBV infection. Viral control is dependent on efficient recognition of HBV-infected hepatocytes by CD8 T cells, which can induce direct lysis of infected hepatocytes. In addition, CD8 T cells produce interferon (IFN)-γ, which mediates noncytopathic viral clearance.