DTNA promotes HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating STAT3 and regulating TGFβ1 and P53 signaling

•DTNA expression was significantly increased in HBV-induced HCC cells.•DTNA promoted proliferation and repressed apoptosis of HBV-infected HCC cells.•DTNA mediated HBV-induced hepatic cell fibrosis.•DTNA binds with STAT3 to modulate TGFβ1 and P53 in HBV-infected HCC cells.•Increased DTNA/STAT3 axis in HBV-induced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC.