Hepatitis B virus infection and the immune response: The big questions. Issue 3 (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boeijen, Lauke L.; Hoogeveen, Ruben C.; Boonstra, Andre; Lauer, Georg M.
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 31:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 272
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Hepatitis B -- NK cell -- B cell -- T cell -- Kupffer cell -- Adaptive -- Innate -- Immune response; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Gastrointestinal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Gastroenterology; Klinische geneeskunde; Gastro-enterologie; Gastroenterology; Gastrointestinal system -- Diseases; Periodicals; 616.33005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.05.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-6918

Abstract

Abstract: Clinical events and the host immune response during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are intricately linked. Despite decades of research, important questions concerning the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infection remain unanswered. For example, it is unclear which immune parameters facilitate persistence, and if HBV can be completely cleared from the human liver. Recent technological breakthroughs now allow researchers to address these seemingly basic, but essential questions surrounding HBV immunity. It will be important to better define the molecular underpinnings of immune cell function and dysfunction during chronic disease and in controlled infection, with particular focus on the liver, as little information is available on the intrahepatic compartment. In the near future, it may be possible to solve some of the controversy surrounding the immune responses to HBV, and establish the features of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system required to achieve sustained control of HBV infection.