# Role of B Cells beyond Antibodies in HBV-Induced Oncogenesis: Fulminant Cancer in Common Variable Immunodeficiency—Clinical and Immunotransplant Implications with a Review of the Literature

## TL;DR

This paper explores how B cells and antibodies influence HBV-related liver cancer in a patient with a weakened immune system, highlighting risks in immunosuppressed individuals.

## Contribution

The study presents a clinical model showing the role of B cell deficiency and humoral factors in HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in CVID.

## Key findings

- A CVID patient developed fulminant hepatocellular carcinoma linked to high HBV replication and B cell deficiency.
- Standard treatments like IVIG and HBIG were ineffective in controlling the tumor or preventing complications.
- The study emphasizes the need for careful donor selection and minimized immunosuppression in HBV-positive transplant recipients.

## Abstract

Although lymphoma is the most frequent malignancy in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), solid tumors, especially affected by oncogenic viruses, are not considered. Furthermore, in vitro genetic studies and cell cultures are not adequate for immune system and HBV interaction. We adopted a previously introduced clinical model of host–virus interaction (i.e., infectious process in immunodeficiency) for analysis of B cells and the specific IgG role (an observational study of a CVID patient who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Suddenly, the patient deteriorated and a positive results of for HBs and HBV-DNA (369 × 106 copies) were detected. Despite lamivudine therapy and IVIG escalation (from 0.3 to 0.4 g/kg), CT showed an 11 cm intrahepatic tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma). Anti-HBs were positive in time-lapse analysis (range 111–220 IU/mL). Replacement therapy intensification was complicated by an immune complex disease with renal failure. Fulminant HCC in CVID and the development of a tumor as the first sign is of interest. Unfortunately, treatment with hepatitis B immune globulins (HBIG) plays a major role in posttransplant maintenance therapy. Anti-HB substitution has not been proven to be effective, oncoprotective, nor safe. Therefore, immunosuppression in HBV-infected recipients should be carefully minimized, and patient selection more precise with the exclusion of HBV-positive donors. Our clinical model showed an HCC pathway with important humoral host factors, contrary to epidemiological/cohort studies highlighting risk factors only (e.g., chronic hepatitis). The lack of cell cooperation as well as B cell deficiency observed in CVID play a crucial role in high HBV replication, especially in carcinogenesis.