Differential HBV replicative markers and covalently closed circular DNA transcription in immune-active chronic hepatitis B with and without HBeAg.
Hye Seon KimJin Seoub KimJi Min KimJi Won HanSoon Kyu LeeHeechul NamPil-Soo SungJung Hyun KwonSi Hyun BaeJong Young ChoiSeung Kew YoonJeong Won JangPublished in: Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver (2024)
HBeAg loss is correlated with diminished intrahepatic HBV reservoirs and cccDNA transcription, leading to decreased serum HBV marker levels. Circulating HBV markers are not reliable indicators of intrahepatic HBV replicative activity for HBeAg-negative patients. Our findings reveal distinct disease phenotypes between immune-active CHB with and without HBeAg, highlighting the need to establish optimal surrogate biomarkers that can accurately mirror intrahepatic viral activity to aid in decision-making for antiviral therapy for immune-active CHB.