Immune responses in hepatitis B virus infection

Semin Liver Dis. 2003 Feb;23(1):21-38. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-37586.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most frequent causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Even though a preventive vaccine is available, the search for a cure for chronically infected patients remains a high priority to reduce the morbidity and mortality from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review summarizes the immune response in acute, self-limited and chronic hepatitis B; its differential effects on viral replication and liver injury; and prospects for immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibody Formation
  • Antiviral Agents / immunology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / virology
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / therapeutic use*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / complications
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Immunotherapy
  • Liver Cirrhosis / etiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Liver Neoplasms / etiology
  • Liver Neoplasms / virology
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines