Anti-HBc mirrors the activation of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell immune response and exhibits a direct effect on HBV control

Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) is commonly present in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and serves as a marker of humoral immunity. Herein, we aim to investigate the correlation between anti-HBc and antiviral immune response and its putative role in HBV control.