Sequential combination therapy with interferon, interleukin-2 and therapeutic vaccine in entecavir-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients: the Endeavor study. Hepatol Int. 2019;13:573-586. [PMID: 31172415 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09956-1]

Impact of hepatitis B surface antigen quantification on achieving a functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels are associated with the likelihood of achieving HBsAg loss which defines the functional cure. However, optimal HBsAg cut-offs for predicting HBsAg loss have not been systematically investigated." Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the impact of baseline levels of HBsAg on achieving a functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to December 31, 2023, to identify studies comparing combination therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and conventional/pegylated interferon (IFN) versus monotherapy. We pooled the proportion of HBsAg loss among studies stratified by different 75th percentile of baseline HBsAg levels and other clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

We included 24 studies with 3446 participants. At the end of treatment, studies recruiting patients with 75th percentile of baseline HBsAg below 500 and 1000 IU/mL had the highest proportions of HBsAg loss in the combination group, reaching 14 % (95 % CI: 9-21 %) and 17 % (95 % CI: 10-24 %), respectively. One-year IFN-NAs combination treatment achieved a higher proportion of HBsAg loss (9 %, 95 % CI: 6-12 %) than six-month IFN-NAs treatment (1 %, 95 % CI: 0-2 %). Patients with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) had higher HBsAg loss (11 %, 95 % CI: 6-17 %) than those with elevated ALT (4 %, 95 % CI: 2-7 %). Meta-regression indicated a positive association between male percentage in studies and HBsAg loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal baseline HBsAg thresholds would be 500-1000 IU/mL, which represents high-response subpopulation for achieving functional cure with currently available therapy.

Comparative efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon-alpha monotherapy vs combination therapies with entecavir or tenofovir in chronic hepatitis B patients

Current treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus involve nucleos(t)ide analogs and pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFNα). This study compares the efficacy and safety of PEG-IFNα monotherapy with its combinations with entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in managing CHB. We included 147 treatment-naïve patients divided into three groups: Group A (PEG-IFNα-2b with ETV), Group B (PEG-IFNα-2b with TDF), and Group C (PEG-IFNα-2b monotherapy). Evaluations occurred every 12 weeks up to 48 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier method showed no significant differences in cumulative HBsAg loss, but HBV DNA clearance rates were higher in the TDF group than in the ETV group (P = 0.01). Higher incidences of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, and thrombocytopenia were observed in the TDF group compared to other groups. After propensity score matching, the TDF group had a higher undetectable HBV DNA rate than the IFN group, but no significant differences in HBsAg clearance rates. Both TDF and ETV groups achieved more significant HBsAg reductions from baseline to week 48 than the IFN group (P < 0.05). ETV showed a lower HBeAg clearance rate (30.00% vs 87.50%, P < 0.05) but higher ALT normalization (76.92% vs 45.45%, P < 0.05). In the TDF group, patients with lower baseline HBsAg levels, high ALT levels, and lower aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) scores were more likely to achieve HBsAg loss. These findings suggest that TDF and ETV are effective for viral suppression, with TDF showing superior HBV DNA clearance but more adverse events.

IMPORTANCE

This study investigates how different treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a widespread liver infection, compare in effectiveness and safety. By evaluating the use of pegylated interferon-alpha alone and in combination with two other drugs, entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), researchers found that TDF offers better viral suppression but also comes with more side effects. For patients receiving TDF combined with PEG-IFN therapy, low HBsAg levels, elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, and lower APRI scores were associated with a higher likelihood of achieving HBsAg loss. Consistent with previous findings, this study confirms the benefits of nucleos(t)ide analog plus PEG-IFN therapy for CHB treatment and further explores which patients are more likely to benefit from combination therapy. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of further monitoring adverse events in patients receiving combination therapy.

Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0

As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.

Predictive factors for clinical cure in the treatment of HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B or compensated cirrhosis: a prospective observational study

Background

Sequential or combined treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) and pegylated interferon alpha-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b) can improve the clinical cure rate. However, its clinical application is limited due to the adverse reactions associated with IFN.

Methods

A multi-center prospective observational study was conducted involving 59 NAs-treated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who were treated with a combination therapy of NAs and Peg-IFN-α-2b for 48 weeks. Another 327 NAs-treated patients received NAs monotherapy for 48 weeks. At the end of the treatment, patients were classified into either the clinically cured group or the non-clinically cured group based on clinical efficacy. The study aimed to analyze the clinical cure rate and the predictive factors.

Results

After propensity score matching (PSM), a total of 104 patients were included in the exposure and the control groups. After 48 weeks of treatment, 13 patients in the exposed group achieved clinical cure, with a cure rate of 25%. In contrast, in the control group was 1.92%. The clinical cure rate was greater in the population with CHB or compensated cirrhosis treated with sequential or combined Peg-IFN-α-2b and NAs than in the control group (p < 0.001). Patients treated with Peg-IFN-α-2b were divided into a clinical cure group and a non-clinical cure group for single-factor regression and multi-factor binary logistic regression. The results showed that baseline qHBsAg [relative ratio (RR) = 0.997, 95%CI: [0.995, 0.999], p = 0.031] and △TBiL (RR = 0.698, 95%CI: [0.555, 0.879], p = 0.002) were independent influencing factors for achieving clinical cure in patients with CHB or compensated cirrhosis.

Conclusion

A lower baseline qHBsAg and decrease in TBiL at 24 weeks of treatment are independent influencing factors for achieving clinical cure. The lower the baseline qHBsAg and the higher the △TBiL levels after 24 weeks of treatment, the higher the probability of patients achieving clinical cure.

