Articles tagged with Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects about 296 million people and kills 1 million annually. Researchers from Rockefeller University have revealed mechanisms that may lead to new treatments by targeting the pol protein's unique properties, including a 'tethering' mechanism that allows it to bind to specific RNAs.
The 5-year TAF treatment efficacy was high and similar to that of 3-year TDF followed by 2-year TAF in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients. Favorable effects on bone and renal parameters were sustained with TAF treatment alone and were observed following the switch from TDF to TAF.
A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis B is globally undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach to reduce new infections and deaths, with oral antiviral therapy being a lifesaving but underutilized treatment option.
A multicenter retrospective cohort study found that combining entecavir with Fuzheng Huayu reduced the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with compensated chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis. The antifibrotic property of FZHY may be attributed to its beneficial effects on this population.
Studies found a negative relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high viral DNA levels, which shifted to positive relationships for those with low DNA levels or HBeAg-negative status. This interaction suggests a complex relationship between viral replication and liver damage progression.
Researchers identify a promising strategy for combating hepatitis B virus (HBV) by boosting the effects of immune cells called stem cell memory T cells (TSCMs). In a mouse model, introducing TSCMs from patients into mice resulted in the elimination of HBV-infected liver cells.
Scientists used Delta's GPU-based architecture to study the life cycle of the Hepatitis B virus, revealing how it binds human proteins called importins. The research provides a platform for developing inhibitors that could block this interaction and prevent the virus from accessing the nucleus.
Researchers discovered a connection between hepatitis B and C viruses and multiple myeloma, finding that antiviral treatment can improve outcomes. The study suggests that early detection of these infections may lead to better treatment and survival rates for patients with this cancer.
A comprehensive study finds that continuous antiviral therapy significantly reduces the risk of liver nodules and cirrhosis in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Patients with high HBV DNA levels also show a significant decrease in liver cirrhosis risk with ongoing treatment.
A novel method using functional resilience assesses liver conditions through clinical blood tests, achieving a macro-averaged precision of 84.74%. This approach reduces the need for excessive imaging exams and optimizes medical resource utilization.
Researchers found that hepatitis C treatment improved response to hepatitis B vaccine in individuals who previously didn't respond. The study recommends checking for hepatitis B immune protection and offering vaccination after treatment.
Researchers have developed an approach to studying HBV in the lab, allowing for a sharper view of its behaviors and characteristics during its life cycle. This breakthrough could lead to improved drug treatments and potentially even a cure for hepatitis B.
A Danish study has validated a dried blood spot test that can detect HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C from a single drop of blood. The test uses existing hospital equipment and is suitable for places where needle-based testing is not practical or feasible.
A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that some patients with chronic hepatitis B can achieve sustained immune control by discontinuing antiviral therapy after four years. This suggests a potential cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide.
Researchers found that after 96 weeks, some patients achieved loss of detectable HBsAg and reduced liver inflammation levels, indicating functional cure. The study suggests that discontinuing long-term antiviral therapy may be more effective than continuing it for certain patients.
Researchers analyzed DNA from Beethoven's hair to shed light on his chronic health problems, including progressive hearing loss. They found genetic risk factors for liver disease and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection, which likely contributed to his death.
The study sheds light on Beethoven's health problems, including progressive hearing loss and chronic gastrointestinal complaints. Genetic risk factors for liver disease were identified, and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection was found in the composer's final months.
Three real-world studies published in the Journal of Hepatology and JHEP Reports demonstrate that bulevirtide is well-tolerated and safe for treating chronic hepatitis delta. Long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver function in difficult-to-treat patients.
A new set of guidelines has been established to quantify hepatitis B virus DNA in infected liver cells, crucial for preclinical and clinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies. The standards were developed based on a study that identified the importance of sample type-tailored methods for accurate measurement.
Research reveals that commonly used antiretroviral drugs TAF and TDF directly impact mitochondria's energy production in immune cells. The study suggests a larger energy reduction when combined with other antiretrovirals, sparking concerns about potential long-term effects on human cells.
