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Introduction to Understanding Hepatitis B

KOL Interview

July 2025

Join Dr. Ira Jacobson, Professor of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, for an in-depth exploration of the complex pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis B. In this expert lecture, Dr. Jacobson reviews the virologic and immunologic mechanisms that underpin HBV infection, from viral entry into hepatocytes and the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), to the integration of viral DNA and its implications for hepatocellular carcinoma. He also examines the immune system’s multifaceted role in disease progression, including T-cell exhaustion, checkpoint inhibition, and the contributions of humoral immunity. The discussion extends to cutting-edge therapeutic strategies aimed at achieving functional cure, including siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, therapeutic vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and T-cell receptor therapies. Whether you're a hepatology provider, researcher, or student, this comprehensive overview sheds light on where we are in the fight against HBV—and where promising advances may take us next.