Heim et al. investigate the role of CD8+ T cells specific to HBV polymerase in the context of chronic HBV infection. They identify a unique subset of CD8+ T cells with an attenuated effector function. The attenuation is driven by TGFβ signaling, offering new insights into the immune landscape of chronic HBV infection and suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for modulating these cells to enhance viral control.
- Kathrin Heim
- Sagar
- Maike Hofmann