interferon alpha + nucleoside analogue

interferon alpha + nucleoside analogue is a combination therapy regimen investigated by Sun Yat-sen University for the treatment of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. The treatment strategy involves an initial 12-week course of interferon alpha (IFN-α), followed by the addition of a nucleoside analogue (specifically lamivudine in the primary study protocol) for patients who do not achieve an early virological response (HBV DNA < 1000 copies/ml) or remain HBeAg positive at week 12. Interferon alpha functions as an immunomodulator and antiviral agent by activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway through the IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 receptors, leading to the induction of interferon-stimulated genes that inhibit viral protein synthesis and assembly. The nucleoside analogue component acts as a competitive inhibitor of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA polymerase, causing premature chain termination of the viral DNA during reverse transcription. This combination approach aims to maximize viral suppression and increase the likelihood of HBeAg seroconversion compared to interferon monotherapy.

Other names

interferon alpha + lamivudineIFN-alpha plus NAinterferon alpha plus nucleoside analogue