1
|
Zheng H, Zhao H, Xiong H, Awais MM, Zeng S, Sun J. Impact of the Transboundary Interference Inhibitor on RNAi and the Baculovirus Expression System in Insect Cells. INSECTS 2024; 15:375. [PMID: 38921090 PMCID: PMC11203448 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference inhibitors were initially discovered in plant viruses, representing a unique mechanism employed by these viruses to counteract host RNA interference. This mechanism has found extensive applications in plant disease resistance breeding and other fields; however, the impact of such interference inhibitors on insect cell RNA interference remains largely unknown. In this study, we screened three distinct interference inhibitors from plant and mammal viruses that act through different mechanisms and systematically investigated their effects on the insect cell cycle and baculovirus infection period at various time intervals. Our findings demonstrated that the viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSRs) derived from plant and mammal viruses significantly attenuated the RNA interference effect in insect cells, as evidenced by reduced apoptosis rates, altered gene regulation patterns in cells, enhanced expression of exogenous proteins, and improved production efficiency of recombinant virus progeny. Further investigations revealed that the early expression of VSRs yielded superior results compared with late expression during RNA interference processes. Additionally, our results indicated that dsRNA-binding inhibition exhibited more pronounced effects than other modes of action employed by these interference inhibitors. The outcomes presented herein provide novel insights into enhancing defense mechanisms within insect cells using plant and mammal single-stranded RNA virus-derived interference inhibitors and have potential implications for expanding the scope of transformation within insect cell expression systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Hengfeng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Haifan Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Mian Muhammad Awais
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Songrong Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resources in Northern Region, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China;
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding & Subtropical Sericulture and Mulberry Resources Protection and Safety Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.Z.); (H.Z.); (H.X.); (M.M.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dwivedi M, Dwivedi A, Mukherjee D. An Insight into Hepatitis C Virus: In Search of Promising Drug Targets. Curr Drug Targets 2023; 24:1127-1138. [PMID: 37907492 DOI: 10.2174/0113894501265769231020031857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a global health concern, chronically infecting over 70 million people worldwide. HCV is a bloodborne pathogen that primarily affects the liver, and chronic HCV infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure over time. There is an urgent need for more effective approaches to prevent and treat HCV. This review summarizes current knowledge on the virology, transmission, diagnosis, and management of HCV infection. It also provides an in-depth analysis of HCV proteins as promising targets for antiviral drug and vaccine development. Specific HCV proteins discussed as potential drug targets include the NS5B polymerase, NS3/4A protease, entry receptors like CD81, and core proteins. The implications of HCV proteins as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are also explored. Current direct-acting antiviral therapies are effective but have cost, genotype specificity, and resistance limitations. This review aims to synthesize essential information on HCV biology and pathogenesis to inform future research on improved preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies against this global infectious disease threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Dwivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Gomtinagar Extension, Lucknow- 226028, India
| | - Aditya Dwivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Gomtinagar Extension, Lucknow- 226028, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Manzoor S, Khalid M, Idrees M. P2X4 receptors mediate induction of antioxidants, fibrogenic cytokines and ECM transcripts; in presence of replicating HCV in in vitro setting: An insight into role of P2X4 in fibrosis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0259727. [PMID: 35594248 PMCID: PMC9122194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & aims
Major HCV infections lead to chronic hepatitis, which results in progressive liver disease including fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). P2X4 and P2X7 are most widely distributed receptors on hepatocytes.
Methods
Full length P2X4 (1.7kb) (Rattus norvegicus) was sub cloned in mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1+. Two stable cell lines 293T/P2X4 (experimental) and 293T/ NV or null vector (control) were established. Both cell lines were inoculated with high viral titers human HCV sera and control human sera. Successfully infected cells harvested on day 5 and day 9 of post infection were used for further studies.
Results
The results revealed a significant increase in gene expression of P2X4 on day 5 and day 9 Post -infection in cells infected with HCV sera compared with cells inoculated with control sera. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that HO-1 was significantly upregulated in presence of P2X4 in HCV infected cells (P2X4/HCV) when compared with control NV/HCV cells. A significant decrease was observed in expression of Cu/ZnSOD in presence of P2X4 in HCV infected cells compared to control NV/HCV cells. However, expression of both antioxidants was observed unaltered in cells harvested on day 9 post infection. Gene expression of angiotensin II significantly increased in HCV infected cells in presence of P2X4 on day 5 and day 9 of post infection when compared with control NV/HCV cells. A significant increase in gene expression of TNF-α and TGF-β was observed in HCV infected cells in presence of P2X4 on day 9 post infection in comparison with control (NV/HCV cells). However, gene expression of adipokine leptin was not affected in both experimental (P2X4/HCV) and control (NV/HCV) groups on day 5 and day 9 of post infection. Extracellular matrix proteins, laminin and elastin genes expression also significantly increased in presence of P2X4 (HCV/P2X4) on day 9 of post-infection compared to control group NV/HCV cells.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these findings constitute the evidence that P2X4 receptors in the presence of HCV play a significant role in the regulation of key antioxidant enzymes (HO-1, Cu/ZnSOD), in the induction of proinflammatory. cytokine (TNF-α), profibrotic cytokine (TGF-β) vasoactive cytokine (angiotensin II). P2X4 also increases the expression of extracellular matrix proteins (laminin and elastin) in the presence of HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Manzoor
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Madiha Khalid
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lim YS, Nguyen MT, Pham TX, Huynh TT, Park EM, Choi DH, Kang SM, Tark D, Hwang SB. Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural 5A Protein Interacts with Telomere Length Regulation Protein: Implications for Telomere Shortening in Patients Infected with HCV. Mol Cells 2022; 45:148-157. [PMID: 34949741 PMCID: PMC8926864 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2021.0167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and is highly dependent on cellular proteins for viral propagation. Using protein microarray analysis, we identified 90 cellular proteins as HCV nonstructural 5A (NS5A) interacting partners, and selected telomere length regulation protein (TEN1) for further study. TEN1 forms a heterotrimeric complex with CTC and STN1, which is essential for telomere protection and maintenance. Telomere length decreases in patients with active HCV, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular mechanism of telomere length shortening in HCV-associated disease is largely unknown. In the present study, protein interactions between NS5A and TEN1 were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. Silencing of TEN1 reduced both viral RNA and protein expression levels of HCV, while ectopic expression of the siRNA-resistant TEN1 recovered the viral protein level, suggesting that TEN1 was specifically required for HCV propagation. Importantly, we found that TEN1 is re-localized from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in HCV-infected cells. These data suggest that HCV exploits TEN1 to promote viral propagation and that telomere protection is compromised in HCV-infected cells. Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insight into the telomere shortening in HCV-infected cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Sook Lim
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Men T.N. Nguyen
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea
| | - Thuy X. Pham
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Trang T.X. Huynh
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Eun-Mee Park
- Center for Immunology and Pathology, National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Dong Hwa Choi
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Sang Min Kang
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Soon B. Hwang
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Seoul 07247, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li J, Mo C, Guo Y, Zhang B, Feng X, Si Q, Wu X, Zhao Z, Gong L, He D, Shao J. Roles of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 in disease pathogenesis. Theranostics 2021; 11:3348-3358. [PMID: 33537091 PMCID: PMC7847688 DOI: 10.7150/thno.45889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pin1 belongs to the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases (PPIases) superfamily and catalyzes the cis-trans conversion of proline in target substrates to modulate diverse cellular functions including cell cycle progression, cell motility, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of Pin1 has wide-ranging influences on the fate of cells; therefore, it is closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of Pin1 in disease pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunfen Mo
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifan Guo
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao Feng
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiuyue Si
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaobo Wu
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixin Gong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jichun Shao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zeng M, Liu W, Hu Y, Fu N. Sumoylation in liver disease. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 510:347-353. [PMID: 32710938 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO) are highly conserved post-translational modification proteins that are present in eukaryotic cells. They are extensively expressed in diverse tissues, including the heart, liver, kidney, and lungs. SUMOylation, a crucial post-translational modification, exhibits a strong effect on DNA repair, transcriptional regulation, protein stability and cell cycle progression. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that SUMOylation is closely related to the development of liver disease. Therefore, the effects of SUMOylation in liver diseases, such as Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) were reviewed in this study. Specifically, SUMO1 was found to promote the invasion and metastasis of HCC and may promote hypoxia-mediated P65 nuclear transport while accelerating the progression of HCC. In addition, SUMO1-modified centrosomal P4.1-associated protein (CAPA) was observed to be overexpressed in Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC in response to TNF-α stimulation. Furthermore, SUMOylated CAPA was found to induce HBX-triggered NF-κB activation. Considering the diversity and significance of SUMOylation, targeting of the SUMOylation pathway may serve as an effective approach in the treatment of liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Wenhui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| | - Nian Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
HCV-2a NS5A downregulates viral translation predominantly through domain I. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 529:77-84. [PMID: 32560823 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.05.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural protein NS5A is a multifunctional protein with critical roles in viral replication and assembly. We previously showed that HCV-1b NS5A downregulates viral translation only in the presence of the poly(U/UC) tract in 3'UTR. As NS5A of different HCV genotypes may have different functions or carry out the same functions through genotype-specific mechanisms, we investigated the effect of HCV-2a NS5A on viral translation. We found that HCV-2a NS5A downregulates RNA translation of both HCV-2a and -1b, whereas the effect of HCV-1b NS5A is limited to HCV-1b only. In addition, individual regions of 3'UTR are not required for HCV-2a NS5A to downregulate viral RNA translation. We also found that HCV-2a NS5A inhibits capped mRNA translation. Mapping experiments showed that the translation downregulation by HCV-2a NS5A is predominantly mediated by domain I. Furthermore, we found that the integrity of serine-146 residue plays an important role in translation downregulation by NS5A. Our results increased our understanding on genotype-specific functions of HCV NS5A.
