Hepatitis B core-related antigen: Are we near a treatment endpoint?

Authors :: Gupta T
Source :: World journal of gastroenterology [World J Gastroenterol] 2022 Jul 21; Vol. 28 (27), pp. 3532-3534.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: Different serological and virological markers in chronic hepatitis B patients guide staging of viral infection, and initiation and response to therapy. Due to the persistence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the hepatocyte nucleus, hepatitis B is not curable. Even after undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA levels, the persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen and novel markers such as hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) indicate the persistence of intrahepatic cccDNA. In this study, HBcrAg levels at baseline and after 24 and 48 wk of antiviral therapy predicted hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion. Due to the poor sensitivity of assays and detectable levels in HBsAg-negative patients, the long-term utility of HBcrAg needs future research.<br />Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.<br /> (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)