Inhibition of HBsAg secretion by a novel autophagy inducer

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a viral liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), affecting over 300 million people world-wide. Untreated CHB can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, causing over 800,000 deaths annually. Current nucleot(s)ide analogue-based therapies effectively slow disease progression and reduce viral load, but require life-long application. Pegylated interferon alpha therapy clears the virus in a small percentage of patients, but has serious side effects. Therefore, a universally effective and definitive cure of CHB is still elusive.