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Semin Liver Dis 2003; 23(1): 021-038
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-37586
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Immune Responses in Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Barbara Rehermann
  • Investigator, Liver Diseases Section, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, HHS, Bethesda, Maryland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 March 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the most frequent causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Even though a preventive vaccine is available, the search for a cure for chronically infected patients remains a high priority to reduce the morbidity and mortality from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review summarizes the immune response in acute, self-limited and chronic hepatitis B; its differential effects on viral replication and liver injury; and prospects for immunotherapy.

KEYWORDS

Liver - hepatitis B virus - T cell - immune response - cytokine

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