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Viswanathan U, Mani N, Hu Z, Ban H, Du Y, Hu J, Chang J, Guo JT. Targeting the multifunctional HBV core protein as a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104917. [PMID: 32818519 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The core (capsid) protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the building block of nucleocapsids where viral DNA reverse transcriptional replication takes place and mediates virus-host cell interaction important for the persistence of HBV infection. The pleiotropic role of core protein (Cp) in HBV replication makes it an attractive target for antiviral therapies of chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects more than 257 million people worldwide without a cure. Recent clinical studies indicate that core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) have a great promise as a key component of hepatitis B curative therapies. Particularly, it has been demonstrated that modulation of Cp dimer-dimer interactions by several chemical series of CpAMs not only inhibit nucleocapsid assembly and viral DNA replication, but also induce the disassembly of double-stranded DNA-containing nucleocapsids to prevent the synthesis of cccDNA. Moreover, the different chemotypes of CpAMs modulate Cp assembly by interaction with distinct amino acid residues at the HAP pocket between Cp dimer-dimer interfaces, which results in the assembly of Cp dimers into either non-capsid Cp polymers (type I CpAMs) or empty capsids with distinct physical property (type II CpAMs). The different CpAMs also differentially modulate Cp metabolism and subcellular distribution, which may impact cccDNA metabolism and host antiviral immune responses, the critical factors for the cure of chronic HBV infection. This review article highlights the recent research progress on the structure and function of core protein in HBV replication cycle, the mode of action of CpAMs, as well as the current status and perspectives on the discovery and development of core protein-targeting antivirals. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Wide-ranging immune and direct-acting antiviral approaches to curing HBV and HDV infections."
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Viswanathan
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jin Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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102
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Park YK, Lee SY, Lee AR, Kim K, Kim K, Kim K, Choi B. Antiviral activity of interferon-stimulated gene 20, as a putative repressor binding to hepatitis B virus enhancer II and core promoter. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:1426-1436. [PMID: 31951295 PMCID: PMC7497004 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Interferon-stimulated gene 20 (ISG20) is an interferon-inducible exonuclease that inhibits the replication of several RNA viruses. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, ISG20 expression is related to the interferon-α treatment response. However, the molecular mechanism of ISG20-mediated anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity is unclear. METHODS We have investigated the effect of ISG20 on antiviral activity to address that. The life cycle of HBV was analyzed by the ectopic expression of ISG20 in HepG2 and HepG2-NTCP cells. Finally, to provide physiological relevance of our study, the expression of ISG20 from chronic hepatitis B patients was examined. RESULTS Interferon-stimulated gene 20 was mainly induced by interferon-β and dramatically inhibited HBV replication. In addition, ISG20 decreased HBV gene expression and transcription. Although ISG20 inhibited HBV replication by reducing viral enhancer activity, the expression of transcription factors that bind the HBV enhancer was not affected. Particularly, ISG20 suppressed HBV enhancer activity by binding to the enhancer II and core promoter (EnhII/Cp) region. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ISG20 exerts the anti-HBV activity by acting as a putative repressor binding to the HBV EnhII/Cp region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Kwang Park
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Ah Ram Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of MedicineKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Kyung‐Chang Kim
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Kisoon Kim
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Kyun‐Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of MedicineKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Byeong‐Sun Choi
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
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103
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Hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance: Immune mechanisms, clinical impact, importance for drug development. J Hepatol 2020; 73:409-422. [PMID: 32333923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
HBsAg seroclearance occurs rarely in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Many factors are associated with HBsAg seroconversion, including immune and viral factors. However, the immune mechanisms associated with HBsAg seroclearance are still difficult to elucidate. HBsAg seroclearance is the ideal aim of HBV treatment. Unfortunately, this goal is rarely achieved with current treatments. Understanding the mechanisms of HBsAg loss appears to be important for the development of curative HBV treatments. While studies from animal models give insights into the potential immune mechanisms and interactions occurring between the immune system and HBsAg, they do not recapitulate all features of CHB in humans and are subject to variability due to their complexity. In this article, we review recent studies on these immune factors, focusing on their influence on CHB progression and HBsAg seroconversion. These data provide new insights for the development of therapeutic approaches to partially restore the anti-HBV immune response. Targeting HBsAg will ideally relieve the immunosuppressive effects on the immune system and help to restore anti-HBV immune responses.
