HBV pgRNA induces chronic inflammation in an IL-1β-dependent manner - Report - MDSpire

HBV pgRNA induces chronic inflammation in an IL-1β-dependent manner

  • By

  • Aikaterini Skeva

  • Konstantinos Marmanis

  • Maria Ntinopoulou

  • Panagiotis Liakopoulos

  • Eleni Tryfonopoulou

  • Anna Chalkidou

  • Stella Arelaki

  • Katerina Chlichlia

  • Maria Koffa

  • Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou

  • Petros Kolovos

  • Alexandra Giatromanolaki

  • Konstantinos Mimidis

  • Theocharis G. Konstantinidis

  • Maria Panopoulou

  • June 22, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

HBV pregenomic RNA triggers chronic inflammation through an IL-1β-mediated pathway

Overview

This study investigates the role of HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, revealing its association with chronic inflammation and the activation of a proinflammatory phenotype characterized by IL-1β overexpression.

Background

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects approximately 250 million people globally and can lead to severe complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the mechanisms of chronic inflammation in CHB is crucial for developing effective treatments and managing the disease.

Data Highlights

The study involved 88 CHB patients, with 18.1% testing positive for HBV pgRNA. Transcriptomic analyses identified pathways related to platelet activation and neutrophil degranulation.

Key Findings

  • 18.1% of patients with CHB were positive for HBV pgRNA.
  • Common pathways identified included platelet activation and neutrophil degranulation.
  • Platelets stimulated with pgRNA-positive serum exhibited autophagy and de novo synthesis of LL-37.
  • High levels of IL-1β were observed in neutrophils, indicating a proinflammatory phenotype.
  • Minimal NET formation was noted in the presence of elevated IL-1β.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the potential role of HBV pgRNA in mediating chronic inflammation in CHB patients.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that HBV pgRNA activates platelets and contributes to a proinflammatory phenotype through IL-1β overexpression.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2026 -- HBV-induced miR-4461 downregulation correlates with elevated fibrinogen alpha chain expression in hepatocellular carcinoma
  2. Frontiers in Immunology, 2026 -- Identification of characteristic hub genes in the immune-active phase of chronic hepatitis B
  3. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2021 -- CCL19 Promotes CD8+ T-Cell Activity and Facilitates Hepatitis B Virus Clearance
  4. AASLD/IDSA Practice Guideline on Treatment of HBV, 2025
  5. HBV RNA Predicts the Risk of Off‐Treatment Relapse in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With NAs Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis, PMC
  6. Journal of Gastroenterology — Ex vivo stimulation of IFN-λ3 via a TLR7 agonist influences the efficacy of Peg-IFN/Ribavirin treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C
  7. https://www.idsociety.org/globalassets/idsa/practice-guidelines/hbv/aasld_idsa_practice_guideline_on_treatment_of.1416.pdf
  8. HBV RNA Predicts the Risk of Off‐Treatment Relapse in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With NAs Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - PMC
  9. NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Liver Disorders: From Molecular Pathways to Therapeutic Strategies - PubMed

Original Source(s)

HBV pgRNA induces chronic inflammation in an IL-1β-dependent manner

  • by Aikaterini Skeva, Konstantinos Marmanis, Maria Ntinopoulou, Panagiotis Liakopoulos, Eleni Tryfonopoulou, Anna Chalkidou, Stella Arelaki, Katerina Chlichlia, Maria Koffa, Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou, Petros Kolovos, Alexandra Giatromanolaki, Konstantinos Mimidis, Theocharis G. Konstantinidis, Maria Panopoulou

  • June 22, 2026

Related Content

Disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection with osseous involvement in anti-interferon-γ autoantibody-associated adult-onset immunodeficiency: a case report and literature review

Narcolepsy: immunity, neural circuitry, and brain network reconfiguration

Vancomycin population pharmacokinetics in patients with burns