Title: Efficacy of extracorporeal immunoadsorption therapy for removal of HBsAg
Version: 4 Date: 22 Apr 2025
Reviewer's report:
The reviewer’s primary concern centered on the validity of the rabbit model. The authors
responded as follows:
1. Clarified that the model was designed to test **physical clearance** of circulating HBsAg/
HBV DNA, not to mimic chronic HBV infection or intrahepatic cccDNA dynamics. This
distinction is now emphasized in the Discussion.
2.  Explained that the injected serum (derived from human plasma) contained HBV virions,
allowing detection via qPCR. The authors acknowledged that this does not reflect true infection
or replication, which aligns with the study’s proof-of-concept scope.
3. Repeatedly emphasized the model’s artificial nature and the need for future studies in
clinically relevant systems (e.g., humanized mice).
While Reviewer 1’s concerns about the model’s biological relevance remain valid, the authors
have adequately justified its use within the study’s scope and openly discussed limitations. No
further experimental changes are feasible at this stage.
Title: Efficacy of extracorporeal immunoadsorption therapy for removal of HBsAg
Version: 4 Date: 22 Apr 2025
Reviewer's report:
The reviewer’s primary concern centered on the validity of the rabbit model. The authors
responded as follows:
1. Clarified that the model was designed to test **physical clearance** of circulating HBsAg/
HBV DNA, not to mimic chronic HBV infection or intrahepatic cccDNA dynamics. This
distinction is now emphasized in the Discussion.
2.  Explained that the injected serum (derived from human plasma) contained HBV virions,
allowing detection via qPCR. The authors acknowledged that this does not reflect true infection
or replication, which aligns with the study’s proof-of-concept scope.
3. Repeatedly emphasized the model’s artificial nature and the need for future studies in
clinically relevant systems (e.g., humanized mice).
While Reviewer 1’s concerns about the model’s biological relevance remain valid, the authors
have adequately justified its use within the study’s scope and openly discussed limitations. No
further experimental changes are feasible at this stage.
Please review this paper.
user
Title: Efficacy of extracorporeal immunoadsorption therapy for removal of HBsAg
Version: 4 Date: 22 Apr 2025
Reviewer's report:
The reviewer’s primary concern centered on the validity of the rabbit model. The authors
responded as follows:
1. Clarified that the model was designed to test **physical clearance** of circulating HBsAg/
HBV DNA, not to mimic chronic HBV infection or intrahepatic cccDNA dynamics. This
distinction is now emphasized in the Discussion.
2.  Explained that the injected serum (derived from human plasma) contained HBV virions,
allowing detection via qPCR. The authors acknowledged that this does not reflect true infection
or replication, which aligns with the study’s proof-of-concept scope.
3. Repeatedly emphasized the model’s artificial nature and the need for future studies in
clinically relevant systems (e.g., humanized mice).
While Reviewer 1’s concerns about the model’s biological relevance remain valid, the authors
have adequately justified its use within the study’s scope and openly discussed limitations. No
further experimental changes are feasible at this stage.
assistant