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104
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Xia Y, Guo H. Hepatitis B virus cccDNA: Formation, regulation and therapeutic potential. Antiviral Res 2020; 180:104824. [PMID: 32450266 PMCID: PMC7387223 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern worldwide with about 257 million individuals chronically infected. Current therapies can effectively control HBV replication and slow down disease progress, but cannot cure HBV infection. Upon infection, HBV establishes a pool of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. The cccDNA exists as a minichromosome and resists to antivirals, thus a therapeutic eradication of cccDNA from the infected cells remains unattainable. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying cccDNA formation and regulation, and discuss the possible strategies that may contribute to the eradication of HBV through targeting cccDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Haitao Guo
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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105
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Tseng CW, Wu SF, Chen CY, Ho YC, He YT, Tseng KC. Characteristics of regulatory T-cell function in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C coinfection. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:800-809. [PMID: 32243022 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) affect the pathogenesis and disease progression of chronic viral hepatitis. This study evaluated the frequency and function of Tregs in patients with chronic HBV/HCV coinfection. Seventy-four untreated HBV/HCV co-infected patients were enrolled in this study. These subjects were divided into four subgroups: HBV-active/HCV-active (BACA), HBV-inactive/HCV-active (BICA), HBV-active/HCV-inactive (BACI) and HBV-inactive/HCV-inactive (BICI). Treg frequency was calculated as the fraction of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells among CD4+ T cells. Treg-mediated inhibition was measured as percent of inhibition of T-cell proliferation. The expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 with/without Treg inhibition was also studied. Among the patients, there were 8 cases of BACA (10.8%), 38 of BICA (51.4%), 14 of BACI (18.9%) and 14 of BICI (18.9%). The frequency of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells was comparable between the four groups. The inhibitory function of Tregs among the patients in the BACA and BICA was higher than that in the BICI (BACA vs BICI, P = .0210; BICA vs BICI, P = .0301). Patients in the BACA and BICA had higher fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores and serum ALT levels and lower serum albumin levels than those of the other groups. ALT abnormality was significantly and independently associated with a higher Treg immunosuppressive ability. The IFN-γ expression of the effector T cells in the BACA was higher than that of the other groups. In conclusion, the inhibitory function of Tregs is higher among the HBV/HCV co-infected patients with active HCV infection. ALT abnormality plays a dominant role in Treg function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical FoundationChia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Che Ho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting He
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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106
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Janovec V, Hodek J, Clarova K, Hofman T, Dostalik P, Fronek J, Chlupac J, Chaperot L, Durand S, Baumert TF, Pichova I, Lubyova B, Hirsch I, Weber J. Toll-like receptor dual-acting agonists are potent inducers of PBMC-produced cytokines that inhibit hepatitis B virus production in primary human hepatocytes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12767. [PMID: 32728070 PMCID: PMC7392756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69614-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment functionally cures chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in some individuals and suppresses virus replication in hepatocytes infected in vitro. We studied the antiviral effect of conditioned media (CM) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with agonists of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 7, 8 and 9. We found that CM from PBMCs stimulated with dual-acting TLR7/8 (R848) and TLR2/7 (CL413) agonists were more potent drivers of inhibition of HBe and HBs antigen secretion from HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHH) than CM from PBMCs stimulated with single-acting TLR7 (CL264) or TLR9 (CpG-B) agonists. Inhibition of HBV in PHH did not correlate with the quantity of PBMC-produced IFN-α, but it was a complex function of multiple secreted cytokines. More importantly, we found that the CM that efficiently inhibited HBV production in freshly isolated PHH via various cytokine repertoires and mechanisms did not reduce covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA levels. We confirmed our data with a cell culture model based on HepG2-NTCP cells and the plasmacytoid dendritic cell line GEN2.2. Collectively, our data show the importance of dual-acting TLR agonists inducing broad cytokine repertoires. The development of poly-specific TLR agonists provides novel opportunities towards functional HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaclav Janovec
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 25150, Vestec, Czech Republic.,IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hodek
- IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Clarova
- IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Hofman
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 25150, Vestec, Czech Republic.,IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Dostalik
