The innate immune response to hepatitis B virus infection: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy

► Hepatitis B virus (HBV) does not efficiently activate pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated innate immune responses. ► HBV engages with multiple components of PRR signal transduction pathways. ► Activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and RIG-I-like receptors potently inhibits HBV replication. ► Interferons target multiple steps of the HBV life cycle. ► TLR7 agonists have demonstrated encouraging therapeutic efficacy in preclinical studies.