Objective:To elucidate the role of TLR7 of monocyte-derived DCs in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Methods:Monocyte-derived DCs were obtained from 10 chronically HBV-infected patients(CHB) and 15 healthy volunteers(control). TLR7 expression on immature and mature DCs were analyzed by FACS Calibur. DCs were pulsed with HBsAg, DCs maturation and ability to stimulate autogeneic T cells were examined. Results:It showed that TLR7 expression was different on monocyte-derived DCs as they go through different maturation stages. TLR7 expression on immature DCs and TLR7 expression on mature DCs were lower in CHB group. The ability of DCs loaded HBsAg to induce T cells producing IFN-γ was not different between the groups. Conclusion:In chronically HBV infection,TLR7 expression on monocyte-derived DCs was reduced and might be involved in a mechanism of persistent HBV infection. DCs pulsed with HBsAg protein stimulated autogeneic T cells producing IFN-γ and induced Th1 immune response.