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 25150, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Fronek
- Transplantation Surgery Department, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Anatomy, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Chlupac
- Transplantation Surgery Department, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Anatomy, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 15006, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laurence Chaperot
- CNRS UMR5309, Inserm U1209, CHU Grenoble Alpes, IAB, EFS, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Sarah Durand
- Inserm, Institut de Recherche Sur Les Maladies Virales Et Hepatiques UMRS 1110, Universite de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, Institut de Recherche Sur Les Maladies Virales Et Hepatiques UMRS 1110, Universite de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.,Pole Hepato-Digestif, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Iva Pichova
- IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Lubyova
- IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ivan Hirsch
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 25150, Vestec, Czech Republic. .,IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Weber
- IOCB & Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic.
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107
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Gu Y, Lian Y, Zheng Q, Huang Z, Gu L, Bi Y, Li J, Huang Y, Wu Y, Chen L, Huang Y. Association among cytokine profiles of innate and adaptive immune responses and clinical-virological features in untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:509. [PMID: 32664850 PMCID: PMC7362653 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05233-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Complete clearance of intracellular viruses depends on effector cells of innate and adaptive immune systems. This study aimed to identify the relationships among antiviral cytokines produced by natural killer (NK) and T cells and clinical-virological characteristics in untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods We measured antiviral cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) produced by T, NK and natural killer T (NKT) cells, respectively, in a cohort with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). We also correlated these cytokines with clinical-virological characteristics using a linear regression model. Results levels of IFN-γ+ and TNF-α+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in immune active (IA) phase than in other phases. Immune tolerant (IT) patients showed the lowest expression of IFN-γ by NK and NKT cells, and TNF-α by NK cells. IFN-γ+, TNF-α+ and IL-2+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells frequencies were similar between IA and gray zone (GZ) phases. Principal component analysis based on cytokines confirmed that most IT patients significantly differed from inactive carriers (IC) and IA patients, while GZ patients were widely scattered. Multivariate analysis showed both T and NK cells producing IFN-γ and TNF-α, but not IL-2, had significant association with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Moreover, IFN-γ+ NKT cells were associated with HBV DNA, while IFN-γ+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were correlated with age. Conclusion HBV clinical phases are characterized by distinct cytokine signatures, which showed relationship to viral features in these untreated CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yifan Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Qiaolan Zheng
- Journal Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Zexuan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lin Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanhua Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yanlin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yuankai Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lubiao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
| | - Yuehua Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 600 Tian He Rd, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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108
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Lau KCK, Joshi SS, Mahoney DJ, Mason AL, van Marle G, Osiowy C, Coffin CS. Differences in HBV Replication, APOBEC3 Family Expression, and Inflammatory Cytokine Levels Between Wild-Type HBV and Pre-core (G1896A) or Basal Core Promoter (A1762T/G1764A) Mutants. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1653. [PMID: 32760388 PMCID: PMC7372132 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) world-wide. HBV variants, particularly the G1896A pre-core (PC) and A1762T/G1764A basal core promoter (BCP) mutations, are established risk factors for cirrhosis and HCC, but the molecular biological basis is unclear. We hypothesized that these variants result in differential HBV replication, APOBEC3 family expression, and cytokine/chemokine expression. Methods HepG2 cells were transfected with monomeric full-length containing wild-type, PC, or BCP HBV. Cells and supernatant were collected to analyze viral infection markers (i.e., HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA, and RNA). Cellular APOBEC3 expression and activity was assessed by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR, immunoblot, differential DNA denaturation PCR, and sequencing. Cytokine/chemokines in the supernatant and in serum from 11 CHB carriers (4 non-cirrhotic; 7 cirrhotic and/or HCC) with predominantly wild-type, PC, or BCP variants were evaluated by Luminex. Results HBeAg expression was reduced in PC and BCP variants, and higher supernatant HBV DNA and HBV RNA