Association of hepatitis B core antibody level and hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B

Predicting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is important for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving pegylated interferon-alfa (Peg-IFN) therapy. We aimed to determine the predictive value of serum hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) for HBsAg clearance. A total of 189 HBeAg-negative CHB patients who received Peg-IFN based therapy were retrospectively included and classified into two groups: nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) add-on Peg-IFN group (add-on group, n = 94) and Peg-IFN combined with NAs or Peg-IFN monotherapy group (combination or monotherapy group, n = 95). After 48 weeks of treatment, 27.5% (52/189) and 15.9% (30/189) of patients achieved HBsAg clearance and seroconversion, respectively. Patients in the combination or monotherapy group tended to achieve relatively higher HBsAg clearance (31.6% vs. 23.4%, p = 0.208) and seroconversion (21.1% vs. 10.6%, p = 0.050) rates than those in the add-on group. In combination or monotherapy group, anti-HBc levels at week 12 were lower in patients with HBsAg clearance (9.0 S/CO vs. 9.9 S/CO, p < 0.001) and seroconversion (8.8 S/CO vs. 9.8 S/CO, p < 0.001) than those without. Anti-HBc level at week 12 was an independent predictor of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion. Patients with lower anti-HBc levels at week 12 showed a more significant decline in HBsAg levels during treatment. Combination of anti-HBc at week 12 and baseline HBsAg could identify over 70% of patients who achieved HBsAg clearance after 48 weeks of treatment. In addition to HBsAg, anti-HBc level could be used as a promising marker for selecting HBeAg-negative CHB patients who are more likely to respond to Peg-IFN-based therapy.

HBV Antigen-Guided Switching Strategy From Nucleos(t)ide Analogue to Interferon: Avoid Virologic Breakthrough and Improve Functional Cure

Little is known for factors associated with virologic breakthrough (VBT) after switching from nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) to pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-α) for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Eighty patients who received 48-week Peg-IFN-ɑ and NA combination therapy followed by Peg-IFN-ɑ monotherapy for additional 48 weeks were included in this study. HBV-related markers including HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBcrAg, HBeAg, cccDNA, and immunological biomarkers were dynamically evaluated. Twelve (15.0%) patients experienced VBT after switching to Peg-IFN-ɑ and exhibited significantly lower rates of HBsAg loss after therapy completion (0% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.014). The patients with HBcrAg≥ 5 log10U/mL and HBsAg≥ 100 IU/mL had the highest risk of VBT and failed to achieve subsequent HBsAg clearance. Intrahepatic cccDNA level was significantly higher in patients with HBcrAg≥ 5 log10U/mL than those with HBcrAg< 5 log10U/mL. Notably, in contrast to patients with HBcrAg< 5 log10U/mL or with HBsAg< 100 IU/mL who had obviously restored HBV-specific CD8+T cell, Tfh or B cell responses before NA cessation, those with HBcrAg≥ 5 log10U/mL or with HBsAg≥ 100 IU/mL exhibited lackluster immunities before NA cessation and notable diminished immune responses thereafter. Monitoring HBcrAg and HBsAg levels, which correlated with poor immune responses during sequential Peg-IFN-ɑ strategy, may help to avoid VBT and improve functional cure of CHB.

Investigating the role of GTPase in inhibiting HBV replication and enhancing interferon therapy efficacy in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

Interferon-alpha (IFNα) is a common treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but its efficacy varies widely among patients. GTPASE, an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG), has recently been identified as a factor in antiviral immunity, though its role in HBV infection is not fully understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the role of GTPASE in enhancing the antiviral effects of IFNα against HBV and elucidates its mechanism of action.

METHODS

We analyzed the impact of GTPASE overexpression and silencing on HBV replication and clearance in HBV-infected cells. Molecular docking studies assessed the interaction between GTPASE and HBV surface antigens (HBs). Clinical samples from HBV patients undergoing Peg-IFNα treatment were also evaluated for GTPASE expression and its correlation with treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

Overexpression of GTPASE led to significant inhibition of HBV replication, increased HBeAg seroconversion, and enhanced HBsAg clearance. GTPASE directly bound to HBs proteins, reducing their levels and affecting viral particle formation. Silencing GTPASE reduced these effects, while combined treatment with Peg-IFNα and GTPASE overexpression further improved antiviral outcomes. Mutational analysis revealed that specific sites in GTPASE are crucial for its antiviral activity.

CONCLUSIONS

GTPASE acts as a positive regulator in IFNα-induced antiviral immunity against HBV. It enhances the therapeutic efficacy of IFNα by targeting HBs and modulating viral replication. GTPASE levels may serve as a predictive biomarker for response to Peg-IFNα therapy, highlighting its potential for improving individualized treatment strategies for chronic HBV infection.

Efficacy and safety of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials update

BACKGROUND

Most people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) need treatment to help reduce the risk of liver disease and limit disease transmission. Therapeutic vaccine (TV) candidates have been under study for their clinical effects on inducing HBV-specific host immune responses. This review aimed to systematically synthesize updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of TVs in patients with CHB.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed by searching different databases from January to February 2021. Completed randomized controlled trials that reported TVs' efficacy and/or safety for treating CHB compared with the standard of care (SOC) or placebo were included. Efficacy and safety estimates were reported as the logarithm of the odds ratio and risk differences, respectively. I2 > 50% was considered significant heterogeneity. Significant publication bias was considered when Egger's test P value < .10. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The GRADE methodology was used to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles with 2889 pooled samples were included. TVs made a significant difference in hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) SC (log OR = 0.76, P = .01) and (log OR = 0.40, P = .03) compared to placebo and combination therapy, respectively. HBeAg SC was significantly affected by TVs at the end of follow up (log OR = 0.49, P = .01), with significant HBsAg mean difference (MD = -0.62, P = .00). At the end of treatment, the TVs had no significant effect on HBV DNA negativity over the SOC (log OR = 0.62, P = .09) or placebo (log OR = -0.07, P = .91). TVs do not significantly affect the risk of serious adverse events (RD 0.02, 95% CI 0.00-0.04).

CONCLUSION

In patients with CHB, TVs had significant effects on HBeAg SC compared to the SOC or placebo. There was no significant difference between serious adverse events. TVs are promising treatment strategy to overcome CHB.

A high functional cure rate was induced by pegylated interferon alpha-2b treatment in postpartum hepatitis B e antigen-negative women with chronic hepatitis B virus infection: an exploratory study

Background and aims

Limited data have been reported on achieving functional cure using pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) alpha-2b treatment for postpartum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative women with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of Peg-IFN alpha-2b in HBV postpartum women without HBeAg and identify factors linked to the functional cure.

Methods

A total of 150 HBeAg-negative postpartum women were retrospectively recruited.47 patients received Peg-IFN alpha-2b [Peg-IFN(+) group] and 103 patients did not [Peg-IFN(-) group]. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust the baseline imbalance between the two groups. The patients were followed for at least 48 weeks. The primary endpoints were hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) loss and HBsAg seroconversion at 48 weeks. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with HBsAg loss at 48 weeks.

Results

At week 48,the HBsAg loss and seroconversion rate in Peg-IFN(+) group were 51.06%(24/47) and 40.43%(19/47), respectively. Even after PSM, Peg-IFN(+) group still showed higher HBsAg loss rate (50.00% vs 7.14%,p<0.001) and higher HBsAg seroconversion rate (38.10% vs 2.38%,p<0.001). Baseline HBsAg levels (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.051, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.003-0.273, P=0.010), HBsAg at week 24 (OR:0.214, 95%CI:0.033-0.616, P=0.022), HBsAg decline at week 24 (OR:4.682, 95%CI: 1.624-30.198, P=0.022) and postpartum flare (OR:21.181, 95%CI:1.872-633.801, P=0.030) were significantly associated with HBsAg loss at week 48 after Peg-IFN alpha-2b therapy. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the use of baseline HBsAg<182 IU/mL, HBsAg at week24 < 4 IU/mL and HBsAg decline at week24>12IU/mL were good predictors of HBsAg loss. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

Peg-IFN alpha-2b treatment could achieve a high rate of HBsAg loss and seroconversion in HBeAg-negative postpartum women with reliable safety, particularly for patients experience postpartum flare and have low baseline HBsAg levels.

Interferon-α could induce liver steatosis to promote HBsAg loss by increasing triglyceride level

Background

The correlation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss remains to be further elucidated, particularly in patients receiving pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN) treatment.

Methods

758 patients with low HBsAg quantification who had received nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) therapy for at least one year and subsequently switched to or add on PEG-IFN therapy over an unfixed course were enrolled. 412 patients were obtained with baseline data matched. A total of 206 patients achieved HBsAg loss (cured group) within 48 weeks. Demographic and biochemical data associated with MetS were gathered for analysis. HepG2.2.15 cell line was used in vitro experiments to validate the efficacy of interferon-α (IFN-α).

Results

The proportion of patients with diabetes or hypertension in the uncured group was significantly higher than in the cured group. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated albumin remained elevated in the uncured group over the 48 weeks. In contrast, the levels of blood lipids and uric acid remained higher in the cured group within 48 weeks. Triglycerides levels and liver steatosis of all patients increased after PEG-IFN therapy. Baseline elevated uric acid levels and hepatic steatosis may be beneficial for HBsAg loss. IFN-α could induce hepatic steatosis and indirectly promote HBsAg loss by increasing triglyceride level through upregulation of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1(ACSL1).

Conclusions

IFN-α could induce liver steatosis to promote HBsAg loss by increasing triglyceride level through upregulation of ACSL1. Comorbid diabetes may be detrimental to obtaining HBsAg loss with PEG-IFN therapy in CHB patients.

Hepatitis B cure: Current situation and prospects

Achievement of a 'clinical cure' in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) implies sustained virological suppression and immunological control over the infection, which is the ideal treatment goal according to domestic and international CHB management guidelines. Clinical practice has shown encouraging results for specific patient cohorts using tailored treatment regimens. These regimens incorporate either nucleos(t)ide analogs, immunomodulatory agents such as pegylated interferon α, or a strategic combination of both, sequentially or concurrently administered. Despite these advancements in the clinical handling of hepatitis B, achieving a clinical cure remains elusive for a considerable subset of patients due to the number of challenges that preclude the realization of optimal treatment outcomes. These include, but are not limited to, the emergence of antiviral resistance, incomplete immune recovery, and the persistence of covalently closed circular DNA. Moreover, the variance in response to interferon therapy and the lack of definitive biomarkers for treatment cessation also contribute to the complexity of achieving a clinical cure. This article briefly overviews the current research progress and existing issues in pursuing a clinical cure for hepatitis B.

Guanylate-Binding Protein 1 (GBP1) Enhances IFN-α Mediated Antiviral Activity against Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is a first-line drug for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Guanylate-binding protein 1 (GBP1) is one of the interferon-stimulating factors, which participates in the innate immunity of the host and plays an antiviral and antibacterial role. In this study, we explored how GBP1 is involved in IFN-α antiviral activity against HBV. Before being gathered, HepG2-NTCP and HepG2 2.15 cells were transfected with the wild-type hGBP1 plasmid or si-GBP1, respectively, and followed by stimulation with Peg-IFNα-2b. We systematically explored the role of GBP1 in regulating HBV infection in cell models. Additionally, we also examined GBP1 levels in CHB patients. GBP1 activity increased, and its half-life was prolonged after HBV infection. Overexpression of GBP1 inhibited the production of HBsAg and HBeAg, as well as HBs protein and HBV total RNA levels, whereas silencing of GBP1 inhibited its ability to block viral infections. Interestingly, overexpressing GBP1 co-treatment with Peg-IFNα-2b further increased the antiviral effect of IFN-α, while GBP1 silencing co-treatment with Peg-IFNα-2b partly restored its inhibitory effect on HBV. Mechanistically, GBP1 mediates the anti-HBV response of Peg-IFNα-2b by targeting HBs. Analysis of clinical samples revealed that GBP1 was elevated in CHB patients and increased with Peg-IFNα-2b treatment, while GBP1 showed good stability in the interferon response group. Our study demonstrates that GBP1 inhibits HBV replication and promotes HBsAg clearance. It is possible to achieve antiviral effects through the regulation of IFN-α induced immune responses in response to HBV.

Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (version 2022)

To facilitate the achieving of the goal of "eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030" set by the World Health Organization, the Chinese Society of Hepatology together with the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases (both are branches of the Chinese Medical Association) organized a panel of experts and updated the guidelines for prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B in China (version 2022). With the support of available evidence, this revision of the guidelines focuses on active prevention, large scale testing, and expansion of therapeutic indication of chronic hepatitis B with the aim of reducing the hepatitis B related disease burden.

Incidence and factors associated with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in patients co-infected with HBV/HIV during antiretroviral therapy in Guangdong, China

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is vital for a functional cure of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the incidence and predictors of HBsAg seroclearance in patients co-infected with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remain largely unknown in Guangdong, China.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2019, patients co-infected with HBV/HIV undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University were retrospectively reviewed with the endpoint on December 31, 2020. The incidence and risk factors for HBsAg seroclearance were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1550 HBV/HIV co-infected patients were included in the study, with the median age of 42 years and 86.0% (1333/1550) males. Further, 98.3% (1524/1550) received ART containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plus lamivudine (3TC). HBV DNA was examined in 1283 cases at the last follow-up. Over the median 4.7 years of follow-up, 8.1% (126/1550) patients achieved HBsAg seroclearance, among whom 50.8% (64/126) obtained hepatitis B surface antibody, 28.1% (137/488) acquired hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion, and 95.9% (1231/1283) undetectable HBV DNA. Compared with patients who maintained HBsAg positive, cases achieving HBsAg seroclearance showed no differences in age, gender, CD4 + T cell count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, or fibrosis status; however, they presented lower HBV DNA levels, lower HBsAg levels, and higher rates of HBV genotype B at the baseline. Multivariate analysis showed that baseline HBsAg <1500 cutoff index (COI) (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.74, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.48-5.09), ALT elevation >2 × upper limit of normal during the first six months after receiving ART (aHR, 2.96, 95% CI: 1.53-5.77), and HBV genotype B (aHR, 3.73, 95% CI: 1.46-9.59) were independent predictors for HBsAg seroclearance (all P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term TDF-containing ART has high anti-HBV efficacy including relatively high overall HBsAg seroclearance in HBV/HIV co-infected patients. Lower baseline HBsAg levels, HBV genotype B, and elevated ALT levels during the first six months of ART are potential predictors of HBsAg seroclearance.

The Important Roles of Natural Killer Cells in Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis accompanies the development of various chronic liver diseases and promotes their progression. It is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) and impaired ECM degradation. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of ECM-producing myofibroblasts. If liver fibrosis is uncontrolled, it may lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of innate immunity and have miscellaneous roles in liver health and disease. Accumulating evidence shows that NK cells play dual roles in the development and progression of liver fibrosis, including profibrotic and anti-fibrotic functions. Regulating NK cells can suppress the activation of HSCs and improve their cytotoxicity against activated HSCs or myofibroblasts to reverse liver fibrosis. Cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and molecules such as prostaglandin E receptor 3 (EP3) can regulate the cytotoxic function of NK cells. In addition, treatments such as alcohol dehydrogenase 3 (ADH3) inhibitors, microRNAs, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) activators, and natural products can enhance NK cell function to inhibit liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular factors that affect the interaction of NK cells with HSCs, as well as the treatments that regulate NK cell function against liver fibrosis. Despite a lot of information about NK cells and their interaction with HSCs, our current knowledge is still insufficient to explain the complex crosstalk between these cells and hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, B cells, and T cells, as well as thrombocytes, regarding the development and progression of liver fibrosis.

Serum cytokine change profile associated with HBsAg loss during combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α in NAs-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the profile of cytokine changes during the combination therapy with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) and its relationship with HBsAg loss in nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs)-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients.

Methods

Seventy-six patients with chronic hepatitis B with HBsAg less than 1,500 IU/ml and HBV DNA negative after receiving ≥ 1-year NAs therapy were enrolled. Eighteen patients continued to take NAs monotherapy (the NAs group), and 58 patients received combination therapy with NAs and PEG-IFN-α (the Add-on group). The levels of IFNG, IL1B, IL1RN, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL12A, IL17A, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10, TNF, and CSF2 in peripheral blood during treatment were detected.

Results

At week 48, 0.00% (0/18) in the NAs group and 25.86% (15/58) in the Add-on group achieved HBsAg loss. During 48 weeks of combined treatment, there was a transitory increase in the levels of ALT, IL1RN, IL2, and CCL2. Compared to the NAs group, CXCL8 and CXCL10 in the Add-on group remain higher after rising, yet CCL3 showed a continuously increasing trend. Mild and early increases in IL1B, CCL3, IL17A, IL2, IL4, IL6, and CXCL8 were associated with HBsAg loss or decrease >1 log, while sustained high levels of CCL5 and CXCL10 were associated with poor responses to Add-on therapy at week 48.

Conclusions

The serum cytokine change profile is closely related to the response to the combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α and NAs, and may help to reveal the mechanism of functional cure and discover new immunological predictors and new therapeutic targets.

Hepatitis B functional cure and immune response

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus, which damage to hepatocytes is not direct, but through the immune system. HBV specific CD4+ T cells can induce HBV specific B cells and CD8+ T cells. HBV specific B cells produce antibodies to control HBV infection, while HBV specific CD8+ T cells destroy infected hepatocytes. One of the reasons for the chronicity of HBV infection is that it cannot effectively activate adoptive immunity and the function of virus specific immune cells is exhausted. Among them, virus antigens (including HBV surface antigen, e antigen, core antigen, etc.) can inhibit the function of immune cells and induce immune tolerance. Long term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment and inactive HBsAg carriers with low HBsAg level may "wake up" immune cells with abnormal function due to the decrease of viral antigen level in blood and liver, and the specific immune function of HBV will recover to a certain extent, thus becoming the "dominant population" for functional cure. In turn, the functional cure will further promote the recovery of HBV specific immune function, which is also the theoretical basis for complete cure of hepatitis B. In the future, the complete cure of chronic HBV infection must be the combination of three drugs: inhibiting virus replication, reducing surface antigen levels and specific immune regulation, among which specific immunotherapy is indispensable. Here we review the relationship, mechanism and clinical significance between the cure of hepatitis B and immune system.

