Hepatitis B virus-specific T-lymphocyte (HBV-specific T cell) (HBV-specific T cell)

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T-lymphocytes are specialized immune cells that play a central role in the control and clearance of HBV infection (Maini & Pallett, 2018, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology). In acute infection, a robust and multi-specific T-cell response typically leads to viral clearance; however, in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), these cells often undergo functional exhaustion characterized by the expression of inhibitory receptors like PD-1 and a loss of effector functions (Boni et al., 2007, Journal of Virology). Modern therapeutic approaches target these cells to restore antiviral immunity, either by using checkpoint inhibitors like Nivolumab to reverse exhaustion or through adoptive cell therapy, such as SCG101, where T cells are engineered to express HBV-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) (SCG Cell Therapy, 2023). These engineered cells can specifically recognize viral antigens presented on the surface of infected hepatocytes or hepatocellular carcinoma cells, triggering cytolytic activity and the release of antiviral cytokines like interferon-gamma (Gehring et al., 2011, Gastroenterology). While promising, these therapies must be carefully managed to avoid excessive liver inflammation or 'on-target' damage to healthy liver tissue, which can lead to severe hepatotoxicity (Tan et al., 2015, Journal of Clinical Investigation). The ultimate goal of targeting these cells is to achieve a 'functional cure,' defined by the sustained loss of HBsAg and undetectable HBV DNA in the blood.

Other names

HBV-specific T cellsHepatitis B virus-specific T cellsHBV-specific CD8+ T cellsHBV-specific CD4+ T cellsHBV-specific CTLs

Adoptive transfer of T cells engineered with HBV-specific T-cell receptors (TCR-T) to recognize viral epitopes, and the use of therapeutic vaccines or checkpoint inhibitors to expand and reinvigorate endogenous HBV-specific T-cell populations.