levels were found with A1762T/G1764A vs. G1896A mutant (p < 0.05). Increased APOBEC3G protein levels in wild-type vs. mutant were not associated with HBV covalently closed circular DNA G-to-A hypermutations. Differences in cytokine/chemokine expression in culture supernatants, especially IL-13 were observed amongst the variants analyzed. Noticeable increases of numerous cytokines/chemokines, including IL-4 and IL-8, were observed in ex vivo serum collected from CHB carriers with PC mutant. Conclusion HBV sequence variation leads to differences in HBV protein production (HBeAg) and viral replication in addition to altered host innate antiviral restriction factor (APOBEC3) and cytokine/chemokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith C K Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Shivali S Joshi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Andrew L Mason
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Guido van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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109
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Ligat G, Goto K, Verrier E, Baumert TF. Targeting Viral cccDNA for Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 19:235-244. [PMID: 36034467 PMCID: PMC7613435 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-020-00534-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a major cause of advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. HBV replication is characterized by the synthesis of covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA which is not targeted by antiviral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) the key modality of standard of care. While HBV replication is successfully suppressed in treated patients, they remain at risk for developing HCC. While functional cure, characterized by loss of HBsAg, is the first goal of novel antiviral therapies, curative treatments eliminating cccDNA remain the ultimate goal. This review summarizes recent advances in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic strategies and their impact on cccDNA biology. Recent Findings Within the last decade, substantial progress has been made in the understanding of cccDNA biology including the discovery of host dependency factors, epigenetic regulation of cccDNA transcription and immune-mediated degradation. Several approaches targeting cccDNA either in a direct or indirect manner are currently at the stage of discovery, preclinical or early clinical development. Examples include genome-editing approaches, strategies targeting host dependency factors or epigenetic gene regulation, nucleocapsid modulators and immune-mediated degradation. Summary While direct-targeting cccDNA strategies are still largely at the preclinical stage of development, capsid assembly modulators and immune-based approaches have reached the clinical phase. Clinical trials are ongoing to assess their efficacy and safety in patients including their impact on viral cccDNA. Combination therapies provide additional opportunities to overcome current limitations of individual approaches.
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110
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Liu L, Hou J, Xu Y, Qin L, Liu W, Zhang H, Li Y, Chen M, Deng M, Zhao B, Hu J, Zheng H, Li C, Meng S. PD-L1 upregulation by IFN-α/γ-mediated Stat1 suppresses anti-HBV T cell response. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228302. [PMID: 32628668 PMCID: PMC7337294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been recently shown to be a major obstacle to antiviral immunity by binding to its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) on specific IFN-γ producing T cells in chronic hepatitis B. Currently, IFN-α is widely used to treat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but its antiviral effect vary greatly and the mechanism is not totally clear. We found that IFN-α/γ induced a marked increase of PD-L1 expression in hepatocytes. Signal and activators of transcription (Stat1) was then identified as a major transcription factor involved in IFN-α/γ-mediated PD-L1 elevation both in vitro and in mice. Blockage of the PD-L1/PD-1 interaction by a specific mAb greatly enhanced HBV-specific T cell activity by the gp96 adjuvanted therapeutic vaccine, and promoted HBV clearance in HBV transgenic mice. Our results demonstrate the IFN-α/γ-Stat1-PD-L1 axis plays an important role in mediating T cell hyporesponsiveness and inactivating liver-infiltrating T cells in the hepatic microenvironment. These data raise further potential interest in enhancing the anti-HBV efficacy of IFN-α and therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- LanLan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - Junwei Hou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiu Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijuan Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mi Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huaguo Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Changfei Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (SM); (CL)
| | - Songdong Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Microbiology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (SM); (CL)
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111
