HBV immune responses and pathways linked to functional cure
Official title: Integrated analysis of HBV-specific CD4 T cell and B cell responses to define their role in chronic hepatitis B and HBV functional cure.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11414993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how HBV-specific CD4 T cells and B cells behave in people with chronic hepatitis B to find what immune changes are needed for a functional cure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,114,075 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI184931-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic HBV infection who represent the range of infection outcomes, enrolled in well-defined clinical cohorts.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients with different disease dynamics or comorbidities may not experience direct benefit from the specific immune targets studied.
What this research studies
This project will examine how HBV-specific CD4 T cells and B cells act in patients with different outcomes of HBV infection. Using patient cohorts, it will map cell functions and molecular signatures that distinguish immune suppression from functional cure. The study uses a systems biology approach to integrate cellular data with molecular pathways to identify potential targets for immunotherapies and therapeutic vaccines. The goal is to illuminate how immune responses could be steered toward clearing the virus or achieving lasting control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide the development of immunotherapies or vaccines that promote functional cure for HBV.
How similar studies have gone: Similar studies have defined immune correlates in HBV; this project aims to amplify and integrate those findings for actionable targets.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lauer, Georg Michael — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lauer, Georg Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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HBV immune responses in functional cure and therapies guided by CD4 T cells and B cells
This grant studies how HBV-specific CD4 T cells and B cells behave in people with hepatitis B to identify clues for achieving a functional cure.
-
Therapeutic nucleic acid vaccine for chronic hepatitis B in people with HIV/HBV co-infection
A new genetic vaccine approach is being tested to help people living with both HIV and chronic hepatitis B reduce and potentially cure their HBV infection.
-
Nanobodies to help clear HBV surface antigen and restore immunity
A small, targeted antibody therapy using nanobodies is being explored to lower hepatitis B surface antigen in people with chronic HBV, with the goal of helping the immune system clear the infection.
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How immune cells help control chronic hepatitis B
This research looks at how two immune cell types (CD4 T cells and B cells) in adults with hepatitis B act differently in people who clear the virus versus those with long-term infection to find clues for treatments that could lead to a functional cure.
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Host-targeted antiviral to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B
A research project tests a new drug strategy that aims to clear signs of hepatitis B in people who have a chronic infection.
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Long-acting injectable hepatitis B antivirals with an immune booster
This project is developing long-lasting injectable hepatitis B medicines combined with an immune stimulant for people living with chronic hepatitis B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.