HBV immune responses in functional cure and therapies guided by CD4 T cells and B cells
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-11418540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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) | $160,224 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AI184931-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic HBV or different infection outcomes who can donate blood samples and participate in immunology tests.
✕Less likely to help
People without HBV infection or those unable to participate in blood-based immune studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze immune cell and antibody responses in people with different HBV outcomes to find which CD4 T cell functions and B cell receptor patterns are associated with viral control. The project takes a systems biology approach to map molecular signatures that distinguish immune suppression from cure. By comparing diverse patient groups, the study aims to inform the design of immunotherapies and therapeutic vaccines for HBV. The work is conducted through collaborations across clinical cohorts at Massachusetts General Hospital to connect immune clues with potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could guide the development of vaccines or immune-based therapies that help patients achieve a functional cure for HBV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has identified immune correlates in HBV, but this project seeks deeper molecular insights with a integrated approach.
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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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.
-
HBV immune responses and pathways linked to functional cure
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.