METHODS FOR INDUCING COMPLETE APOPTOSIS OF LIVER CELLS EXPRESSING HBX PROTEIN AND SCREENING FOR SUBSTANCES OR GENES THAT INHIBIT THE APOPTOSIS

摘要

A complete apoptosis of liver cells expressing HBx protein is achieved with a NF-kappaB inhibitor treatment. This method is useful in screening for substances or genes that inhibit complete apoptosis of liver cells expressing HBx protein, and, further, the substance or gene may be employed as an active ingredient of a therapeutic composition for treating hepatitis or hepatocarcinoma induced by HBV infection.