Future prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Vaccination for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and treatment for chronic hepatitis B, while effective for primary prevention and control of the disease, still have their limitations. Global coverage of HBV immunization needs improvement. Several patient populations are noted to have suboptimal seroprotective rates after HBV vaccination. There are currently several potential new vaccines undergoing animal and human studies, most notably vaccines containing immunostimulatory DNA sequences. Long-term nucleoside analogue therapy is necessary in achieving permanent virologic suppression. Potential new treatments explore new mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of hepatitis B surface antigen release, targeting antifibrotic mechanism, and immunomodulation through novel interferons and therapeutic vaccines. The clinical application of potential new vaccines and therapies would enhance the prevention of HBV infection and treatment of chronic hepatitis B.
Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Wai-Kay
WK
Seto
James
J
Fung
Man-Fung
MF
Yuen
Ching-Lung
CL
Lai
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014611:Vaccination; D055815:Young Adult
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines