Optimal induction of innate and adaptive immunity contribute to host defenses against viral pathogens such as hepatitis B and C. Endogenous induction of type I IFNs contributes to the clearance of these viruses, hence the appeal of selective TLR7 agonists,which generate endogenous type I interferons and could thus aid in augmenting spontaneous and therapeutic clearance of hepatitis viruses. Here, TLR7 is linked to hepatitis B virus infection.