The concept of a fountional cure for hepatitis B keeps pace with the times
10.3760/cma.j.cn501113-20250526-00201
- VernacularTitle:乙型肝炎功能性治愈的概念在临床实践中与时俱进
- Author:
Zhihong LIU
1
;
Xieer LIANG
1
Author Information
1. 南方医科大学南方医院，广州 510515
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Hepatitis B surface antigen;
Small interfering RNA;
Antisense oligonucleotide;
Functional cure;
Partial cure
- From:
Chinese Journal of Hepatology
2025;33(6):515-520
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, or s-loss, has traditionally been regarded as a key indicator of hepatitis B virus (HBV) functional cure. However, growing insights into HBV pathogenesis and treatment strategies have reshaped our understanding of the relationship between s-loss and functional cure. While an HBsAg level below 100 IU/mL is often used to define partial cure, it primarily reflects a therapeutic milestone that facilitates eventual s-loss rather than a definitive endpoint. New biomarkers such as serum HBV RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen are promising but, due to limitations in sensitivity, are not yet adequate substitutes for s-loss in defining functional cure. Importantly, achieving s-loss alone does not guarantee functional cure. Other factors—such as HBeAg seroclearance, the durability of s-loss, and whether single timepoint of rebound ("Blips") are permissible—must be considered in evaluating functional cure. These evolving perspectives underscore the importance of consolidation therapy. Further researches are needed to elucidate the mechanisms between different therapies induced s-loss, the implications of lower detection limits for HBsAg, and the role of hepatitis B surface antibodies in seeking functional cure.