Collapse
|
8
|
Choi JW, Kim JW, Nguyen LP, Nguyen HC, Park EM, Choi DH, Han KM, Kang SM, Tark D, Lim YS, Hwang SB. Nonstructural NS5A Protein Regulates LIM and SH3 Domain Protein 1 to Promote Hepatitis C Virus Propagation. Mol Cells 2020; 43:469-478. [PMID: 32344996 PMCID: PMC7264479 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) propagation is highly dependent on cellular proteins. To identify the host factors involved in HCV propagation, we previously performed protein microarray assays and identified the LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP-1) as an HCV NS5A-interacting partner. LASP-1 plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and protein-protein interactions. Alteration of LASP-1 expression has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the functional involvement of LASP1 in HCV propagation and HCV-induced pathogenesis has not been elucidated. Here, we first verified the protein interaction of NS5A and LASP-1 by both in vitro pulldown and coimmunoprecipitation assays. We further showed that NS5A and LASP-1 were colocalized in the cytoplasm of HCV infected cells. NS5A interacted with LASP-1 through the proline motif in domain I of NS5A and the tryptophan residue in the SH3 domain of LASP-1. Knockdown of LASP-1 increased HCV replication in both HCV-infected cells and HCV subgenomic replicon cells. LASP-1 negatively regulated viral propagation and thereby overexpression of LASP-1 decreased HCV replication. Moreover, HCV propagation was decreased by wild-type LASP-1 but not by an NS5A binding-defective mutant of LASP-1. We further demonstrated that LASP-1 was involved in the replication stage of the HCV life cycle. Importantly, LASP-1 expression levels were increased in persistently infected cells with HCV. These data suggest that HCV modulates LASP-1 via NS5A in order to regulate virion levels and maintain a persistent infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Woong Choi
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 5453, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Jong-Wook Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Lap P. Nguyen
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 5453, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Huu C. Nguyen
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 5453, Korea
| | - Eun-Mee Park
- Center for Immunology and Pathology, National Institute of Health, Korea Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Cheongju 28159, Korea
| | - Dong Hwa Choi
- Biocenter, Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, Suwon 16229, Korea
- Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Korea
| | - Kang Min Han
- Department of Pathology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang 1032, Korea
| | - Sang Min Kang
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Dongseob Tark
- Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 54531, Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Lim
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 5453, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Soon B. Hwang
- Laboratory of RNA Viral Diseases, Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan 5453, Korea
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Heterogeneity and coexistence of oncogenic mechanisms involved in HCV-associated B-cell lymphomas. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 138:156-171. [PMID: 31092372 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of HCV-infection with B-lymphomas is supported by the regression of most indolent/low-grade lymphomas following anti-viral therapy. Studies on direct and indirect oncogenic mechanisms have elucidated the pathogenesis of HCV-associated B-lymphoma subtypes. These include B-lymphocyte proliferation and sustained clonal expansion by HCV-envelope protein stimulation of B-cell receptors, and prolonged HCV-infected B-cell growth by overexpression of an anti-apoptotic BCL-2 oncogene caused by the increased frequency of t(14;18) chromosomal translocations in follicular lymphomas. HCV has been implicated in lymphomagenesis by a "hit-and-run" mechanism, inducing enhanced mutation rate in immunoglobulins and anti-oncogenes favoring immune escape, due to permanent genetic damage by double-strand DNA-breaks. More direct oncogenic mechanisms have been identified in cytokines and chemokines in relation to NS3 and Core expression, particularly in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. By reviewing genetic alterations and disrupted signaling pathways, we intend to highlight how mutually non-contrasting mechanisms cooperate with environmental factors toward progression of HCV-lymphoma.
Collapse
|
10
|
Morozov VA, Lagaye S. Hepatitis C virus: Morphogenesis, infection and therapy. World J Hepatol 2018; 10:186-212. [PMID: 29527256 PMCID: PMC5838439 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v10.i2.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver diseases including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Approximately 3% of the world population is infected with HCV. Thus, HCV infection is considered a public healthy challenge. It is worth mentioning, that the HCV prevalence is dependent on the countries with infection rates around 20% in high endemic countries. The review summarizes recent data on HCV molecular biology, the physiopathology of infection (immune-mediated liver damage, liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism), virus diagnostic and treatment. In addition, currently available in vitro, ex vivo and animal models to study the virus life cycle, virus pathogenesis and therapy are described. Understanding of both host and viral factors may in the future lead to creation of new approaches in generation of an efficient therapeutic vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Alexei Morozov
- Center for HIV and Retrovirology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Sylvie Lagaye
- Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
|
12
|
Braga ACS, Carneiro BM, Batista MN, Akinaga MM, Bittar C, Rahal P. Heat shock proteins HSPB8 and DNAJC5B have HCV antiviral activity. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188467. [PMID: 29182667 PMCID: PMC5705118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and an estimated 3% of the world population is infected with the virus. During replication, HCV interacts with several cellular proteins. Studies have shown that several heat shock proteins (HSPs) have an altered expression profile in the presence of the virus, and some HSPs interact directly with HCV proteins. In the present study, we evaluated the expression levels of heat shock proteins in vitro in the presence and absence of HCV. The differential expression of 84 HSPs and chaperones was observed using a qPCR array, comparing HCV uninfected and infected Huh7.5 cells. To validate qPCR array, the differentially expressed genes were tested by real-time PCR in three different HCV models: subgenomic HCV replicon cells (SGR-JFH-1), JFH-1 infected cells (both genotype 2a) and subgenomic S52 cells (genotype 3). The HSPB8 gene showed increased expression in all three viral models. We silenced HSPB8 expression and observed an increase in viral replication. In contrast, when we increased the expression of HSPB8, a decrease in the HCV replication rate was observed. The same procedure was adopted for DNAJC5B, and HCV showed a similar replication pattern as that observed for HSPB8. These results suggest that HSPB8 may act as an intracellular factor against hepatitis C virus replication and that DNAJC5B has the same function, with more relevant results for genotype 3. We also evaluated the direct interactions between HCV and HSP proteins, and the IP experiments showed that the HCV NS4B protein interacts with HSPB8. These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in HCV replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Silva Braga
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Moreira Carneiro
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, UFMT/CUR, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | - Mônica Mayumi Akinaga
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cíntia Bittar
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Laboratório de Estudos Genômicos, UNESP/IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Min S, Lim YS, Shin D, Park C, Park JB, Kim S, Windisch MP, Hwang SB. Abl Tyrosine Kinase Regulates Hepatitis C Virus Entry. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1129. [PMID: 28674529 PMCID: PMC5474468 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abl is a central regulator of multiple cellular processes controlling actin dynamics, proliferation, and differentiation. Here, we showed that knockdown of Abl impaired hepatitis C virus (HCV) propagation. Treatment of Abl tyrosine kinase-specific inhibitor, imatinib and dasatinib, also significantly decreased HCV RNA and protein levels in HCV-infected cells. We showed that both imatinib and dasatinib selectively inhibited HCV infection at the entry step of HCV life cycle, suggesting that Abl kinase activity may be necessary for HCV entry. Using HCV pseudoparticle infection assays, we verified that Abl is required for viral entry. By employing transferrin uptake and immunofluorescence assays, we further demonstrated that Abl was involved in HCV entry at a clathrin-mediated endocytosis step. These data suggest that Abl may represent a novel host factor for HCV entry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saehong Min
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym UniversityChuncheon, South Korea.,National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym UniversityAnyang, South Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Lim
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym UniversityAnyang, South Korea
| | - Dongjo Shin
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym UniversityChuncheon, South Korea.,Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur KoreaSeongnam, South Korea
| | - Chorong Park
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym UniversityChuncheon, South Korea.,National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym UniversityAnyang, South Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym UniversityChuncheon, South Korea
| | - Seungtaek Kim
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea
| | - Marc P Windisch
- Hepatitis Research Laboratory, Institut Pasteur KoreaSeongnam, South Korea
| | - Soon B Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym UniversityChuncheon, South Korea.,National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym UniversityAnyang, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hover S, Foster B, Barr JN, Mankouri J. Viral dependence on cellular ion channels - an emerging anti-viral target? J Gen Virol 2017; 98:345-351. [PMID: 28113044 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The broad range of cellular functions governed by ion channels represents an attractive target for viral manipulation. Indeed, modulation of host cell ion channel activity by viral proteins is being increasingly identified as an important virus-host interaction. Recent examples have demonstrated that virion entry, virus egress and the maintenance of a cellular environment conducive to virus persistence are, in part, dependent on virus manipulation of ion channel activity. Most excitingly, evidence has emerged that targeting ion channels pharmacologically can impede virus life cycles. Here, we discuss current examples of virus-ion channel interactions and the potential of targeting ion channel function as a new, pharmacologically safe and broad-ranging anti-viral therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Hover
