Replication of HBV occurs through reverse transcription, but inherent lack of proofreading causes a high rate of mutations. The most common naturally occurring HBV mutations are those in the precore and core promoter regions that abolish or decrease the production of hepatitis B e antigen. In this Review article, Chotiyaputta and Lok discuss these mutations and those that confer resistance to antiviral agents and/or facilitate escape from host immunity.
- Watcharasak Chotiyaputta
- Anna S. F. Lok