The viral puzzle of why humans are susceptible to hepatitis B virus, but monkeys are not

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a narrow host range, mainly infecting hominoids. A new study reveals the structural differences in the liver cell receptor (NTCP) between humans and monkeys, explaining why HBV infects humans but not monkeys. This marks a significant medical breakthrough, by identifying new molecular targets for anti-HBV drug development for treating hepatitis B, a disease that places a tremendous burden on the global economy.