Adoptive T-cell therapy as a therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis B

J Viral Hepat. 2007 Nov:14 Suppl 1:45-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2007.00913.x.

Abstract

The human hepatitis B virus is a small, enveloped and non-cytopathic virus, with a very narrow host range and a strong liver tropism causing acute and chronic liver disease. Although a well-tolerated vaccine is available, more than 350 million people are chronically infected worldwide. Available therapies for chronic hepatitis B only rarely eliminate the virus. Although new antivirals are being developed, long-term treatment is required, which may be limited by the selection of resistant viruses. Therefore, immunotherapies are investigated as an approach to eliminate persistently infected cells. Besides therapeutic vaccination, adoptive T-cell therapy is an interesting option, which is discussed in this review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy, Adoptive / methods*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*