Mutations of T-cell epitopes in the hepatitis B virus surface gene in children with chronic infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background And Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection induces an interaction of host immune responses against virus antigen-presenting hepatocytes. The emergence of mutants is a strategy through which the virus can escape host attacks and produce chronic infection. In this study, we aimed to investigate mutations of the human leukocyte antigen-A2-restricted T-cell epitope (TCE) in chronic HBV-infected children.

Differential integration rates of hepatitis B virus DNA in the liver of children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background And Aim: Integration of hepatitis B virus-DNA (HBV-DNA) into the host genome, a phenomenon found frequently in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and causally linked to oncogenesis, has not been well characterized in children. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of HBV integration more accurately and to decide whether the integration rate varies at different stages of chronic HBV infection in children.

Methods: Of 13 children with chronic hepatitis, 14 liver biopsy tissues were analyzed.

Clinical relevance of hepatitis B virus genotype in children with chronic infection and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes on the clinical outcome of chronic childhood HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: A total of 460 HBV carrier children were followed-up for 15 years and 26 children with HBV-related HCC were recruited. HBV genotyping was examined at enrollment and the latest follow-up of these carrier children and at diagnosis in HCC children.