Possibility of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is still a major global public health problem, with nearly two billion patients. Although antiviral drugs can inhibit viral replication and reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) related complications, it is difficult to achieve clinical endpoints due to drug resistance. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are an important strategy to reverse T-cell exhaustion, and rebuilding an effective functional T-cell response is a promising immunomodulatory approach for CHB patients. However, there are still many controversies in the application of ICIs in treating patients with CHB. This article reviews the research progress of ICIs in CHB infection and related issues.