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Becky Foster
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - John N Barr
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Jamel Mankouri
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Braga ACS, Carneiro BM, Batista MN, Akinaga MM, Rahal P. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus using siRNA targeted to the virus and Hsp90. Cell Stress Chaperones 2017; 22:113-122. [PMID: 27858224 PMCID: PMC5225065 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-016-0747-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral disease affecting millions of people worldwide, and persistent HCV infection can lead to progressive liver disease with the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. During treatment for hepatitis C, the occurrence of viral resistance is common. To reduce the occurrence of resistance, new viral treatments should target both viral and cellular factors. Many interactions occur between viral and host proteins during the HCV replication cycle and might be used for the development of new therapies against hepatitis C. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) plays a role in the folding of cellular and viral proteins and also interacts with HCV proteins. In the present study, we knocked down the expression of the Hsp90 gene and inhibited viral replication using siRNA molecules. Reducing the expression of Hsp90 successfully decreased HCV replication. All siRNA molecules specific to the viral genome showed the efficient inhibition of viral replication, particularly siRNA targeted to the 5'UTR region. The combination of siRNAs targeting the viral genome and Hsp90 mRNA also successfully reduced HCV replication and reduced the occurrence of viral resistance. Moreover, these results suggest that an approach based on the combination of cellular and viral siRNAs can be used as an effective alternative for hepatitis C viral suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Claudia Silva Braga
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP: 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Bruno Moreira Carneiro
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP: 15054-000, Brazil
- Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Mato Grosso Federal University, Rondonópolis, Brazil
| | - Mariana Nogueira Batista
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP: 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Mônica Mayumi Akinaga
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP: 15054-000, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Institute of Biosciences, Letters and Exact Sciences, UNESP, Rua Cristóvão Colombo, 2265, São José do Rio Preto, SP, CEP: 15054-000, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yi W, Zhang P, Liang Y, Zhou Y, Shen H, Fan C, Moorman JP, Yao ZQ, Jia Z, Zhang Y. T-bet-mediated Tim-3 expression dampens monocyte function during chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Immunology 2016; 150:301-311. [PMID: 27809352 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces a high rate of chronic infection via dysregulation of host immunity. We have previously shown that T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein-3 (Tim-3) is up-regulated on monocyte/macrophages (M/Mφ) during chronic HCV infection; little is known, however, about the transcription factor that controls its expression in these cells. In this study, we investigated the role of transcription factor, T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), in Tim-3 expression in M/Mφ in the setting of HCV infection. We demonstrate that T-bet is constitutively expressed in resting CD14+ M/Mφ in the peripheral blood. M/Mφ from chronically HCV-infected individuals exhibit a significant increase in T-bet expression that positively correlates with an increased level of Tim-3 expression. Up-regulation of T-bet is also observed in CD14+ M/Mφ incubated with HCV+ Huh7.5 cells, as well as in primary M/Mφ or monocytic THP-1 cells exposed to HCV core protein in vitro, which is reversible by blocking HCV core/gC1qR interactions. Moreover, the HCV core-induced up-regulation of T-bet and Tim-3 expression in M/Mφ can be abrogated by incubating the cells with SP600125 - an inhibitor for the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathway. Importantly, silencing T-bet gene expression decreases Tim-3 expression and enhances interleukin-12 secretion as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 phosphorylation. These data suggest that T-bet, induced by the HCV core/gC1qR interaction, enhances Tim-3 expression via the JNK pathway, leading to dampened M/Mφ function during HCV infection. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for Tim-3 regulation via T-bet during HCV infection, providing new targets to combat this global epidemic viral disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Yi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Peixin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Huanjun Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Chao Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Jonathan P Moorman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Immunity, Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Zhi Q Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Immunity, Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Zhansheng Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lim YS, Ngo HTT, Lee J, Son K, Park EM, Hwang SB. ADP-ribosylation Factor-related Protein 1 Interacts with NS5A and Regulates Hepatitis C Virus Propagation. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31211. [PMID: 27550144 PMCID: PMC4994002 DOI: 10.1038/srep31211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is tightly coupled to the lipid metabolism of host cells. In order to identify host factors involved in HCV propagation, we have previously screened a small interfering RNA (siRNA) library targeting host genes that control lipid metabolism and lipid droplet (LD) formation using cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells. In this study, we selected and characterized the gene encoding ADP-ribosylation factor-related protein 1 (ARFRP1). ARFRP1 is essential for LD growth and is involved in the regulation of lipolysis. siRNA-mediated knockdown of ARFRP1 significantly inhibited HCV replication in both subgenomic replicon cells and HCVcc-infected cells. ARFRP1 interacted with NS5A and NS5A partially colocalized with LD. Silencing of ARFRP1 abrogated HCV-induced LD growth and viral protein expressions. Moreover, ARFRP1 recruited synaptosomal-associated protein 23 (SNAP23) to sites in close proximity to LDs in HCV-infected cells. Silencing of ARFRP1 ablated relocalization of SNAP23 to LD. These data indicate that HCV regulates ARFRP1 for LD growth to facilitate viral propagation and thus ARFRP1 may be a potential target for antiviral therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Sook Lim
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Huong T T Ngo
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Jihye Lee
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Kidong Son
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Eun-Mee Park
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, South Korea.,Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongwon-gun, South Korea
| | - Soon B Hwang
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Huynh VTT, Lim YS, Tran SC, Pham TM, Nguyen LN, Hwang SB. Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural 5A Protein Interacts with Abelson Interactor 1 and Modulates Epidermal Growth Factor-mediated MEK/ERK Signaling Pathway. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:22607-22617. [PMID: 27551040 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.727081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The propagation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly dependent on host cellular factors. To identify the cellular factors involved in HCV propagation, we have previously performed protein microarray assays using the HCV nonstructural 5A (NS5A) protein as a probe. Of ∼9,000 host proteins immobilized in a microarray, ∼90 cellular proteins were identified as HCV NS5A interacting partners. Of these candidates, we selected Abelson interactor 1 (Abi1) for further characterization. Binding of HCV NS5A to Abi1 was verified by both in vitro pulldown and coimmunoprecipitation assays. HCV NS5A interacted with Abi1 through regions I + II of Abi1 and domain I of NS5A. We further demonstrated that Abi1 colocalized with the HCV NS5A protein in the cytoplasm. We showed that NS5A inhibited epidermal growth factor-mediated ERK and Egr1 activations and this inhibitory activity of NS5A was nullified in Abi1-knockdown cells. Moreover, silencing of Abi1 expression impaired HCV replication, whereas overexpression of Abi1 promoted HCV propagation. Collectively, these data indicate that HCV exploits host Abi1 protein via NS5A to modulate MEK/ERK signaling pathway for its own propagation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van T T Huynh
- From the National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Lim
- From the National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Si C Tran
- From the National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Tu M Pham
- From the National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Lam N Nguyen
- From the National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| | - Soon B Hwang
- From the National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus and Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang 14066, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Estimating the Size of the HCV Infection Prevalence: A Modeling Approach Using the Incidence of Cases Reported to an Official Notification System. Bull Math Biol 2016; 78:970-90. [PMID: 27160282 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-016-0170-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we propose two methods to give a first rough estimate of the actual number of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals (prevalence) taking into account the notification rate of newly diagnosed infections (incidence of notification) and the size of the liver transplantation waiting list (LTWL) of patients with liver failure due to chronic HCV infection. Both approaches, when applied to the Brazilian HCV situation converge to the same results, that is, the methods proposed reproduce both the prevalence of reported cases and the LTWL with reasonable accuracy. We use two methods to calculate the prevalence of HCV that, as a first, and very crude approximation, assumes that the actual prevalence of HCV in Brazil is proportional to the reported incidence to the official notification system with a constant denoted [Formula: see text]. In the paper we discuss the limitations and advantages of this assumption. With the two methods we calculated [Formula: see text], which reproduces both the reported incidence and the size of the LTWL. With the value of [Formula: see text] we calculated the prevalence I(a) (the integral of which resulted in 1.6 million people living with the infection in Brazil, most of whom unidentified). Other variables related to HCV infection (e.g., the distribution of the proportion of people aged a who got infected n years ago) can be easily calculated from this model. These new variables can then be measured and the model can be recursively updated, improving its accuracy.
