Abstract
Hepatitis B is a global health problem caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with approximately 240 million people worldwide being hepatitis B surface antigen positive. However, existing antiviral therapies can only control HBV replication and cannot eliminate it, thereby seriously affecting the disease's prognosis. Immunotherapy has received widespread attention in recent years due to its long-lasting effects and safety profile. As one of the innate immune cells, natural killer cells play an important role in targeting HBV-infected cells and completely eliminating HBV infection. Natural killer cells can not only directly recognize and kill virus-infected cells but also regulate adaptive immune responses by secreting the cytokine interferon gamma. This article aims to review the regulatory relationship between natural killer cells and HBV-infected cells, research progress of natural killer cell-based immunotherapy targeting HBV infection, and explore the impact of natural killer cells on the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma in order to provide some enlightenment for improved treatment of HBV infection.