Chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB) remains a global health concern, with currently available antiviral therapies demonstrating limited effectiveness in preventing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Two primary challenges in CHB treatment include the persistence of the minichromosome, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the failure of the host immune response to eliminate cccDNA. Recent findings indicate several host and HBV proteins involved in the epigenetic regulation of cccDNA, including HBV core protein (HBc) and HBV x protein (HBx). Both proteins might contribute to the stability of the cccDNA minichromosome and interact with viral and host proteins to support transcription. One potential avenue for CHB treatment involves the utilization of therapeutic vaccines. This paper explores HBV antigens suitable for epigenetic manipulation of cccDNA, elucidates their mechanisms of action, and evaluates their potential as key components of epigenetically-driven vaccines for CHB therapy. Molecular targeted agents with therapeutic vaccines offer a promising strategy for addressing CHB by targeting the virus and enhancing the host's immunological response. Despite challenges, the development of these vaccines provides new hope for CHB patients by emphasizing the need for HBV antigens that induce effective immune responses without causing T cell exhaustion.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101533 | DOI Listing |
IJID Reg
March 2025
College of Medicine, Department of Clinical Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Iraq.
Background And Objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant global health challenges, leading to severe complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite available vaccines and treatments, these infections persist, particularly, in regions such as Iraq. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV among couples attending premarital screening programs in Zakho, Kurdistan Region of Iraq and explore the associated demographic risk factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Cell Infect Microbiol
December 2024
Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
In the context of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the continuous replication of HBV within host hepatocytes is a characteristic feature. Rather than directly causing hepatocyte destruction, this replication leads to immune dysfunction and establishes a state of T-B immune tolerance. Successful clearance of the HBV virus is dependent on the close collaboration between humoral and cellular immunity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJHEP Rep
January 2025
Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Background & Aims: The dynamics of HBV viral load (VL) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment and its relationship with liver disease are poorly understood. We aimed to study longitudinal VL patterns and their associations with CHB clinical outcomes.
Methods: Utilising large scale, routinely collected electronic health records from six centres in England, collated by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Informatics Collaborative (NIHR HIC), we applied latent class mixed models to investigate VL trajectory patterns in adults receiving NA treatment.
JHEP Rep
January 2025
Hepatitis Viruses and Pathobiology of Chronic Liver Diseases - LabEx DEVweCAN, Inserm U1052, Cancer Research Centre of Lyon - Hepatology Institute of Lyon F - IHU EVEREST, University of Lyon 1, ISPB, France, CNRS UMR5286, Centre Léon, Lyon, France.
Background & Aims: Owing to unexplained interpatient variation and treatment failure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), novel therapeutic approaches remain an urgent clinical need. Hepatic neurons, belonging to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), mediate liver/whole body crosstalk. Pathological innervation of the ANS has been identified in cancer, nurturing tumor stroma and conferring stronger carcinogenic properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJGH Open
December 2024
Department of Hepatology, School of Digestive and Liver Diseases Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research Kolkata India.
Background And Objectives: Chronic viral hepatitis is a major public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) and many national programs have set goals for elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. Screening, Linkage to care (LTC), and access to treatment are very important steps to eliminate viral hepatitis.
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