HBcAg distribution predicts virologic response to PEG-IFNα therapy in HBeAg-positive CHB with minimally elevated ALT

Aim: This study evaluated the use of initial Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg) distribution in hepatocytes to predict chronic infection with HBV patients with minimally elevated ALT who can achieve viral response to PEG-IFNα therapy. Materials & methods: HBeAg-positive chronic infection with HBV patients with minimally elevated ALT who were treated with PEG-IFNα were enrolled. Predictive values of initial HBcAg distribution in hepatocytes were evaluated. Results: HBcAg of no-end-of-treatment viral response group was more likely to be distributed in hepatocyte nuclei (p = 0.02) and exhibited a higher degree of HBcAg expression in nuclei (p < 0.0001) before treatment. The degree of HBcAg expression in nuclei might be a better predictor of end-of-treatment viral response (area under the curve: 0.88). Conclusion: Lower HBcAg expressions in nuclei correspond to higher possibilities of patients benefiting from PEG-IFNα treatment.