Germinal center immune response in chronic hepatitis B

The Role and Regulatory Mechanism of Germinal Center Immune Response in Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT07240350

We will see if the structure and B-cell activity in germinal centers differ between people with chronic hepatitis B and people without by analyzing blood and discarded surgical tissues.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment280 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT07240350 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This single-center, prospective cross-sectional study will enroll about 280 participants undergoing clinically indicated liver, spleen, tonsil, or lymph node surgery. Investigators will collect discarded tissues and peripheral blood to compare the phenotype, function, and clonal complexity of B cells and other immune cells in germinal centers from chronic HBV-infected and HBsAg-negative patients. The project will map HBV antigen specificity of B cell clones and examine structural, transcriptomic, and proteomic differences in germinal center tissues. No protocol-driven treatments will be given and patient care decisions remain with treating physicians.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with chronic hepatitis B or HBsAg-negative patients who are scheduled for liver, spleen, tonsil, or lymph node surgery and who meet the inclusion criteria are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are not undergoing relevant surgery or who have excluded co-infections or immune/serious underlying conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify how chronic HBV alters germinal center immunity and help guide future vaccines or immune-based therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has reported altered germinal center responses in chronic viral infections, but applying detailed phenotypic, single-cell, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses specifically to HBV germinal centers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis B surface antigen negative patients with clinical diagnosis who need to undergo liver, spleen, tonsil or lymph node surgery.
2. Before performing any research-related steps, the patient understood the research process, signed the informed consent, and complied with the research requirements.
3. Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus infection according to the "Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B(2019 Version)" .

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those concomitant HCV, HIV infection, alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver disease , etc. were excluded.
2. Diseases of the immune system or coagulation system, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, thrombocytopenic purpura, etc., were excluded.
3. Exclude serious underlying diseases that affect the immune status of the body.
4. The investigator believes that there are other circumstances that are not suitable for inclusion.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Germinal center, humoral immunity, immune response, hepatitis B virus infection

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.