Collapse
|
20
|
Nonstructural 5A Protein of Hepatitis C Virus Regulates Soluble Resistance-Related Calcium-Binding Protein Activity for Viral Propagation. J Virol 2015; 90:2794-805. [PMID: 26719254 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02493-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and is highly dependent on cellular proteins for virus propagation. To identify the cellular factors involved in HCV propagation, we recently performed protein microarray assays using the HCV nonstructural 5A (NS5A) protein as a probe. Of 90 cellular protein candidates, we selected the soluble resistance-related calcium-binding protein (sorcin) for further characterization. Sorcin is a calcium-binding protein and is highly expressed in certain cancer cells. We verified that NS5A interacted with sorcin through domain I of NS5A, and phosphorylation of the threonine residue 155 of sorcin played a crucial role in protein interaction. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of sorcin impaired HCV propagation. Silencing of sorcin expression resulted in a decrease of HCV assembly without affecting HCV RNA and protein levels. We further demonstrated that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)-mediated phosphorylation of sorcin was increased by NS5A. We showed that both phosphorylation and calcium-binding activity of sorcin were required for HCV propagation. These data indicate that HCV modulates sorcin activity via NS5A protein for its own propagation. IMPORTANCE Sorcin is a calcium-binding protein and regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis. HCV NS5A interacts with sorcin, and phosphorylation of sorcin is required for protein interaction. Gene silencing of sorcin impaired HCV propagation at the assembly step of the HCV life cycle. Sorcin is phosphorylated by PLK1 via protein interaction. We showed that sorcin interacted with both NS5A and PLK1, and PLK1-mediated phosphorylation of sorcin was increased by NS5A. Moreover, calcium-binding activity of sorcin played a crucial role in HCV propagation. These data provide evidence that HCV regulates host calcium metabolism for virus propagation, and thus manipulation of sorcin activity may represent a novel therapeutic target for HCV.
Collapse
|
21
|
Hepatitis C virus core protein interacts with Snail and histone deacetylases to promote the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2015; 35:3626-35. [PMID: 26549030 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Downregulation of E-cadherin by the transcriptional repressor Snail is associated with acquisition of metastatic potential. Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has been implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis, it is unclear whether Snail is involved in HCV core-induced dysregulation of E-cadherin. Herein, we investigated the mechanism by which HCV core induces E-cadherin repression and the role of Snail in HCV core-mediated invasiveness and metastasis. We found that HCV infection, especially HCV core expression, effectively induced the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatoma cells by repressing E-cadherin. HCV core interacted with Snail and enhanced its binding to the E-box in the promoter region of E-cadherin, leading to decreased E-cadherin promoter activity. We found that HCV core, Snail, and the histone deacetylases HDAC1/HDAC2 formed a co-repressor complex at the E-cadherin promoter. Moreover, HCV core was shown to stabilize Snail through activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway. Silencing Snail expression restored E-cadherin expression and inhibited HCV core-promoted tumor growth and distant lung metastasis in vivo. Collectively, these results demonstrated that HCV core induced EMT by interacting with the transcriptional repressor complex Snail/HDACs at the E-cadherin promoter, which led to E-cadherin repression and increased invasiveness of hepatoma cells. These findings increase understanding of factors regulating metastasis in hepatoma and may ultimately lead to the development of novel treatment strategies for HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
|
22
|
Virological Mechanisms in the Coinfection between HIV and HCV. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:320532. [PMID: 26494946 PMCID: PMC4606210 DOI: 10.1155/2015/320532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to shared transmission routes, coinfection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is common in patients infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The immune-pathogenesis of liver disease in HIV/HCV coinfected patients is a multifactorial process. Several studies demonstrated that HIV worsens the course of HCV infection, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Also, HCV might increase immunological defects due to HIV and risk of comorbidities. A specific cross-talk among HIV and HCV proteins in coinfected patients modulates the natural history, the immune responses, and the life cycle of both viruses. These effects are mediated by immune mechanisms and by a cross-talk between the two viruses which could interfere with host defense mechanisms. In this review, we focus on some virological/immunological mechanisms of the pathogenetic interactions between HIV and HCV in the human host.