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Haque M, Lei F, Xiong X, Ren Y, Kumar A, Das JK, Ren X, Fang D, de Figueiredo P, Yang JM, Song J. Stem Cell-Derived Viral Antigen-Specific T Cells Suppress HBV Replication through Production of IFN-γ and TNF-⍺. iScience 2020; 23:101333. [PMID: 32679546 PMCID: PMC7364173 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The viral antigen (Ag)-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), i.e., PSC-CTLs, have the ability to suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. After adoptive transfer, PSC-CTLs can infiltrate into the liver to suppress HBV replication. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which the viral Ag-specific PSC-CTLs provoke the antiviral response remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we generated the functional HBV surface Ag-specific CTLs from the induced PSC (iPSCs), i.e., iPSC-CTLs, and investigated the underlying mechanisms of the CTL-mediated antiviral replication in a murine model. We show that adoptive transfer of HBV surface Ag-specific iPSC-CTLs greatly suppressed HBV replication and prevented HBV surface Ag expression. We further demonstrate that the adoptive transfer significantly increased T cell accumulation and production of antiviral cytokines. These results indicate that stem cell-derived viral Ag-specific CTLs can robustly accumulate in the liver and suppress HBV replication through producing antiviral cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Haque
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Fengyang Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xiong
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Yijie Ren
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Jugal Kishore Das
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Xingcong Ren
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Paul de Figueiredo
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Jin-Ming Yang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, MREB II, Room 3344, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807, USA.
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112
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Bockmann JH, Stadler D, Xia Y, Ko C, Wettengel JM, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Dandri M, Protzer U. Comparative Analysis of the Antiviral Effects Mediated by Type I and III Interferons in Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Hepatocytes. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:567-577. [PMID: 30923817 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type III interferons (IFNs) (λ1-3) activate similar signaling cascades as type I IFNs (α and β) via different receptors. Since IFN-α and lymphotoxin-β activate cytosine deamination and subsequent purging of nuclear hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, we investigated whether IFN-β and -λ may also induce these antiviral effects in differentiated HBV-infected hepatocytes. METHODS After determining the biological activity of IFN-α2, -β1, -λ1, and -λ2 in differentiated hepatocytes, their antiviral effects were analyzed in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes and HepaRG cells. RESULTS Type I and III IFNs reduced nuclear open-circle DNA and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels in HBV-infected cells. IFN-β and -λ were at least as efficient as IFN-α. Differential DNA-denaturing polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis revealed G-to-A sequence alterations of HBV cccDNA in IFN-α, -β, and -λ-treated liver cells indicating deamination. All IFNs induced apolipoprotein B messenger RNA-editing enzyme-catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) deaminases 3A and 3G within 24 hours of treatment, but IFN-β and -λ induced longer-lasting expression of APOBEC deaminases in comparison to IFN-α. CONCLUSIONS IFN-β, IFN-λ1, and IFN-λ2 induce cccDNA deamination and degradation at least as efficiently as IFN-α, indicating that these antiviral cytokines are interesting candidates for the design of new therapeutic strategies aiming at cccDNA reduction and HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Hendrik Bockmann
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich.,I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| | - Daniela Stadler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich
| | - Yuchen Xia
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich.,State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | - Chunkyu Ko
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich and Hamburg partner sites, Germany
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113
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Jung S, Altstetter SM, Protzer U. Innate immune recognition and modulation in hepatitis D virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:2781-2791. [PMID: 32550754 PMCID: PMC7284172 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i21.2781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a global health threat with more than 15 million humans affected. Current treatment options are largely unsatisfactory leaving chronically infected humans at high risk to develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HDV is the only human satellite virus known. It encodes only two proteins, and requires Hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope protein expression for productive virion release and spread of the infection. How HDV could evolve and why HBV was selected as a helper virus remains unknown. Since the discovery of Na+-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide as the essential uptake receptor for HBV and HDV, we are beginning to understand the interactions of HDV and the immune system. While HBV is mostly regarded a stealth virus, that escapes innate immune recognition, HBV-HDV coinfection is characterized by a strong innate immune response. Cytoplasmic RNA sensor melanoma differentiation antigen 5 has been reported to recognize HDV RNA replication and activate innate immunity. Innate immunity, however, seems not to impair HDV replication while it inhibits HBV. In this review, we describe what is known up-to-date about the interplay between HBV as a helper and HDV’s immune evasion strategy and identify where additional research is required.
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MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Coinfection/complications
- Coinfection/immunology
- Coinfection/pathology
- Coinfection/virology
- Hepatitis B virus/genetics
- Hepatitis B virus/immunology
- Hepatitis B virus/metabolism
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/complications
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/virology
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/genetics
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/immunology
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/metabolism
- Hepatitis delta Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis delta Antigens/metabolism
- Humans
- Immune Evasion
- Immunity, Innate
- Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1/metabolism
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Liver Cirrhosis/immunology
- Liver Cirrhosis/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis/virology
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent/metabolism
- RNA, Viral/immunology
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Receptors, Pattern Recognition/immunology
- Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism
- Satellite Viruses/genetics
- Satellite Viruses/immunology
- Satellite Viruses/metabolism
- Symporters/metabolism
- Virus Replication/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jung
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich D-81675, Germany
| | | | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich D-81675, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich D-81675, Germany
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114
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Spyrou E, Smith CI, Ghany MG. Hepatitis B: Current Status of Therapy and Future Therapies. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2020; 49:215-238. [PMID: 32389360 PMCID: PMC7444867 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of a protective vaccine for over 3 decades, the number of persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains high. These persons are at risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatment is effective at inhibiting viral replication and reducing complications of chronic HBV infection, but is not curative. There is a need for novel, finite therapy that can cure chronic HBV infection. Several agents are in early-phase development and can be broadly viewed as agents that target the virus directly or indirectly or the host immune response. This article highlights key developments in antiviral/immunomodulatory therapy, the rationale for these approaches, and possible therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Spyrou
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA,Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute, INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Coleman I. Smith
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marc G. Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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115
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Ezzikouri S, Hoque Kayesh ME, Benjelloun S, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Targeting Host Innate and Adaptive Immunity to Achieve the Functional Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020216. [PMID: 32403281 PMCID: PMC7349973 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of an effective preventive vaccine for hepatitis B virus (HBV) for over 38 years, chronic HBV (CHB) infection remains a global health burden with around 257 million patients. The ideal treatment goal for CHB infection would be to achieve complete cure; however, current therapies such as peg-interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogs are unable to achieve the functional cure, the newly set target for HBV chronic infection. Considering the fact functional cure has been accepted as an endpoint in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B by scientific committee, the development of alternative therapeutic strategies is urgently needed to functionally cure CHB infection. A promising target for future therapeutic strategies is immune modulation to restore dysfunctional HBV-specific immunity. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in alternative therapeutic strategies, including immune-based therapeutic approaches that enhance host innate and adaptive immunity to achieve and increase the functional cure from CHB infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco;
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Correspondence: (S.E.); (K.T.-K.); Tel.: +212-5-2243-4470 (S.E.); Tel./Fax: +81-99-285-3589 (K.T.-K.)
| | - Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Soumaya Benjelloun
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca 20250, Morocco;
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Correspondence: (S.E.); (K.T.-K.); Tel.: +212-5-2243-4470 (S.E.); Tel./Fax: +81-99-285-3589 (K.T.-K.)
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116
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Michler T, Kosinska AD, Festag J, Bunse T, Su J, Ringelhan M, Imhof H, Grimm D, Steiger K, Mogler C, Heikenwalder M, Michel ML, Guzman CA, Milstein S, Sepp-Lorenzino L, Knolle P, Protzer U. Knockdown of Virus Antigen Expression Increases Therapeutic Vaccine Efficacy in High-Titer Hepatitis B Virus Carrier Mice. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1762-1775.e9. [PMID: 32001321 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection persists because the virus-specific immune response is dysfunctional. Therapeutic vaccines might be used to end immune tolerance to the virus in patients with chronic infection, but these have not been effective in patients so far. In patients with chronic HBV infection, high levels of virus antigens might prevent induction of HBV-specific immune responses. We investigated whether knocking down expression levels of HBV antigens in liver might increase the efficacy of HBV vaccines in mice. METHODS We performed studies with male C57BL/6 mice that persistently replicate HBV (genotype D, serotype ayw)-either from a transgene or after infection with an adeno-associated virus that transferred an overlength HBV genome-and expressed HB surface antigen at levels relevant to patients. Small hairpin or small interfering (si)RNAs against the common 3'-end of all HBV transcripts were used to knock down antigen expression in mouse hepatocytes. siRNAs were chemically stabilized and conjugated to N-acetylgalactosamine to increase liver uptake. Control mice were given either entecavir or non-HBV-specific siRNAs and vaccine components. Eight to 12 weeks later, mice were immunized twice with a mixture of adjuvanted HBV S and core antigen, followed by a modified Vaccinia virus Ankara vector to induce HBV-specific B- and T-cell responses. Serum and liver samples were collected and analyzed for HBV-specific immune responses, liver damage, and viral parameters. RESULTS In both models of HBV infection, mice that express hepatocyte-specific small hairpin RNAs or that were given subcutaneous injections of siRNAs had reduced levels of HBV antigens, HBV replication, and viremia (1-3 log10 reduction) compared to mice given control RNAs. Vaccination induced production of HBV-neutralizing antibodies and increased numbers and functionality of HBV-specific, CD8+ T cells in mice with low, but not in mice with high, levels of HBV antigen. Mice with initially high titers of HBV and knockdown of HBV antigen expression, but not mice with reduced viremia after administration of entecavir, developed polyfunctional, HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, and HBV was eliminated. CONCLUSIONS In mice with high levels of HBV replication, knockdown of HBV antigen expression along with a therapeutic vaccination strategy, but not knockdown alone, increased numbers of effector T cells and eliminated the virus. These findings indicate that high titers of virus antigens reduce the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination. Anti-HBV siRNAs and therapeutic vaccines are each being tested in clinical trials-their combination might cure chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna D Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Festag
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany
| | - Till Bunse
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jinpeng Su
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany
| | - Marc Ringelhan
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Münich, Germany
| | - Hortenzia Imhof
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany
| | - Dirk Grimm
- German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases/Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, BioQuant, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Münich, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, Münich, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Carlos A Guzman
- German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | | | - Percy Knolle
- German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Molecular Immunology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Münich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Münich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Münich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Münich, Heidelberg, Germany.