Interleukin-2 promotes pegylated interferon alpha for hepatitis B surface antigen loss: A retrospective pragmatic clinical study at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical College

Background and Aims

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can be used as an adjuvant therapy when pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-α) does not effectively promote hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, but the relevant timing, kinetic patterns, and prognostic associations of this intervention are unclear.

Methods

A total of 115 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated at our institution between October 2018 and March 2021 were included in this retrospective analysis. They were divided into two kinetic patterns by using K-medoids cluster analysis. Profile and prognostic associations were statistically analyzed between the two patterns.

Results

After baseline standardization, before the intervention, the relative HBsAg level showed a continuously increasing trend, but after the intervention, it showed a continuously decreasing trend. Based on the relative change in the HBsAg level, two kinetic patterns, namely, a fluctuation platform pattern and a stepwise growth pattern, were identified by using K-medoids cluster analysis for all 115 patients before IL-2 intervention. Profile analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two patterns before IL-2 intervention (p < 0.05), but their profiles showed the same trend after 2 weeks of IL-2 intervention. Prognostic association analysis showed that CD8+ T cells, alanine transaminase (ALT), age, natural killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and course of treatment before IL-2 intervention were the six main indicators affecting the relative decrease in the HBsAg level.

Conclusion

For CHB patients who have received continuous Peg-IFN-α treatment, IL-2 intervention should be given as early as possible when the HBsAg level has not decreased for four consecutive weeks or a fluctuation platform pattern is observed. After the intervention, a downward relative change in the HBsAg level can be maintained over 4 weeks. CD8+ T cells, ALT, NK cells, and neutrophils are baseline indicators closely related to the prognosis of this intervention.

Interferon add-on therapy increased clinical cure significantly for interferon-experienced chronic hepatitis B patients with low HBsAg

Currently, interferon add-on therapy brings hope for clinical cure of chronic hepatitis B patients with low HBsAg. However, in clinical practice patients with poor responses to their first interferon therapy were often switched to nucleos(t)ide analog therapy and then labeled as unsuitable patients for interferon therapy. Even if their HBsAg levels dropped to a low level, they were reluctant or not recommended to take interferon again, which caused them to miss out on interferon add-on therapy and clinical cure. Therefore, it is urgent to elucidate the effectiveness of interferon add-on therapy to get clinical cure for these interferon-experienced patients with low HBsAg. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether interferon-experienced patients could achieve the same HBsAg clearance and HBsAg seroconversion rates as interferon-naive patients. Also, the associated factor of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion were aimed to be clarified. 292 patients, including 85 interferon-experienced patients, were enrolled with HBsAg< 1500 IU/ml, HBeAg negative and HBV-DNA negative. And then, peg-interferon α-2b add-on therapy was performed. The results showed that the week 48 HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates of all patients were 29.8% and 22.0%. There was no statistically significant difference between interferon-experienced and interferon-naive patients in week 48 HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates, suggesting satisfactory clinical cure of the interferon add-on therapy for interferon-experienced patients. The age, baseline HBsAg, and week 12 HBsAg were negative correlated factors for week 48 HBsAg clearance and seroconversion. Furthermore, the age, baseline HBsAg and week 12 HBsAg for predicting the week 48 HBsAg clearance were cut off at 40.5 years, at 152.0 IU/ml and at 34.99 IU/ml, and for predicting seroconversion were cut off at 40.5 years, at 181.9 IU/ml and at 34.99 IU/ml, correspondingly. Significantly, interferon-experienced patients with low HBsAg were suggested with interferon add-on therapy to achieve clinical cure as soon as possible. This research provided evidences and cut-offs for the interferon add-on therapy against chronic hepatitis B.

Real-world study on HBsAg loss of combination therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) can enhance hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance. However, the specific treatment strategy and the patients who would benefit the most are unclear. Therefore, we assessed the HBsAg loss rate of add-on PEG-IFN and explored the factors associated with HBsAg loss in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This was a real-world cohort study of adults with CHB. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative NAs-treated patients with baseline HBsAg ≤1500 IU/ml and HBV DNA < the lower limit of detection, or 100 IU/ml, received 48 weeks of add-on PEG-IFN. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of HBsAg loss at 48 weeks of combination treatment. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we determined factors associated with HBsAg loss. HBsAg loss in 2579 patients (mean age: 41.2 years; 80.9% male) was 36.7% (947 patients) at 48 weeks. HBsAg loss was highest in patients from south-central and southwestern China (40.0%). Factors independently associated with HBsAg loss included: increasing age (odds ratio = 0.961); being male (0.543); baseline HBsAg level (0.216); HBsAg decrease at 12 weeks (between 0.5 and 1.0 log₁₀ IU/ml [2.405] and >1.0 log₁₀ IU/ml [7.370]); alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase at 12 weeks (1.365); haemoglobin (HGB) decrease at 12 weeks (1.558). There was no difference in the primary outcomes associated with the combination regimen. In conclusion, HBsAg loss by combination therapy was higher in patients from southern China than those from the north. An increased chance of HBsAg loss was associated with baseline characteristics and dynamic changes in clinical indicators.

Quantitative anti-HBc combined with quantitative HBsAg can predict HBsAg clearance in sequential combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α in NA-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients

Background and aims

Precise predictors are lacking for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance under the combination therapy of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA) and pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-α) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to determine the quantitative anti-hepatitis B core antibody (qAnti-HBc) and quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) as predictors for HBsAg clearance in NA-suppressed patients with CHB receiving PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy.

