[B cells in chronic hepatitis: advances and mechanistic].

Abstract

The article reviews the role and functional diversity of B cells in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). B cells play a crucial role in humoral immunity, participating in the clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) through antibody production, antigen presentation, and immune regulation. In HBV infection, B cells exhibit antigenic heterogeneity, with immune responses to different HBV antigens varying. Recent findings reveal that in CHB patients, hepatitis B surface antibody-specific B cells are abnormally differentiated, while hepatitis B core antibody-specific B cells maintain relatively intact functions. Moreover, the deficiency in non-antibody-producing functions of B cells may lead to persistent HBV infection. The article provides important insights into the role of B cells in HBV infection and offers a scientific basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies.