Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis reduces interferon and macrophage liver gene signatures in patients with chronic hepatitis B

In recent decades, obesity and associated health issues have reached epidemic levels, with steatotic liver disease affecting up to 30% of adults in developed countries, and this trend is also observed among patients with chronic hepatitis B. Given the high and rising prevalence of steatotic liver disease and its frequent co-occurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis B, it is essential to understand how conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) impact immune responses in the liver. This study provides unique insights into the impact of MASH on HBV antiviral immune activity in the livers of patients with chronic hepatitis B. The rising number of patients with both conditions affects treatment outcomes and highlights the urgent need for novel, tailored therapeutic strategies. Our study holds significant relevance for guiding future research on developing treatment strategies for patients with both MASH and chronic hepatitis B.