The pathogenesis of HBV-associated liver failure is very complicated and it has achieved great progress in recent years.On the recent literature,combining with the novel findings of our research team,here,we summarized the pathogenesis of HBV-associated liver failure as follows:1)both host and viral factors are contributed to the pathogenesis of HBV-associated liver failure.2)polymorphisms G-201A from CXCL10,-592C and-819C from IL-10 are closely related to hepatitis flares and liver failure.3)genotype C and B,particularly B/C co-infection,are correlated with liver failure.4) quasispecies studies during antiviral therapy by using NAs is quite important.5)attention should be paid to missed detection in HBV DNA by real-time PCR.