Activated intrahepatic HBV-specific T & B cells correlated with acute liver failure

Dr. Cheng explores the role of T and B cells in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure, highlighting that immune responses may sometimes worsen disease outcomes. Using patient cohorts from Singapore and Taiwan, they demonstrate that HBV-specific T and B cells are highly activated in the liver, showing tissue-resident memory phenotypes and strong proliferative and functional activity. Interestingly, these immune cells are largely absent in blood samples, emphasizing the importance of studying liver-resident immunity. The findings suggest that T and B cell activity, while antiviral, may contribute to liver damage and have implications for clinical management and treatment timing.