Collapse
|
23
|
Zignego AL, Gragnani L, Piluso A, Sebastiani M, Giuggioli D, Fallahi P, Antonelli A, Ferri C. Virus-driven autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation: the example of HCV infection. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:15-31. [PMID: 25534977 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.997214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
HCV chronic infection is characterized by possible development of both hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations. The infection by this both hepatotropic and lymphotropic virus is responsible for polyoligoclonal B-lymphocyte expansion, leading to several immune-mediated disorders. Mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome that in some cases may evolve to frank B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the prototype of HCV-driven autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders. The HCV oncogenic potential has been suggested by several clinicoepidemiological and laboratory studies; it includes hepatocellular carcinoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and papillary thyroid cancer. The definition HCV syndrome refers to the complex of HCV-driven diseases; these latter are characterized by heterogeneous geographical distribution, suggesting a role of other important genetic and/or environmental cofactors. The natural history of HCV syndrome is the result of a multifactorial and multistep pathogenetic process, which may evolve from mild manifestations to systemic autoimmune disorders, and less frequently to malignant neoplasias. The present updated review analyzes the clinical and pathogenetic aspects of the main HCV-associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linda Zignego
- Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MASVE), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis and infects approximately three to four million people per year, about 170 million infected people in total, making it one of the major global health problems. In a minority of cases HCV is cleared spontaneously, but in most of the infected individuals infection progresses to a chronic state associated with high risk to develop liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, or liver failure. The treatment of HCV infection has evolved over the years. Interferon (IFN)-α in combination with ribavirin has been used for decades as standard therapy. More recently, a new standard-of-care treatment has been approved based on a triple combination with either HCV protease inhibitor telaprevir or boceprevir. In addition, various options for all-oral, IFN-free regimens are currently being evaluated. Despite substantial improvement of sustained virological response rates, some intrinsic limitations of these new direct-acting antivirals, including serious side effects, the risk of resistance development and high cost, urge the development of alternative or additional therapeutic strategies. Gene therapy represents a feasible alternative treatment. Small RNA technology, including RNA interference (RNAi) techniques and antisense approaches, is one of the potentially promising ways to investigate viral and host cell factors that are involved in HCV infection and replication. With this, newly developed gene therapy regimens will be provided to treat HCV. In this chapter, a comprehensive overview guides you through the current developments and applications of RNAi and microRNA-based gene therapy strategies in HCV treatment.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ho SH, Ng KP, Kaur H, Goh KL. Genotype 3 is the predominant hepatitis C genotype in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Malaysia. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2015; 14:281-6. [PMID: 26063029 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(15)60363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are distributed differently across the world. There is a paucity of such data in a multi-ethnic Asian population like Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes between major ethnic groups and to ascertain their association with basic demographic variables like age and gender. METHODS This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted from September 2007 to September 2013. Consecutive patients who were detected to have anti-HCV antibodies in the University of Malaya Medical Centre were included and tested for the presence of HCV RNA using Roche Cobas Amplicor Analyzer and HCV genotype using Roche single Linear Array HCV Genotyping strip. RESULTS Five hundred and ninety-six subjects were found to have positive anti-HCV antibodies during this period of time. However, only 396 (66.4%) were HCV RNA positive and included in the final analysis. Our results showed that HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype with overall frequency of 61.9% followed by genotypes 1 (35.9%), 2 (1.8%) and 6 (0.5%). There was a slightly higher prevalence of HCV genotype 3 among the Malays when compared to the Chinese (P=0.043). No other statistical significant differences were observed in the distribution of HCV genotypes among the major ethnic groups. There was also no association between the predominant genotypes and basic demographic variables. CONCLUSIONS In a multi-ethnic Asian society in Malaysia, genotype 3 is the predominant genotype among all the major ethnic groups with genotype 1 as the second commonest genotype. Both genotypes 2 and 6 are uncommon. Neither genotype 4 nor 5 was detected. There is no identification of HCV genotype according to ethnic origin, age and gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiaw-Hooi Ho
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Dai CY, Yeh ML, Huang CF, Hou CH, Hsieh MY, Huang JF, Lin IL, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Wang LY, Chuang WL, Yu ML, Tung HD. Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with insulin resistance and lipid profiles. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 30:879-84. [PMID: 23808794 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been suggested to be associated with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and lipid profiles. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationships of insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in Taiwan. METHODS We enrolled 160 hospital-based CHC patients with liver biopsy and the 480 controlled individuals without CHC and chronic hepatitis B from communities without known history of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), alanine aminotransferase, and serum insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) were tested. RESULTS When comparing factors between CHC patients, and sex- and age-matched controls who had no HCV infection, patients with HCV infection had a significantly higher alanine aminotransferase level, fasting plasma glucose level, insulin level, and HOMA-IR (P < 0.001, P = 0.023, P = 0.017, and P = 0.011, respectively), and significantly lower TG level (P = 0.023), total cholesterol, and HDL-C and LDL-C levels (all P < 0.001) than 480 controls. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, a low total cholesterol, a low TGs, and a high HOMA-IR are independent factors significantly associated with chronic HCV infection. In the 160 CHC patients (41 patients with high HOMA-IR [> 2.5]), a high body mass index, TGs, and HCV RNA level are independent factors significantly associated with high HOMA-IR in multivariate logistic analyses. CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV infection was associated with metabolic characteristics including IR and lipid profile. IR was also associated with virological characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Noreen S, Hussain I, Tariq MI, Ijaz B, Iqbal S, Qamar-ul-Zaman, Ashfaq UA, Husnain T. Portulaca oleracea L. as a Prospective Candidate Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Serine Protease. Viral Immunol 2015; 28:282-9. [PMID: 25871297 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2014.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health problem affecting about 300 million individuals. HCV causes chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. Many side effects are associated with the current treatment options. Natural products that can be used as anti-HCV drugs are thus of considerable potential significance. NS3 serine protease (NS3-SP) is a target for the screening of antiviral activity against HCV. The present work explores plants with anti-HCV potential, isolating possible lead compounds. Ten plants, used for medicinal purposes against different infections in rural areas of Pakistan, were collected. The cellular toxicity effects of methanolic extracts of the plants on the viability of Huh-7 cells were studied through the Trypan blue dye exclusion method. Following this, the anti-HCV potential of phytoextracts was assessed by infecting liver cells with HCV-3a-infected serum inoculum. Only the methanolic extract of Portulaca oleracea L. (PO) exhibited more than 70% inhibition. Four fractions were obtained through bioassay-guided extraction of PO. Subsequent inhibition of all organic extract fractions against NS3 serine protease was checked to track the specific target in the virus. The results showed that the PO methanolic crude and ethyl acetate extract specifically abridged the HCV NS3 protease expression in a dose-dependent fashion. Hence, PO extract and its constituents either alone or with interferon could offer a future option to treat chronic HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Noreen
- 1Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Ishtiaq Hussain
- 1Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | | | - Bushra Ijaz
- 2Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Iqbal
- 1Department of Chemistry, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Qamar-ul-Zaman
- 3Department of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- 4Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Tayyab Husnain
- 2Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Evaluation of canonical siRNA and Dicer substrate RNA for inhibition of hepatitis C virus genome replication--a comparative study. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117742. [PMID: 25705875 PMCID: PMC4338191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) frequently establishes persistent infections in the liver, leading to the development of chronic hepatitis and, potentially, to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma at later stages. The objective of this study was to test the ability of five Dicer substrate siRNAs (DsiRNA) to inhibit HCV replication and to compare these molecules to canonical 21 nt siRNA. DsiRNA molecules were designed to target five distinct regions of the HCV genome - the 5' UTR and the coding regions for NS3, NS4B, NS5A or NS5B. These molecules were transfected into Huh7.5 cells that stably harboured an HCV subgenomic replicon expressing a firefly luciferase/neoR reporter (SGR-Feo-JFH-1) and were also tested on HCVcc-infected cells. All of the DsiRNAs inhibited HCV replication in both the subgenomic system and HCVcc-infected cells. When DsiRNAs were transfected prior to infection with HCVcc, the inhibition levels reached 99.5%. When directly compared, canonical siRNA and DsiRNA exhibited similar potency of virus inhibition. Furthermore, both types of molecules exhibited similar dynamics of inhibition and frequencies of resistant mutants after 21 days of treatment. Thus, DsiRNA molecules are as potent as 21 nt siRNAs for the inhibition of HCV replication and may provide future approaches for HCV therapy if the emergence of resistant mutants can be addressed.