Methods

Seventy-four CHB patients who achieved HBV DNA suppression (HBV DNA &lt; 20 IU/ml) and quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) &lt; 1,500 IU/ml after ≥1 year of NA treatment were enrolled. Fifteen patients continued on NA monotherapy, while 59 patients received PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy. Serum qAnti-HBc and qHBcrAg levels were detected every 12 or 24 weeks for add-on and NA-alone groups, respectively.

Results

Serum qAnti-HBc but not qHBcrAg levels at baseline were negatively correlated with the duration of prior NA therapy. After 48-week treatment, both qAnti-HBc and qHBcrAg levels declined further, and 17/59 (28.81%) and 0/15 (0%) achieved HBsAg clearance in add-on and NA groups, respectively. In the add-on group, the rate of HBsAg clearance was significantly higher in patients with baseline qAnti-HBc &lt; 0.1 IU/ml (52.63%). Logistic regression analysis identified baseline qAnti-HBc but not qHBcrAg, which was an independent predictor for HBsAg loss. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the combination of qAnti-HBc and qHBsAg had a better predictive value for HBsAg clearance.

Conclusions

A combination of qHBsAg and baseline qAnti-HBc levels may be a better prediction strategy for HBsAg clearance in NA-suppressed CHB patients receiving PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy.

Regulatory T cells and their associated factors in hepatocellular carcinoma development and therapy

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with primary type hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Factors, including carcinogens, infection of hepatitis viruses, alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), can induce HCC initiation and promote HCC progression. The prevalence of NAFLD accompanying the increased incidence of obesity and type 2 diabetes becomes the most increasing factor causing HCC worldwide. However, the benefit of current therapeutic options is still limited. Intrahepatic immunity plays critically important roles in HCC initiation, development, and progression. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their associated factors such as metabolites and secreting cytokines mediate the immune tolerance of the tumor microenvironment in HCC. Therefore, targeting Tregs and blocking their mediated factors may prevent HCC progression. This review summarizes the functions of Tregs in HCC-inducing factors including alcoholic and NAFLD, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and viral infections. Overall, a better understanding of the role of Tregs in the development and progression of HCC provides treatment strategies for liver cancer treatment.

Hepatic exosomes with declined MiR-27b-3p trigger RIG-I/TBK1 signal pathway in macrophages

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Evidence suggests that interferon alpha (IFNα) plays an essential role in decreasing the HBsAg quantification and elevating the rate of clinical cure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of the exosomes on the expression of host genes in IFNα treatment remain unclear.

METHODS

CHB patients with IFNα treatment were divided into responders and non-responders according to the degree of HBsAg decline. Through microRNA sequencing and a series of molecular biology methods, the key microRNAs in serum exosomes associated with clinical antiviral response of Peg-IFNα treatment in nucleotide analogue-treated CHB patients were investigated. The roles of exosomal miRNAs on the IFNα signal pathway were explored in macrophages.

RESULTS

MicroRNA sequencing and RT-qPCR assays confirmed six distinctly declined miRNAs in serum exosomes of responders at week 12 compared with levels at baseline. Exosomes with declined miR27b-3p in the serum of Peg-IFNα-treated responders activated phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3/7 (IRF3/7) in IFNα synthesis pathway in macrophages. However, miR27b-3p overexpression in HepAD38 cells suppressed IFNα synthesis in macrophages, resulting in insufficient ability to eliminate HBV, whereas the inhibitory effect could be blocked by inhibitors of exosomes release. Luciferase assay showed miR-27b-3p directly suppressed retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) expressions, and these effects could be abrogated in mutation experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

In IFNα treatment, exosomes with declined miR-27b-3p triggered activation of RIG-I/TBK1 signalling in macrophages against HBV. Serum exosomal miR-27-3p might represent a potential biomarker for patients with CHB.

End-of-treatment HBcrAg and HBsAb levels identify durable functional cure after Peg-IFN-based therapy in patients with CHB

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Functional cure can be sustained in a proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who lose hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-ɑ)-based treatment. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers associated with a durable functional cure and to dissect potential immunological mechanisms.

METHODS

Of 257 nucleos(t)ide analogue-suppressed patients with CHB in the ANCHOR study, 80 patients randomly assigned to 96-week Peg-IFN-α-based therapy with 24-week off-treatment follow-up were included in this parallel study. Virologic and immunological biomarkers were examined dynamically. A response was defined as HBsAg loss or hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) appearance at the end of treatment (EOT). Sustained response (SR) or durable functional cure was defined as sustained HBsAg loss with or without the appearance of HBsAb at the end of follow-up (EOF).

RESULTS

Thirty-six (45.0%) out of 80 patients achieved a response at EOT; 58.3% (21/36) of responders maintained SR at EOF. Quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) and HBsAb at EOT were associated with SR, with AUROCs of 0.697 (0.512-0.882, p = 0.047) and 0.744 (0.573-0.915, p = 0.013), respectively. A combination of HBcrAg <4 log₁₀U/ml and HBsAb >2 log₁₀IU/L at EOT had a positive predictive value of 100% for SR with an AUROC of 0.822 (0.684-0.961, p = 0.001). These patients showed maintained proportions of HBV envelope-specific CD8⁺T and B cells, a markedly increased proportion of T follicular helper cells after Peg-IFN-ɑ discontinuation, and significantly higher proportions of HBV polymerase-specific CD8⁺T and CD86⁺CD19⁺B cells at EOF.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower HBcrAg and higher HBsAb levels at EOT were associated with sustained cellular and humoral immune responses. They can be used to identify patients likely to achieve durable functional cure post Peg-IFN-based therapy.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02327416 LAY SUMMARY: Functional cure can be sustained in a proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B after pegylated interferon alpha-based treatment. However, predicting who will achieve durable functional cure remains challenging. Herein, we show that low levels of hepatitis B core-related antigen and higher levels of hepatitis B surface antibodies at the end of treatment are linked to immunological responses and are associated with durable functional cure.

