Beyond exhaustion: the unique characteristics of CD8+ T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection

CD8+ T cells are crucial in controlling infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) but are functionally impaired during chronic HBV infection. Traditionally, these functional deficits have been associated with classical T cell exhaustion due to persistent antigenic stimulation. However, recent findings challenge this concept, emphasizing the multifactorial nature of T cell dysfunction in HBV infection. CD8+ T cells are functionally impaired during chronic HBV infection. Recent findings from preclinical models and studies of chronically infected humans have revealed surprising insights into the nature of the T cell dysfunction, which may open new avenues for therapeutic intervention.