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Viral hepatitis

Biomarker for HBV therapy discontinuation

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 15, page 132 (2018)Cite this article

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Lifelong nucleoside or nucleotide analogue (NUC) therapy is the current treatment of choice for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, a new study has shown that an HBV-specific T cell biomarker can predict the safe discontinuation of NUC therapy.

NUC compounds can suppress HBV replication but cannot fully eradicate the virus. Accordingly, this therapy is maintained for life in most patients with CHB, and discontinuation can lead to virological relapse and hepatic flare. However, some patients are able to control the infection without ongoing treatment, and there is evidence that components of immunity, particularly T cells, are necessary for HBV control and avoidance of liver damage.

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References

  1. Rivino, L. et al. Hepatitis B virus-specific T cells associate with viral control upon nucleos(t)ide-analogue therapy discontinuation. J. Clin. Invest. http://dx.doi.org/10.1172/JCI92812 (2018)

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Authors
  1. Iain Dickson
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Dickson, I. Biomarker for HBV therapy discontinuation. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 15, 132 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2018.6

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