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Immunological cure of HBV infection

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Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health burden and cure is rarely achieved by current antiviral therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Immune modulation with the goal to restore dysfunctional HBV-specific immunity is an interesting target for new therapeutic strategies. Based on the current evidence on immunology in resolving and persistent HBV infection, we will review the growing field of immunotherapeutic approaches for treatment of chronic HBV infection. We will also discuss the challenge of a heterogeneous patient population and personalized treatment as a possible key factor of success.

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  1. Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany

    Julia Lang, Christoph Neumann-Haefelin & Robert Thimme

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Julia Lang, Christoph Neumann-Haefelin and Robert Thimme declare that they have no competing interests.

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Lang, J., Neumann-Haefelin, C. & Thimme, R. Immunological cure of HBV infection. Hepatol Int 13, 113–124 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12072-018-9912-8

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