A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that efficient priming of HBV-specific CD4 T cells is crucial for the success of therapeutic hepatitis B vaccination. The researchers developed a novel heterologous prime-boost vaccine, TherVacB, which induced antiviral efficacy in preclinical mouse models.
African patients with chronic hepatitis B face limited access to treatment due to inadequate guidelines. Researchers propose lower treatment thresholds and better adapted guidelines for the African population.
Researchers used WGS data of 10,585 people from China to construct the first blood virological profile of the Chinese population. The study identified 14 viruses widely present in the population, including hepatitis B virus, which was detected in 1.69% of individuals.
A UNIGE team identified a three-step mechanism that allows our body to defend itself against hepatitis B. The complex detects the viral DNA, traps it, and inhibits the virus' chromosome.
Researchers have developed a new treatment principle that combines DNA-based and protein-based vaccines to stimulate the immune system against both hepatitis B and D viruses. The treatment has been shown to protect cultured cells against HBV and HDV infection, producing high levels of neutralizing antibodies and T-cells.
The National Institutes of Health has updated its Strategic Plan to Cure Hepatitis B, focusing on developing a cure and improving vaccination, screening, and follow-up care strategies. The revised plan aligns with the Department of Health and Human Services' Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan.
The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.
Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.
A University of Waterloo study found that current Hepatitis B vaccination, screening, and treatment strategies in Ontario would leave the province short of its goal to reduce preventable infections. The report's authors developed a computer model simulating long-term effects of existing strategies, which they found would only decrease ...
A new grant will help Missouri parents make informed decisions about vaccinating their children against various diseases. The grant aims to provide factual, evidence-based information to address common concerns and promote public health outcomes.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in enhancing the antiviral T cell response triggered by therapeutic vaccines for chronic hepatitis B. By removing natural killer cells and activating them with cytokines, they boosted the control of HBV infection.
The new schedule includes revised guidance on the hepatitis B vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older, as well as simplified recommendations for pneumococcal vaccinations. The updated schedule also recommends co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines.
Immunosequencing of T cells combined with machine learning techniques reveals that participants with higher numbers of pre-existing memory CD4 T cells develop immunity more quickly and produce more antibodies following vaccination. This study has significant implications for immunity and vaccine development efforts.
Research found that patients with hepatitis B were unable to afford generic drug entecavir due to high out-of-pocket costs, despite generic manufacturer competition. The study concludes that patients appear shielded from benefits of generic competition, leading to a significant patient-cost burden.
A new study reveals hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been infecting humans for millennia, tracing its evolution from prehistory to the present. The research highlights HBV's dispersal routes and shifts in viral diversity mirroring human migrations and demographic events.
Researchers successfully simulated the capsid disassembly step of hepatitis B viral infection at an unprecedented atomic level, identifying specific regions of the capsid protein that contribute to breakage. This high-accuracy simulation can help design drugs to interrupt these processes and prevent chronic infection.
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
A new biomarker, HBcrAg, has been found to accurately predict viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B and reflect response to anti-viral treatments. This discovery may lead to improved monitoring methods for CHB, enabling clinical decisions and potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers identified a new hepatitis B virus in donkeys and zebras that causes prolonged infections, potentially leading to better understanding of chronic hepatitis B and development of new therapies.
Researchers have developed a combination therapy that can potentially heal hepatitis B by shutting down the viral genome in infected liver cells. The treatment targets the HBx protein, which protects the genetic material from being silenced, allowing for sustained shutdown of the virus.
The USPSTF recommends screening for hepatitis B virus infection in adolescents and adults at increased risk due to its effectiveness in reducing mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral therapy improves intermediate outcomes associated with better health outcomes, strengthening the 2014 recommendation.
A West Virginia University study suggests that local health departments are crucial in getting the hepatitis B vaccine to those who need it most, particularly individuals at risk of contracting the virus. The study found that partnerships between health departments and local drug treatment programs significantly increased vaccine compl...
