Publication Name	World Journal of Hepatology
Manuscript ID	124884
DOI	10.4254/wjh.124884
Country	China

Category	Immunology
Manuscript Type	Minireviews
Article Title	From virological selection to immune stratification: Hepatitis B virus-specific T cells for precision pegylated interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Manuscript Source	Invited Manuscript
All Author List	Bing Tian, Chen Tian, Chuan-Lai Shen and Qun Zhang
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number Jiangsu Province High-Level Hospital Construction Funds of Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University 2024GSPKY23 Chinese Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control Muxin research fund of CHB MX202413
Corresponding Author	Qun Zhang, MD, PhD, Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China. slim888@163.com
Key Words	Chronic hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus-specific T cells; Pegylated interferon; Functional cure; Immune stratification
Core Tip	Currently, patient selection for pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy predominantly relies on virological markers, which fail to fully recapitulate host immune competence. This review highlights that hepatitis B virus-specific T cells constitute core immune biomarkers predictive of treatment response and functional cure. Synthesizing available evidence concerning T cell exhaustion, regenerative potential, effector function and comprehensive immune profiling, we propose that future patient selection algorithms should transition from virology-only criteria toward immune stratification strategies. This conceptual framework underpins the development of precision PEG-IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis B.
Citation	Tian B, Tian C, Shen CL, Zhang Q. From virological selection to immune stratification: Hepatitis B virus-specific T cells for precision pegylated interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis B. World J Hepatol 2026; In press DOI: https://doi.org/10.4254/wjh.124884
PDF	124884-in-press.pdf

Received	2026-07-01 00:13
Peer-Review Started	2026-07-01 00:13
First Decision by Editorial Office Director
Return for Revision	2026-07-22 05:52
Revised	2026-07-31 12:25
Publication Fee Transferred
Second Decision by Editor	2026-08-13 02:29
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-08-14 10:14
Articles in Press	2026-08-14 10:14
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	1948-5182 (online)
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