Treatment with thymic extract TFX for chronic active hepatitis B

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) is characterized by immune dysregulation, including a lowered CD4+/CD8+ cell ratio.
• Patients with CAHB often exhibit impaired immune responses, contributing to disease persistence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of thymic factor X (TFX) in modulating immune parameters and clinical outcomes in patients with CAHB.
• To assess the impact of TFX on CD4+/CD8+ cell ratios, NK cell activity, and seroconversion rates in CAHB.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen patients with biopsy-proven CAHB and a low CD4+/CD8+ ratio were treated with TFX for 6 or 12 months.
• Changes in CD4+/CD8+ cell numbers, NK cell counts and activity, and biochemical/immunological markers were monitored.
• HBe seroconversion and long-term clinical remission were assessed.

Main Results:

• TFX treatment rapidly lowered CD8+ cell counts and increased the CD4+/CD8+ ratio within 14 days.
• NK cell activity was enhanced, and biochemical/immunological parameters normalized after 5-6 months.
• HBe seroconversion occurred in 9-12 months, with sustained clinical remission and normal findings at two years.

Conclusions:

• TFX demonstrates significant immunostimulatory effects in CAHB patients.
• TFX therapy offers beneficial outcomes, including immune normalization and sustained remission, for chronic active hepatitis B.
• TFX represents a promising therapeutic agent for managing chronic active hepatitis B.