A study suggests that Ontario's current vaccination strategy for hepatitis B is inadequate, as many children are infected before receiving the vaccine. The authors recommend that all women be screened for HBV during pregnancy and that newborns receive the vaccine at birth.
Novel agents targeting viral production and immune response show promising results in early clinical trials. Four studies presented at DILC 2020 evaluated the strategy of disrupting viral protein synthesis using RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides, with two combining NRTIs with novel therapies achieving significant HBsAg re...
Researchers at the University of Delaware used supercomputing resources to gain insights into the hepatitis B virus's genetic blueprint and how its protein shell assembles itself. They found that a mutation impairs this assembly process, revealing communication between different regions of the protein.
A significant number of people living with hepatitis B and C infections across Europe remain undiagnosed, hindering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal for health. Effective testing strategies and linkage to care can help prevent transmission and improve health outcomes.
A retrospective cohort study in Sweden found ongoing transmission of hepatitis C before anti-HCV screening was implemented in 1992. The study identified undiagnosed hepatitis C patients living in Sweden who received transfusions pre-1992, emphasizing the need for testing and treatment.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed a novel therapeutic approach to cure chronic hepatitis B infection. By knocking down the expression of the virus' proteins, they enabled successful vaccination with TherVacB, a novel therapeutic vaccine. The therapy aims to cure existing chronic diseases by activating immune cells.
A team led by Professor Patrick Labonté identified the role of autophagy in the replication cycle of Hepatitis D virus, which infects only people with hepatitis B. The discovery could lead to a targeted treatment, but raises concerns about long-term effects on cellular function.
ApoE promotes hepatitis B virus infection and production, but targeting it with inhibitors may serve as an antiviral strategy for chronic HBV infection. Research found that apoE is enriched on the virus envelope and its expression impairs HBV production.
Researchers have identified an unusual hepatitis B virus in shrews, which lacks a key protein essential for chronic infection. This discovery offers new insights into the disease's pathogenesis and may lead to the development of effective treatments.
Viral hepatitis affects around 9 million Europeans, with over 50,000 newly diagnosed cases annually. Targeted testing is essential to reach those at risk and reduce undiagnosed infections.
The USPSTF has reaffirmed its 2009 recommendation to screen for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women, identifying infants at risk of acquiring the infection from their mothers. Screening during pregnancy can prevent chronic HBV infection in children who become infected with HBV.
Since 2008, chronic hepatitis B infections have increased steadily in Europe, with 58% of newly reported cases classified as chronic in 2017. Successful national vaccination programmes have contributed to a decline in acute cases, but incomplete data and varying surveillance systems hinder detailed epidemiological analysis.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München have developed a novel T-cell therapy that can eliminate hepatitis B viruses from the liver, paving the way for a potential cure. The therapy involves genetically modifying patient-specific T cells to recognize and attack infected liver cells, with promising results in a mouse model.
Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a novel RNAi therapy using plant-derived silencing RNAs to inhibit HBsAg expression in mice, showing potential for affordable and effective treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The approach uses methylated short interfering sequences produced by plant endogenous microRNA biogenesis machiner...
Researchers have developed an orally administered hepatitis B vaccine that is both effective and safe. The new vaccine uses a technique called 3D imaging to understand how the vaccine behaves in the body, leading to improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens reveals that hepatitis B viral protein HBeAg expands immune cells called MDSCs, impairing antiviral responses. The HBeAg-MDSC-IDO axis is a potential target for developing novel HBV therapeutics.
Scientists at the Institut Pasteur have identified a cellular protein that can degrade hepatitis B virus DNA, potentially leading to a 'Trojan horse' approach to target infected liver cells. This discovery offers new hope for developing curative treatments for chronic HBV infection.
Scientists found that current WHO guidelines for chronic hepatitis B fail to detect 50% of patients in need of treatment in Ethiopia. The guidelines are based on European and American data, highlighting the need for regionalized approaches to identify patients with significant liver disease.