Downregulation of Toll-Like Receptor Gene Expression Among Hepatitis B Virus-Positive Human Patients

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects over several million people, often progressing to severe liver disease. Toll-like receptors (<i>TLRs</i>), notably <i>TLR9</i>, are critical for recognizing viral DNA and driving innate immune responses. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the downregulation of <i>TLR</i> gene expression in HBV-infected patients, elucidating their role in innate immunity. Methodology A cohort of 434 HBV-positive patients was analyzed for <i>TLR</i> gene expression via real-time PCR. Results The HBV S genotype D (57.6%) was more prevalent than genotype C (42.4%) (p = 0.001). <i>TLR1</i>, <i>TLR2</i>, <i>TLR3</i>, <i>TLR4</i>, <i>TLR5</i>, <i>TLR6</i>, <i>TLR7</i>, <i>TLR8</i>, and <i>TLR9</i> were significantly downregulated in both genotypes as compared to controls, with genotype D showing greater downregulation of <i>TLR1</i>, <i>TLR5</i>, <i>TLR6</i>, and <i>TLR7</i> among HBV-positive patients. Conclusion Human <i>TLR</i> gene expression levels are downregulated due to HBV infection, with genotype D predominance suggesting differential immune regulation. These findings underscore the need for targeted HBV therapies informed by genotypic and immunological profiles.