Bushen Jianpi Formula Combined with Entecavir for the Treatment of HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background

Bushen Jianpi formula (BSJPF, also known as Lingmao formula) is a traditional Chinese medicine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The previous study has suggested that the treatment combination of BSJPF and entecavir (ETV) can achieve a significant loss of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and a significant decrease in serum level of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with mildly elevated alanine aminotransferase.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BSJPF combined with ETV for treating HBeAg-negative CHB patients.

Methods

A total of 640 patients were assigned randomly to the treatment group (receiving BSJPF combined with ETV for 96 weeks) or the control group (receiving a placebo combined with ETV for 96 weeks) in a 1 : 1 ratio. The primary endpoints are the rate of loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The secondary outcomes included the rate of decrease in the HBsAg concentration to ≥1 lg·IU/mL, the HBV DNA suppression, the decline of the level of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the liver, histological improvements, and the rate of ALT normalization.

Results

The rate of HBsAg loss in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (5.5% versus 1.8%, P=0.031). There were 11.1% of patients in the treatment group who recorded a reduction in HBsAg ≥1 lg·IU/mL, which is better than 5.9% of patients in the control group (P=0.043). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the rate of HBV DNA clearance, the reduction in intrahepatic cccDNA, and the rate of ALT normalization (P > 0.05). The rate of liver fibrosis improvement in the treatment group was better than that of the control group (35.5% versus 11.8%, P=0.031), but there was no difference in necroinflammatory improvement (P > 0.05). The adverse events (AEs) were similar between the two groups, except for the abnormal kidney function, with 2.2% in the control group and 0.0% in the treatment group (P=0.028).

Conclusion

The combination of BSJPF and ETV can increase the rate of HBsAg loss and the rate of histological fibrosis improvement without serious adverse events in CHB patients. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ChiCTR-IOR-16009880 on November 16, 2016—retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=16836.

Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B

To achieve the goal of the World Health Organization to eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030, the Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases and the Chinese Society of Hepatology convened an expert panel in 2019 to update the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The current guidelines cover recent advances in basic, clinical, and preventive studies of CHB infection and consider the actual situation in China. These guidelines are intended to provide support for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CHB.

Exosomal lncRNA HOTTIP Mediates Antiviral Effect of Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) on HBV Infection

INTRODUCTION

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus (HBV) infection has emerged as a global health burden affecting nearly 292 million people. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is an effective treatment for CHB patients. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the antiviral activity of TAF remains unclear.

METHODS

In this study, we investigated the antiviral effect of exosomes derived from the serum of CHB patients treated with TAF (Exo-serum) and TAF-treated macrophages (MP) (Exo-MP(TAF)).

RESULTS

RNAseq analysis was also performed to determine the associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The results demonstrated that both Exo-serum and Exo-MP(TAF) could be taken up by HepAD38 cells and exhibited potent antiviral activities, as manifested by significantly downregulating the levels of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA, and covalently closed circular DNA. The antiviral effect of Exo-serum was more potent than those of TAF treatment alone. RNAseq analysis revealed that lncRNA HOTTIP was upregulated significantly in Exo-serum. Further, lncRNA HOTTIP knockdown reversed the antiviral effect of Exo-MP(TAF) on HepAD38 cells, whereas lncRNA HOTTIP knockdown exerted the opposite roles.

DISCUSSION

Taken together, these results suggest that exosomal lncRNA HOTTIP is essential for the antiviral activity of TAF and provide a novel understanding of the exosome-mediated mechanism underlying HBV infection.

APASL guidance on stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is currently incurable. Long-term treatment with potent and safe nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) can reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis-related complications through profound viral suppression. However, indefinite therapy raises several crucial issues with pros and cons. Because seroclearance of hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) as functional cure is not easily achievable, a finite therapy including sequential 48-week pegylated interferon therapy may provide an opportunity to facilitate HBsAg seroclearance by the rejuvenation of exhausted immune cells. However, the cost of stopping NA is the high incidence of virological relapse and surge of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which may increase the risk of adverse outcomes (e.g., decompensation, fibrosis progression, HCC, or liver-related mortality). So far, the APASL criteria to stop NA treatment is undetectable HBV DNA levels with normalization of ALT; however, this criterion for cessation of treatment is associated with various incidence rates of virological/clinical relapse and more than 40% of NA-stoppers eventually receive retreatment. A very intensive follow-up strategy and identification of low-risk patients for virological/clinical relapse by different biomarkers are the keys to stop the NA treatment safely. Recent studies suggested that decreasing HBsAg level at the end-of-treatment to < 100-200 IU/mL seems to be a useful marker for deciding when to discontinue NAs therapy. In addition, several viral and host factors have been reviewed for their potential roles in predicting clinical relapse. Finally, the APASL guidance has proposed rules to stop NA and the subsequent follow-up strategy to achieve a better prognosis after stopping NA. In general, for both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients who have stopped treatment, these measurements should be done every 1-3 months at the minimum until 12 months.

Advances in treatment and prevention of hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) continues to contribute to worldwide morbidity and mortality significantly. Scientists, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and health organizations have dedicated substantial Intellectual and monetary resources to finding a cure, increasing immunization rates, and reducing the global burden of CHB. National and international health-related organizations including the center for disease control, the national institute of health, the American Association for the study of liver disease (AASLD), The European association for the study of the Liver (EASL), The Asia Pacific association for the study of the Liver (APASL) and the world health organization release periodic recommendations for disease prevention and treatment. Our review of the most recent guidelines by EASL, AASLD, APASL, and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver revealed that an overwhelming majority of cited studies were published before 2018. We reviewed Hepatitis B-related literature published 2018 onwards to identify recent developments and current barriers that will likely direct future efforts towards eradicating hepatitis B. The breakthrough in our understanding of the hepatitis B virus life cycle and resulting drug development is encouraging with significant room for further progress. Data from high-risk populations, most vulnerable to the devastating effects of hepatitis B infection and reactivation remain sparse. Utilization of systems approach, optimization of experimental models, identification and validation of next-generation biomarkers, and precise modulation of the human immune response will be critical for future innovation. Within the foreseeable future, new treatments will likely complement conventional therapies rather than replace them. Most Importantly, pragmatic management of CHB related population health challenges must be prioritized to produce real-world results.

Peg IFN-ɑ Treatment Enhanced the Inhibitory Effect of NK Cells on the Differentiation and Proliferation of CD4 +CD25 + Tregs via IFN-γ in Chronic Hepatitis B

The immunomodulatory role of natural killer (NK) cells has been recognized recently, but its effects on CD4 +CD25 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and treatment remain unclear. A total of 116 nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-treated CHB patients were included. An inverse correlation between the peripheral frequencies of NK cells and Tregs was found in NA suppressed patients following Peg IFN-ɑ-based treatment. Further, NK cells suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of Tregs through secreting IFN-γ was evidenced in the circulation of NA-treated CHB patients as well as in the liver of HBV-carrier mouse model. Additionally, the inhibition could be enhanced by Peg IFN-ɑ treatment, which was correlated to more vigorous HBV-specific T cell responses and marked reduction in HBsAg. Our study reveals a novel immunomodulatory mechanism of NK cells and provides a theoretical basis for Peg IFN-ɑ as an immunotherapy agent in treating patients with CHB.

Interferon-Induced Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Mediate Antiviral Activity Against Hepatitis B Virus Through miR-574-5p

BACKGROUND

Interferon alfa (IFN-α) has been proved effective in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB), owing to its ability to suppress hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

METHODS

We investigated the antiviral activities of exosomes from responders and nonresponders to pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) as well as the supernatants of IFN-α-treated macrophages derived from THP-1 (the human leukemia monocyte cell line). Then the expression profiles of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) were analyzed using miRNA sequencing. The luciferase reporter assay was used to locate the binding position of HBV genomic sequence targeted by the identified miRNA.

RESULTS

Exosomes from PegIFN-α-treated patients, particularly responders, as well as the supernatants of IFN-α-treated macrophages exhibited anti-HBV activities, as manifested by the suppression of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA, and covalently closed circular DNA levels in HBV-related cell lines. PegIFN-α treatment up-regulated exosomal hsa-miR-193a-5p, hsa-miR-25-5p, and hsa-miR-574-5p, which could partially inhibit HBV replication and transcription, and hsa-miR-574-5p reduced pregenomic RNA and polymerase messenger RNA levels by binding to the 2750-2757 position of the HBV genomic sequence.

CONCLUSIONS

Exosomes can transfer IFN-α-related miRNAs from macrophages to HBV-infected hepatocytes, and they exhibit antiviral activities against HBV replication and expression.

Stability Analysis and Cauchy Matrix of a Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Virus with Control on Immune System near Neighborhood of Equilibrium Free Point

Mathematical models are useful tools to describe the dynamics of infection and predict the role of possible drug combinations. In this paper, we present an analysis of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) model including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and antibody responses, under distributed feedback control, expressed as an integral form to predict the effect of a combination treatment with interleukin-2 (IL-2). The method presented in this paper is based on the symmetry properties of Cauchy matrices C(t,s), which allow us to construct and analyze the stability of corresponding integro-differential systems.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b every 2 weeks as a novel pegylated interferon for patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel mono-pegylated interferon that has only one major form as opposed to 8-14 isomers of other on-market pegylated interferon, allowing injection every two or more weeks with higher tolerability. It received European Medicines Agency and Taiwan marketing authorization in 2019 and 2020, for treatment of polycythemia vera. This phase I/II study aimed to have preliminary evaluation of safety and efficacy in chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS

Thirty-one HBeAg-positive and 31 HBeAg-negative were stratified by HBeAg status and randomized at 1:1:1 ratio to q2w ropeginterferon alfa-2b 350 μg (group 1), q2w 450 μg (group 2) or q1w PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg (group 3). Each patient received 48-week treatment (TW48) and 24-week post-treatment follow-up (FW24).

RESULTS

The baseline demographics were comparable among the three groups, except for mean HBeAg in HBeAg-positive patients (2.90, 2.23, 2.99 log10 S/CO, respectively). Cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate at follow-up period was 27.3% (3/11), 36.4% (4/11), and 11.1% (1/9) with time to HBeAg seroconversion starting from TW24, TW16, and TW48 in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The rate of HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and HBsAg levels < 1500 IU/mL at FW24 were comparable in all groups. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (group 1 & 2) had numerically lower incidence of rash (9.5% and 4.5%) as compared to PEG-IFN alfa-2a (36.8%). Ropeginterferon alfa-2b 350 μg (group 1) had more ALT elevation (38.1%), however the rate was comparable in group 2 (9.1%) and group 3 (10.5%).

CONCLUSION

In this preliminary study, ropeginterferon alfa-2b, although in only half the number of injections, is as safe and effective as pegylated interferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis B.

Toward a Functional Cure for Hepatitis B: The Rationale and Challenges for Therapeutic Targeting of the B Cell Immune Response

The central role of the cellular immune response in the control and clearance of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been well-established. The contribution of humoral immunity, including B cell and antibody responses against HBV, has been investigated for a long time but has attracted increasing attention again in recent years. The anti-HBs antibody was first recognized as a marker of protective immunity after the acute resolution of the HBV infection (or vaccination) and is now defined as a biomarker for the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this way, therapies targeting HBV-specific B cells and the induction of an anti-HBs antibody response are essential elements of a rational strategy to terminate chronic HBV infection. However, a high load of HBsAg in the blood, which has been proposed to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, represents a major obstacle to curing CHB. Long-term antiviral treatment by nucleoside analogs, by targeting viral translation by siRNA, by inhibiting HBsAg release via nucleic acid polymers, or by neutralizing HBsAg via specific antibodies could potentially reduce the HBsAg load in CHB patients. A combined strategy including a reduction of the HBsAg load via the above treatments and the therapeutic targeting of B cells by vaccination may induce the appearance of anti-HBs antibodies and lead to a functional cure of CHB.