In order to elucidate the role of PD1 and PD-L1 in the hepatitis B immune response, the relationship between the PD1/ PD-L1 expression and immune response events, such as HBV-specific CD8 T-cell expansion and contraction, pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, viral load, and disease pathogenesis should be analyzed. Here, CD274 is linked to hepatitis B virus infection.