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Persistent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with host immune response. CD4+ T cells play an important role in HBV - specific immune response. The restoration of HBV - specific T - cell response after antiviral therapy using nucleoside and nucleotide analogues is also associated with CD4+ T cells. In recent years, two new subsets of CD4+ T cells, namely regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 cells (Th17 cells), have been identified and shown to be related to disease progression and liver damage in patients with persistent HBV infection. Here we primarily summarized the differentiation and function of Tregs and Th17 cells and reviewed the interaction between the two types of cells in persistent infection and their changes after clinical antiviral therapy. We hope it wiil be helpful to clinical immunotherapy and prognostic assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]