Regardless, considering the ability of the viral oncoprotein HBx to affect cell functions, activate oncogenic pathways and sensitize liver cells to mutagens, it is tempting to speculate that inhibition of USP15 would interrupt chronic HBV infection, prevent the development and progression of HCC as well as foster the development of USP15-targeting strategies to expand the repertoire of molecular therapies against HCC. The gene discussed is USP15; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.