Programmed death 1 expression during antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B: Impact of hepatitis B e-antigen seroconversion

Abstract

These results demonstrate that in chronic HBV infection, both viremia levels and HBeAg drive PD-1 expression and resulting T-cell impairment. Treatment-induced suppression of HBV replication reduces PD-1 expression; however, additional immunotherapeutic interventions are needed for restoration of T-cell functions.