B Cell-mediated Humoral Immunity in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection.

Abstract

B cell-mediated humoral immunity plays a vital role in viral infections, including chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which remains a critical global public health issue. Despite hepatitis B surface antigen-specific antibodies are essential to eliminate viral infections, the reduced immune functional capacity of B cells was identified, which was also correlated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) progression. In addition to B cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which assist B cells to produce antibodies, might also be involved in the process of anti-HBV-specific antibody production. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the role of various subsets of B cells and Tfh cells during CHB progression and discuss current novel treatment strategies aimed at restoring humoral immunity. Understanding the mechanism of dysregulated B cells and Tfh cells will facilitate the ultimate functional cure of CHB patients.

• Authors: Yang Li, Shengxia Yin, Rahma Issa, Xin Tong, Guiyang Wang, Juan Xia, Rui Huang, Guangmei Chen, Dan Weng, Chen Chen, Chao Wu, Yuxin Chen
• Journal: Journal of clinical and translational hepatology (J Clin Transl Hepatol) Vol. 9 Issue 4 Pg. 592-597 (Aug 28 2021) ISSN: 2225-0719 [Print] United States
• PMID: 34447690 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2021 Authors.