Author:
Binder Benedikt,Hofmann Maike,Thimme Robert
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection is a major global health burden. Currently, a curative therapy does not exist; thus, there is an urgent need for new therapeutical options. Viral elimination in the natural course of infection results from a robust and multispecific T and B cell response that, however, is dysfunctional in chronically infected patients. Therefore, immunomodulatory therapies that strengthen the immune responses are an obvious approach trying to control HBV infection. In this review, we summarize the rationale and current options of immunological cure of chronic HBV infection.
Recent Findings
Recently, among others, drugs that stimulate the innate immune system or overcome CD8+ T cell exhaustion by checkpoint blockade, and transfer of HBV-specific engineered CD8+ T cells emerged as promising approaches.
Summary
HBV-specific immunity is responsible for viral control, but also for immunopathogenesis. Thus, the development of immunomodulatory therapies is a difficult process on a thin line between viral control and excessive immunopathology. Some promising agents are under investigation. Nevertheless, further research is indispensable in order to optimally orchestrate immunostimulation.
Funder
Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Cited by
2 articles.
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