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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
Published on: September 25, 2019
Reactivation of hepatitis B
1Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. HoofnagleJ@extra.niddk.nih.gov
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|April 29, 2009
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, an abrupt increase in HBV replication, can be prevented with antiviral prophylaxis during immunosuppressive therapy. Routine prophylaxis is recommended for HBsAg carriers undergoing chemotherapy or transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation involves a sudden increase in viral replication in patients with inactive or resolved hepatitis B.
- Reactivation is often triggered by immunosuppressive therapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases, or organ transplantation, potentially leading to severe liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and prevention strategies for hepatitis B virus reactivation.
- To highlight the efficacy of antiviral prophylaxis in preventing HBV reactivation during immunosuppressive therapy.
- To identify key unanswered questions regarding screening, treatment, and prophylaxis in different patient populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized, placebo-controlled trials on antiviral prophylaxis for HBV reactivation.
- Analysis of clinical data on HBV reactivation in patients undergoing chemotherapy and transplantation.
- Discussion of current recommendations and areas for future research.
Main Results:
- Antiviral prophylaxis has been shown to effectively prevent HBV reactivation in randomized trials.
- Reactivation is common in HBsAg carriers receiving chemotherapy or undergoing transplantation.
- Reactivation can range from silent to severe, potentially leading to chronic hepatitis or liver failure.
Conclusions:
- Routine antiviral prophylaxis is recommended for HBsAg-positive individuals undergoing cancer chemotherapy or transplantation.
- Significant questions remain regarding optimal screening, treatment duration, and prophylaxis for resolved hepatitis B cases.
- Further research is needed to elucidate molecular mechanisms and refine diagnostic and preventive strategies.
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