Collapse
|
29
|
Shahid I, ALMalki WH, Hafeez MH, Hassan S. Hepatitis C virus infection treatment: An era of game changer direct acting antivirals and novel treatment strategies. Crit Rev Microbiol 2014; 42:535-47. [PMID: 25373616 DOI: 10.3109/1040841x.2014.970123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and associated liver diseases represent a major health care burden all over the world. The current standard of care, i.e. peginterferon-alfa (PEG-IFNα) plus ribavirin (RBV) are associated with frequent and sometimes serious adverse effects and contraindications, which further limit their therapeutic efficacy. The approval of first and second generation HCV protease inhibitors represents a major breakthrough in the development of novel direct acting antivirals (DAAs) against different HCV genotypes and establishes a new standard of care for chronically infected HCV genotypes 1 patients. Similarly, next generation protease inhibitors and HCV RNA polymerase inhibitors have shown better pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in terms of broader HCV genotypes coverage, better safety profile, fewer drug interactions and possible once daily administration than first generation direct acting antivirals. The testing of adenovirus-based vector vaccines, which escalates the innate and acquired immune responses against the most conserved regions of the HCV genome in chimpanzees and humans, may be a promising therapeutic approach against HCV infection in coming future. This review article presents up-to-date knowledge and recent developments in HCV therapeutics, insights the shortcomings of current HCV therapies and key lessons from the therapeutic potential of improved anti-HCV treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shahid
- a Department of Molecular Biology , Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, CEMB, University of the Punjab , Near Thokar Niaz Baig , Lahore , Pakistan .,b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University , Al-Abidiyah , Makkah , Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Hassan ALMalki
- b Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University , Al-Abidiyah , Makkah , Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Hassan Hafeez
- c Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fatima Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine and Dentistry , Shadman , Lahore , Pakistan , and
| | - Sajida Hassan
- a Department of Molecular Biology , Applied and Functional Genomics Lab, CEMB, University of the Punjab , Near Thokar Niaz Baig , Lahore , Pakistan .,d Viral Hepatitis Program, Laboratory of Medicine, University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lee HS, Lim YS, Park EM, Baek SH, Hwang SB. SUMOylation of nonstructural 5A protein regulates hepatitis C virus replication. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:e108-17. [PMID: 24602294 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viruses exploit cellular SUMOylation machinery to favour their own propagation. We show that NS5A is a target protein of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and is SUMOylated at lysine residue 348. We demonstrated that SUMOylation increased protein stability of NS5A by inhibiting ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation was also required for protein interaction with NS5B. These data imply that SUMO modification may contribute to HCV replication. Indeed, silencing of UBC9 impaired HCV replication in Jc1-infected cells, and HCV replication level was also significantly reduced in SUMO-defective subgenomic replicon cells. Taken together, these data indicate that HCV replication is regulated by SUMO modification of NS5A protein. We provide evidence for the first time that HCV exploits host cellular SUMO modification system to favour its own replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H S Lee
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sebastiani G, Gkouvatsos K, Pantopoulos K. Chronic hepatitis C and liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11033-11053. [PMID: 25170193 PMCID: PMC4145747 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i32.11033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide and predisposes to liver fibrosis and end-stage liver complications. Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, and is considered as a wound healing response to chronic liver injury. Its staging is critical for the management and prognosis of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, whose number is expected to rise over the next decades, posing a major health care challenge. This review provides a brief update on HCV epidemiology, summarizes basic mechanistic concepts of HCV-dependent liver fibrogenesis, and discusses methods for assessment of liver fibrosis that are routinely used in clinical practice. Liver biopsy was until recently considered as the gold standard to diagnose and stage liver fibrosis. However, its invasiveness and drawbacks led to the development of non-invasive methods, which include serum biomarkers, transient elastography and combination algorithms. Clinical studies with CHC patients demonstrated that non-invasive methods are in most cases accurate for diagnosis and for monitoring liver disease complications. Moreover, they have a high prognostic value and are cost-effective. Non-invasive methods for assessment of liver fibrosis are gradually being incorporated into new guidelines and are becoming standard of care, which significantly reduces the need for liver biopsy.
Collapse
|
32
|
Swaminathan G, Pascual D, Rival G, Perales-Linares R, Martin-Garcia J, Navas-Martin S. Hepatitis C virus core protein enhances HIV-1 replication in human macrophages through TLR2, JNK, and MEK1/2-dependent upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:3501-10. [PMID: 25131930 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite their differential cell tropisms, HIV-1 and HCV dramatically influence disease progression in coinfected patients. Macrophages are important target cells of HIV-1. We hypothesized that secreted HCV core protein might modulate HIV-1 replication. We demonstrate that HCV core significantly enhances HIV-1 replication in human macrophages by upregulating TNF-α and IL-6 via TLR2-, JNK-, and MEK1/2-dependent pathways. Furthermore, we show that TNF-α and IL-6 secreted from HCV core-treated macrophages reactivates monocytic U1 cells latently infected with HIV-1. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized role of HCV core by enhancing HIV-1 infection in macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Swaminathan
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Daniel Pascual
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Master of Science in Forensic Science Program, Professional Studies in the Health Sciences, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Germaine Rival
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Master of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Program, Professional Studies in the Health Sciences, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Renzo Perales-Linares
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Julio Martin-Garcia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Sonia Navas-Martin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA; Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ali L, Idrees M, Ali M, Hussain A, Ur Rehman I, Ali A, Iqbal SA, Kamel EH. Inhibitory effect of kaolin minerals compound against hepatitis C virus in Huh-7 cell lines. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:247. [PMID: 24742271 PMCID: PMC3996148 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to infect 200 million individuals in the globe, including approximately 10 million in Pakistan causing both acute and chronic hepatitis. The standard treatment against HCV is pegylated interferon therapy in combination with a nucleoside analogue ribavirin. In addition, several herbal extracts and phytochemicals derivatives are used traditionally in the treatment of liver diseases as well as HCV infection. The present study determines the inhibitory effect of kaolin minerals compound against hepatitis C virus in Huh-7 cell lines. Methods Huh-7 cell lines were used for the in vitro HCV replication by using HCV positive sera from different patients with known HCV genotypes and viral titer/load. Total RNA was extracted from these infected cells and was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The viral titer was compared with the control samples to determine the anti-HCV activity of kaolin derived compounds. Kaolin is a group of clay minerals, with the chemical composition Al2 Si2O5 (OH)4. Results The results showed promising effectiveness of local kaolin derived anti-HCV compounds by causing 28% to 77% decrease in the HCV titer, when applied to infected Huh-7 cell lines. This study provides the basis for future work on these compounds especially to determine the specific pathway and mechanism for inhibitory action in the replicon systems of viral hepatitis. Conclusions Kaolin mineral derivatives show promising inhibitory effects against HCV genotypes 3a and 1a infection, which suggests its possible use as complementary and alternative medicine for HCV viral infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Idrees
- Division of Molecular Virology, National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 87-West Canal bank Road, Thoker Niaz baig, Lahore 53700, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
XU XIAODONG, YU XIAOJIE, DENG XIAOZHAO, YUE MING, ZHANG JINHAI, ZHU DANYAN, ZHOU ZHENXIAN, ZHAI XIANGJUN, XU KE, ZHANG YUN. Hepatitis C virus alternate reading frame protein decreases interferon-α secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 9:730-736. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2013.1816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
|
35
|
Benzoubir N, Lejamtel C, Battaglia S, Testoni B, Benassi B, Gondeau C, Perrin-Cocon L, Desterke C, Thiers V, Samuel D, Levrero M, Bréchot C, Bourgeade MF. HCV core-mediated activation of latent TGF-β via thrombospondin drives the crosstalk between hepatocytes and stromal environment. J Hepatol 2013; 59:1160-8. [PMID: 23928402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The mechanisms by which fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develop during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are not fully understood. We previously observed that HCV core protein induced a TGF-β-dependent epithelial mesenchymal transition, a process contributing to the promotion of cell invasion and metastasis by impacting TGF-β1 signalling. Here we investigated HCV core capacity to drive increased expression of the active form of TGF-β1n transgenic mice and hepatoma cell lines. METHODS We used an in vivo model of HCV core expressing transgenic mice. RESULTS We observed that about 50% of genes deregulated by core protein expression were TGF-β1 target genes. Active TGF-β levels were increased in HCV core transgenic mouse livers. Overexpression of core protein in hepatoma cells increased active TGF-β levels in culture supernatants and induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation, thus reflecting activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, our data showed the implication of thrombospondin-1 in core-dependent TGF-β activation. Finally, hepatoma cells expressing HCV core could activate stellate cells in co-culture and this activation was TGF-β dependent. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data delineate a novel paradigm where HCV may be related to liver pathogenesis through its ability to induce a local, intrahepatic TGF-β activation. They argue for a dual impact of HCV core on liver fibrosis and liver carcinogenesis: HCV core could act both as autocrine and paracrine factor modulating TGF-β responses within hepatocytes and in stromal environment through TGF-β activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nassima Benzoubir
- INSERM U785, Villejuif F-94800, France; Univ Paris-Sud, UMR-S 785, Villejuif F-94800, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Xu X, Yu X, Deng X, Yue M, Zhang J, Zhu D, Zhou Z, Zhai X, Xu K, Zhang Y. Hepatitis C virus alternate reading frame protein decreases interferon-α secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Mol Med Rep 2013; 9:730-6. [PMID: 24270940 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2013.1816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) alternate reading frame protein (ARFP or F protein) of the HCV 1b genotype is a double-frameshift product of the HCV core protein (Core). The discovery of HCV F protein challenges various biological functions attributed to Core. However, the specific characteristics of the host cellular immune response to F protein during HCV infection have yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study investigated the cytokine response to HCV Core or F protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) from patients with chronic HCV and healthy donors in vitro. The results demonstrated that the levels of interferon (IFN)-α, analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, secreted by PBMCs in patients positive for the anti-F protein antibody, were lower than those of patients negative for the anti-F protein antibody. Moreover, the frequency of PDCs in patients negative for the anti-F protein antibody, were higher than in the group positive for the anti-F protein antibody. Furthermore, HCV F protein and Core not only inhibited specific unmethylated CpG oligonucleotide sequences of type A (CpG‑A)-induced IFN-α production by PBMCs and PDCs, but also upregulated the production of interleukin (IL)-10 by PBMCs in patients with chronic HCV and healthy controls. Notably, following neutralization of IL-10 in the media and in vitro Core or F protein stimulation, levels of IFN-α were increased. Moreover, the results revealed that the roles of F protein and Core were similar with regard to the induction of apoptosis of PDCs in patients with chronic HCV. These findings suggest that F protein may inhibit PBMC IFN-α secretion by regulating the production of IL-10, and may contribute to an increase in the rates of apoptosis in PDCs. In conclusion, the results have revealed a potential involvement of F protein in the mechanisms of chronic hepatitis C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojie Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhao Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Ming Yue
