Recent advances in understanding T cell activation and exhaustion during HBV infection

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern globally, and T cell responses are widely believed to play a pivotal role in mediating HBV clearance. Accordingly, research on the characteristics of HBV-specific T cell responses, from activation to exhaustion, has advanced rapidly. Here, we summarize recent developments in characterizing T cell immunity in HBV infection by reviewing basic and clinical research published in the last five years. We provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms that induce effective anti-HBV T cell immunity, as well as the latest developments in understanding T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection. Furthermore, we briefly discuss current novel treatment strategies aimed at restoring anti-HBV T cell responses. •Recent progresses made in understanding the mechanisms of inducing anti-HBV T immunity have been systematically reviewed, shedding light on critical aspects of HBV clearance.•The latest basic and clinical developments in understanding T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection have been comprehensively summarized.•Novel treatment strategies that aim to restore anti-HBV T cell responses and have shown promising effects in preclinical or clinical trials have been discussed.