Using IL-1β to treat hepatitis B virus infections
Official title: IL-1β as a novel therapeutic agent against hepatitis B virus
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11001919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment using a substance called interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to help people with chronic hepatitis B by potentially boosting the immune system to fight the virus better and improve their overall treatment results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $229,897 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI179734-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus infections who have not responded adequately to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute hepatitis B infections or those who have already achieved a functional cure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as a new treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. The study aims to understand how IL-1β can suppress HBV gene expression, which is crucial for the virus's ability to persist in the body. By targeting specific transcription factors, the research hopes to achieve a 'functional cure' for HBV, potentially leading to the activation of the immune system to eliminate infected liver cells. Patients may benefit from a novel therapeutic approach that could improve treatment outcomes compared to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option that may lead to a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B virus infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of IL-1β in this context is novel, previous research has shown promise in targeting viral infections with immune-modulating therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ou, J.-H. James — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Ou, J.-H. James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HBV cure clues in people with and without HIV
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-
HBV cure factors in people with and without HIV
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HBV prevention in community pharmacies: a first step in a low-resource setting
This pilot project tests whether hepatitis B screening and vaccination can be integrated into everyday community pharmacy services to reach more people.
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Blood markers to catch early liver cancer in Hispanic people with hepatitis B
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This project will use immune-related blood markers to find liver cancer earlier in people with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on Hispanic adults.
-
HBV safety with long-acting HIV therapy for people with HIV
A study to understand how long-acting HIV meds affect hepatitis B in people living with HIV and how to best monitor and protect them.
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.