Chinese scientists with the Academy of Military Sciences have found "integration factor complex" gene INTS10, which can activate the body's innate immune function and suppress replication of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). 

The finding reveals for the first time the role that the gene plays in inhibiting the infection of pathogenic microorganisms. It also contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of chronic HBV infection and provides a theoretical basis for effective treatment and prevention.

The research was conducted by a team led by Zhou Gangqiao, a professor at the Academy of Military Sciences, the PLA's medical research institute. 

Zhou led his team to collect more than 10,000 cases of full genetic component-type data, among which they compared the genetic differences between 1,251 cases of chronic HBV infection to 1,057 cases of naturally cleared HBV infection. 

Later, from a total of 3,905 cases of infection and 3,356 individuals, the team conducted large-scale identification and validation of the genetic differences, finally coming across a new gene located at chromosome 8p21.3.

Further studies show that the INTS10 gene is capable of suppressing HBV replication. 

Currently, around 120 million people in China are carriers of HBV.