Inhibition on hepatitis B virus in vitro of lectin from Musca domestica pupa via the activation of NF-κB

► MPL inhibited the secretions of HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2.2.15 at low concentration. ► MPL steadily suppressed HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA levels. ► MPL could up-regulate the mRNA expression of IL-2, INF-γ and MxA. ► MPL enhanced immune response to inhibit HBV by activating NF-κB p65 signal pathway.