Circulating HBsAg-specific B cells are partially rescued in chronically HBV-infected patients with functional cure.

ABSTRACT: It is well established that humoral immunity targeting hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) plays a critical role in viral clearance and clinical cure. However, the functional changes in HBsAg-specific B cells before and after achieving functional cure remain poorly understood. In this study, we characterized circulating HBsAg-specific B cells and identified functional shifts and B-cell epitopes directly associated with HBsAg loss. The phenotypes and functions of HBV-specific B cells in patients with chronic HBV infection were investigated using a dual staining method and the ELISpot assay. Epitope mapping was performed to identify B cell epitopes associated with functional cure. Hyperactivated HBsAg-specific B cells in patients who achieved HBsAg loss were composed of enriched restin

SUBMITTER: Gu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11523254 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature