Novel autophagy inducer inhibits hepatitis B virus S antigen secretion

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), affects more than 300 million people worldwide. If left untreated, CHB can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in over 800,000 deaths annually. While current therapies based on nucleot(s)ide analogues effectively slow disease progression and reduce viral load, they require lifelong adinistration. Pegylated interferon alpha therapy can achieve clearance in a small fraction of patients but is associated with significant side effects.