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jinhai Zhang
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Danyan Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Zhenxian Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210003, P.R. China
| | - Xiangjun Zhai
- Department of Acute Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Acute Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Huadong Research Institute for Medicine and Biotechnics, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Khaliq S, Latief N, Jahan S. Role of different regions of the hepatitis C virus genome in the therapeutic response to interferon-based treatment. Arch Virol 2013; 159:1-15. [PMID: 23851652 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered a significant risk factor in HCV-induced liver diseases and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nucleotide substitutions in the viral genome result in its diversification into quasispecies, subtypes and distinct genotypes. Different genotypes vary in their infectivity and immune response due to these nucleotide/amino acid variations. The current combination treatment for HCV infection is pegylated interferon α (PEG-IFN-α) with ribavirin, with a highly variable response rate mainly depending upon the HCV genotype. Genotypes 2 and 3 are found to respond better than genotypes 1 and 4, which are more resistant to IFN-based therapies. Different studies have been conducted worldwide to explore the basis of this difference in therapy response, which identified some putative regions in the HCV genome, especially in Core and NS5a, and to some extent in the E2 region, containing specific sequences in different genotypes that act differently with respect to the IFN response. In the review, we try to summarize the role of HCV proteins and their nucleotide sequences in association with treatment outcome in IFN-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Khaliq
- Department of Immunology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Li D, Dong H, Li S, Munir M, Chen J, Luo Y, Sun Y, Liu L, Qiu HJ. Hemoglobin subunit beta interacts with the capsid protein and antagonizes the growth of classical swine fever virus. J Virol 2013; 87:5707-17. [PMID: 23487454 PMCID: PMC3648164 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03130-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The capsid (C) protein of the Flaviviridae family members is involved in nucleocapsid formation and virion assembly. However, the influence of C protein-interacting partners on the outcome of pestivirus infections is poorly defined. In this study, hemoglobin subunit beta (HB) was identified as a C protein-binding protein by glutathione S-transferase pulldown and subsequent mass spectrometry analysis of PK-15 cells, which are permissive cells for classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Coimmunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy confirmed that HB interacts and colocalizes with the C protein in the cytoplasm. Silencing of HB with small interfering RNAs promoted CSFV growth and replication, whereas overexpression of HB suppressed CSFV replication and growth. Interestingly, HB was found to interact with retinoic acid-inducible gene I and increase its expression, resulting in increased production of type I interferon (IFN). However, HB was unable to suppress CSFV growth when the RIG-I pathway was blocked. Overall, our results suggest that cellular HB antagonizes CSFV growth and replication by triggering IFN signaling, and might represent a novel antiviral restriction factor. This study reports for the first time the novel role of HB in innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Hong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Su Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Muhammad Munir
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jianing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yuzi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Virology, Immunobiology and Parasitology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hua-Ji Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
AlMalki WH. HCV infection: an enigma, recent advances and new paradigms for its treatment. Future Virol 2013. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.13.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
HCV infection is a serious human liver health problem and has infected 200 million people worldwide. Persistent HCV infection can lead to chronic hepatitis C, which is a significant risk of serious hepatic diseases such as hepatic steatosis, hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The current standard-of-care options to treat HCV infection are limited, expensive and produce side effects in infected patients that often cause termination of the therapy. Recently, the approval of direct-acting antivirals represents a major breakthrough for the improvement of treatment strategies against chronic HCV infection. Similarly, the development of more effective, safe and well-tolerated interferon therapy is opening a new era in HCV therapeutics. Moreover, a new vaccine technology has been tested in mice for its therapeutic efficacy against the most conserved regions of the HCV genome. This review article will focus on the recent advances in HCV therapeutics and discuss new paradigms to develop the most convenient drugs and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Hassan AlMalki
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, PO Box 13578, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 3 by hepatitis C virus core protein. J Virol 2013; 87:5718-31. [PMID: 23487458 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03353-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly dependent on cellular proteins for its own propagation. In order to identify the cellular factors involved in HCV propagation, we performed protein microarray assays using the HCV core protein as a probe. Of ~9,000 host proteins immobilized in a microarray, approximately 100 cellular proteins were identified as HCV core-interacting partners. Of these candidates, mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPKAPK3) was selected for further characterization. MAPKAPK3 is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is activated by stress and growth inducers. Binding of HCV core to MAPKAPK3 was confirmed by in vitro pulldown assay and further verified by coimmunoprecipitation assay. HCV core protein interacted with MAPKAPK3 through amino acid residues 41 to 75 of core and the N-terminal half of kinase domain of MAPKAPK3. In addition, both RNA and protein levels of MAPKAPK3 were elevated in both HCV subgenomic replicon cells and cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells. Silencing of MAPKAPK3 expression resulted in decreases in both protein and HCV infectivity levels but not in the intracellular HCV RNA level. We showed that MAPKAPK3 increased HCV IRES-mediated translation and MAPKAPK3-dependent HCV IRES activity was further increased by core protein. These data suggest that HCV core may modulate MAPKAPK3 to facilitate its own propagation.
Collapse
|
42
|
Chen KJ, Tseng CK, Chang FR, Yang JI, Yeh CC, Chen WC, Wu SF, Chang HW, Lee JC. Aqueous extract of the edible Gracilaria tenuistipitata inhibits hepatitis C viral replication via cyclooxygenase-2 suppression and reduces virus-induced inflammation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57704. [PMID: 23469054 PMCID: PMC3585194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important human pathogen leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. Using an in vitro cell-based HCV replicon and JFH-1 infection system, we demonstrated that an aqueous extract of the seaweed Gracilaria tenuistipitata (AEGT) concentration-dependently inhibited HCV replication at nontoxic concentrations. AEGT synergistically enhanced interferon-α (IFN-α) anti-HCV activity in a combination treatment. We found that AEGT also significantly suppressed virus-induced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression at promoter transactivation and protein levels. Notably, addition of exogenous COX-2 expression in AEGT-treated HCV replicon cells gradually abolished AEGT anti-HCV activity, suggesting that COX-2 down-regulation was responsible for AEGT antiviral effects. Furthermore, we highlighted the inhibitory effect of AEGT in HCV-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression such as the expression of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inducible nitrite oxide synthase and COX-2 in a concentration-dependent manner to evaluate the potential therapeutic supplement in the management of patients with chronic HCV infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Jen Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shahid I, Gull S, Ijaz B, Ahmad W, Ansar M, Asad S, Kausar H, Sarwar MT, Khan MK, Hassan S. Stable Huh-7 cell lines expressing non-structural proteins of genotype 1a of hepatitis C virus. J Virol Methods 2013; 189:65-9. [PMID: 23352716 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 12/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has infected approximately 3% of the world population. HCV genotype 1a is distributed throughout the world, and along with genotype 1b, is relatively resistant to current standards of therapy compared to other HCV genotypes. The present study was designed to produce stable Huh-7 cell lines expressing non-structural proteins of HCV genotype la, representing an in vitro system to facilitate the development of new antiviral drugs against chronic HCV infection. The non-structural genes of HCV genotype 1a were amplified and cloned in a mammalian expression vector pCR 3.1/FIagTag. Huh-7 cells were transfected with one of two expression plasmids, the first containing the NS2, NS3, and NS4a cassette, and second containing the NS5a and NS5b genes. Stable cell lines were produced under the selection of gentamycin (G418). mRNA and protein expression analysis was performed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The RT-PCR and Western blot results confirmed the stable expression of each of the gene products. Stable Huh-7 cell lines with HCV la non-structural proteins may be helpful for evaluating the role of HCV proteins in molecular pathogenesis, and could facilitate the development of new therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Shahid
- Applied and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, 53700 Lahore, Pakistan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Lucidone suppresses hepatitis C virus replication by Nrf2-mediated heme oxygenase-1 induction. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 57:1180-91. [PMID: 23254429 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02053-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon screening of plant-derived natural products against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the replicon system, we demonstrate that lucidone, a phytocompound, isolated from the fruits of Lindera erythrocarpa Makino, significantly suppressed HCV RNA levels with 50% effective concentrations of 15 ± 0.5 μM and 20 ± 1.1 μM in HCV replicon and JFH-1 infectious assays, respectively. There was no significant cytotoxicity observed at high concentrations, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration of 620 ± 5 μM. In addition, lucidone significantly induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) production and led to the increase of its product biliverdin for inducing antiviral interferon response and inhibiting HCV NS3/4A protease activity. Conversely, the anti-HCV activity of lucidone was abrogated by blocking HO-1 activity or silencing gene expression of HO-1 or NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the presence of lucidone, indicating that the anti-HCV action of lucidone was due to the stimulation of Nrf-2-mediated HO-1 expression. Moreover, the combination of lucidone and alpha interferon, the protease inhibitor telaprevir, the NS5A inhibitor BMS-790052, or the NS5B polymerase inhibitor PSI-7977, synergistically suppressed HCV RNA replication. These findings suggest that lucidone could be a potential lead or supplement for the development of new anti-HCV agent in the future.
