Chronic hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance‐related immune factors

Abstract The ultimate aims of the treatment of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection are the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) seroconversion. Unfortunately, these goals are rarely reached. Many factors are associated with HBsAg seroconversion, including genetic, immune and viral factors. However, the mechanism of HBsAg-seroclearance, and particularly the immune mechanism, is still difficult to elucidate. The immune factor interferon α (IFN-α) is currently the main antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. However, a sustained shift from response of HBsAg to anti-HBs seroconversion is rarely obtained. Recent studies have revealed that several the newly identified immune factors are closely related to the removal of HBsAg. In this article, we review recent studies on these immune factors, their influence on hepatitis B progression and HBsAg seroconversion.