Collapse
|
45
|
Motavaf M, Safari S, Alavian SM. Therapeutic potential of RNA interference: a new molecular approach to antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:757-65. [PMID: 23043382 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated 170 million carriers worldwide. Current treatments have significant side effects and have met with only partial success. Therefore, alternative antiviral drugs that efficiently block virus production are needed. During recent decades, RNA interference (RNAi) technology has not only become a powerful tool for functional genomics but also represents a new therapeutic approach for treating human diseases including viral infections. RNAi is a sequence-specific and post-transcriptional gene silencing process mediated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). As the HCV genome is a single-stranded RNA that functions as both a messenger RNA (mRNA) and replication template, it is an attractive target for the study of RNAi-based viral therapies. In this review, we will give a brief overview about the history and current status of RNAi and focus on its potential application as a therapeutic option for treatment for HCV infection.
Collapse
|
46
|
Zignego AL, Giannini C, Gragnani L, Piluso A, Fognani E. Hepatitis C virus infection in the immunocompromised host: a complex scenario with variable clinical impact. J Transl Med 2012; 10:158. [PMID: 22863056 PMCID: PMC3441205 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The relationship between Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and immunosuppression is complex and multifaceted. Although HCV-related hepatocytolysis is classically interpreted as secondary to the attack by cytotoxic T lymphocytes against infected cells, the liver disease is usually exacerbated and more rapidly evolutive in immunosuppressed patients. This generally occurs during the immunosuppression state, and not at the reconstitution of the host response after immunosuppressive therapy discontinuation. The field of immunosuppression and HCV infection is complicated both by the different outcome observed in different situations and/or by contrasting data obtained in the same conditions, with several still unanswered questions, such as the opportunity to modify treatment schedules in the setting of post-transplant follow-up. The complexity of this field is further complicated by the intrinsic tendency of HCV infection in itself to lead to disorders of the immune system. This review will briefly outline the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of both hepatic and extrahepatic HCV-related disorders and the principal available data concerning HCV infection in a condition of impairment of the immune system. Attention will be especially focused on some conditions - liver or kidney transplantation, the use of biologic drugs and cancer chemotherapy - for which more abundant and interesting data exist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linda Zignego
- Center for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MASVE), Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Halil Kili I, Meltem Kor M, Ozaslan M, Didem Kara I, Zer Y, Koruk M, Uyar C, Guler I. Mutation Analysis of Protein Kinase Binding Domain of HCV NS5A Gene Isolated
from Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. INT J PHARMACOL 2012. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2012.519.526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
48
|
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health problem because of its worldwide diffusion and sequelae. It is not only a hepatotropic but also a lymphotropic agent and is responsible not only for liver injury--potentially evolving to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma--but also for a series of sometimes severely disabling extrahepatic diseases and, in particular, B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. These latter range from benign, but prelymphomatous conditions, like mixed cryoglobulinemia, to frank lymphomas. Analogously with Helicobacter pylori related lymphomagenesis, the study of the effects of viral eradication confirmed the etiopathogenetic role of HCV and showed it is an ideal model for better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. Concerning these latter, several hypotheses have been proposed over the past two decades which are not mutually exclusive. These hypotheses have variously emphasized the important role played by sustained stimulation of the immune system by HCV, infection of the lymphatic cells, viral proteins, chromosomal aberrations, cytokines, or microRNA molecules. In this paper we describe the main hypotheses that have been proposed with the corresponding principal supporting data.
Collapse
|
49
|
Lee J, Lim S, Kang SM, Min S, Son K, Lee HS, Park EM, Ngo HTT, Tran HTL, Lim YS, Hwang SB. Saponin inhibits hepatitis C virus propagation by up-regulating suppressor of cytokine signaling 2. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39366. [PMID: 22745742 PMCID: PMC3379970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Saponins are a group of naturally occurring plant glycosides which possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-tumorigenic and antiviral activities. To investigate whether saponin has anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity, we examined the effect of saponin on HCV replication. HCV replication was efficiently inhibited at a concentration of 10 µg/ml of saponin in cell culture grown HCV (HCVcc)-infected cells. Inhibitory effect of saponin on HCV replication was verified by quantitative real-time PCR, reporter assay, and immunoblot analysis. In addition, saponin potentiated IFN-α-induced anti-HCV activity. Moreover, saponin exerted antiviral activity even in IFN-α resistant mutant HCVcc-infected cells. To investigate how cellular genes were regulated by saponin, we performed microarray analysis using HCVcc-infected cells. We demonstrated that suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) protein level was distinctively increased by saponin, which in turn resulted in inhibition of HCV replication. We further showed that silencing of SOCS2 resurrected HCV replication and overexpression of SOCS2 suppressed HCV replication. These data imply that saponin inhibits HCV replication via SOCS2 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that saponin may be a potent therapeutic agent for HCV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Lee
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Seri Lim
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Sang-Min Kang
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Saehong Min
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Kidong Son
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Han Sol Lee
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Eun Mee Park
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Huong T. T. Ngo
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Huong T. L. Tran
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Yun-Sook Lim
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
| | - Soon B. Hwang
- National Research Laboratory of Hepatitis C Virus, Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Korea
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Karamitros T, Kakkanas A, Katsoulidou A, Sypsa V, Dalagiorgou G, Mavromara P, Hatzakis A. Detection of specific antibodies to HCV-ARF/CORE+1 protein in patients treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:182-8. [PMID: 22329372 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2011.01502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause for chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HCV-ARF/core+1 protein is an alternative product of HCV core-encoding sequence of unknown biological function. Highly purified HCV core and ARF/core+1 recombinant proteins from HCV genotype 1a and HCV-ARF/core+1 recombinant protein from HCV genotype 3a were expressed in Escherichia coli. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we assessed the prevalence of anti-ARF/core+1 antibodies in 90 chronic hepatitis C patients infected with HCV genotypes 1a/1b or 3a, treated with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN-a-2a) plus ribavirin. Samples derived from 92 healthy blood donors were used as negative controls. All HCV-RNA-positive serum samples reacted with core 1a antigen, while 15 (37.5%) of 40 and 14 (28%) of 50 patients infected with HCV-1a/1b and HCV-3a, respectively, were found to have anti-ARF/core+1 antibodies into their serum before treatment initiation. These antibodies were persistently present during treatment follow-up and linked to elevated levels of HCV-RNA at baseline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Karamitros
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|