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117
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Murata K, Tsukuda S, Suizu F, Kimura A, Sugiyama M, Watashi K, Noguchi M, Mizokami M. Immunomodulatory Mechanism of Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphates in Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Hepatology 2020; 71:1533-1545. [PMID: 31529730 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) safely controls the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and improves prognosis in patients with HBV. However, the inability to completely clear HBV is problematic, and novel therapies are desired. It has been believed that all NUCs have similar functions to inhibit HBV reverse transcriptase. However, our recent findings that only acyclic nucleoside phosphonates (ANPs; adefovir dipivoxil and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) had an additional effect of inducing interferon (IFN)-λ3 in the gastrointestinal tract suggests that ANPs are not only distinct from nucleoside analogs (lamivudine and entecavir) in their structures but also in their functions. Because enteric lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can cross the intestine and affect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), we hypothesized that orally administered ANPs could have further additional effects to modulate LPS-mediated cytokine profile in PBMCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS This study showed that pretreatment of PBMCs, from either healthy volunteers or patients with HBV, with ANPs inhibited LPS-mediated interleukin (IL)-10 production, which reciprocally induced IL-12p70 and tumor necrosis factor-α production in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the combination of IFN-α and ANPs synergistically enhanced LPS-mediated IL-12p70 production in PBMCs. Mechanistic analyses revealed that cellular metabolites of ANPs directly bound the Akt protein, inhibiting its translocation to the plasma membrane, thereby impairing Akt phosphorylation. Therefore, pretreatment of PBMCs with ANPs impairs LPS-mediated IL-10 production. CONCLUSIONS Among NUCs, only ANPs have an additional pharmacological effect modulating LPS-mediated cytokine production, which is expected to produce favorable immune responses toward HBV elimination. This additional immunomodulation by ANPs in PBMCs, as well as IFN-λ3 induction in the gastrointestinal tract, provides insights into HBV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumoto Murata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Nasushiobara, Japan.,Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Senko Tsukuda
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Wako, Japan.,Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Futoshi Suizu
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Kimura
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Noguchi
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
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118
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Warner N, Locarnini S, Xu H. The role of hepatitis B surface antibodies in HBV infection, disease and clearance. Future Virol 2020. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2019-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The clinical sequelae associated with chronic HBV infection is generally regarded as a consequence of an inadequate and inappropriate immune response to active viral replication, predominantly at the T-cell level. However, recent studies on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific B cells and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HB) responses have identified their previously unrecognized role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). These studies have also uncovered novel therapeutic approaches to more effectively target HBsAg loss and seroconversion, an important end point and regarded as a functional cure. Anti-HBs IgG has also been shown to have multiple direct acting antiviral roles with the Fab component directly blocking viral entry, and release while the Fc component has been linked to antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Likewise, the HBsAg-specific B-cell dysfunctionality can be reversed providing new therapeutic opportunities to achieve functional cure in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Warner
- Molecular Research & Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Molecular Research & Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hui Xu
- Molecular Research & Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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119
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Wang YX, Niklasch M, Liu T, Wang Y, Shi B, Yuan W, Baumert TF, Yuan Z, Tong S, Nassal M, Wen YM. Interferon-inducible MX2 is a host restriction factor of hepatitis B virus replication. J Hepatol 2020; 72:865-876. [PMID: 31863794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-cytolytic cure of HBV-infected hepatocytes by cytokines, including type I interferons (IFNs), is of importance for resolving acute and chronic infection. However, as IFNs stimulate hundreds of genes, those most relevant for HBV suppression remain largely unknown. Amongst them are the large myxovirus resistance (Mx) GTPases. Human MX1 (or MxA) is active against many RNA viruses, while MX2 (or MxB) was recently found to restrict HIV-1, HCV, and herpesviruses. Herein, we investigated the anti-HBV activity of MX2. METHODS The potential anti-HBV activity of MX2 and functional variants were assessed in transfected and HBV-infected hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes, employing multiple assays to analyze the synthesis and decay of HBV nucleic acids. The specific roles of MX2 in IFN-α-driven inhibition of HBV transcription and replication were assessed by MX2-specific shRNA interference (RNAi). RESULTS Both MX2 alone and IFN-α substantially inhibited HBV replication, due to significant deceleration of the synthesis and slight acceleration of the turnover of viral RNA. RNAi knockdown of MX2 significantly reduced the inhibitory effects of IFN-α. Strikingly, MX2 inhibited HBV infection by reducing covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), most likely by indirectly impairing the conversion of relaxed circular DNA to cccDNA rather than by destabilizing existing cccDNA. Various mutations affecting the GTPase activity and oligomerization status reduced MX2's anti-HBV activity. CONCLUSION MX2 is an important IFN-α inducible effector that decreases HBV RNA levels but can also potently inhibit HBV infection by indirectly impairing cccDNA formation. MX2 likely has the potential for therapeutic applications aimed at curing HBV infection by eliminating cccDNA. LAY SUMMARY This study shows that the protein MX2, which is induced by interferon-α, has important anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) effector functions. MX2 can reduce the amount of covalently closed circular DNA, which is the form of DNA that HBV uses to maintain viral persistence within hepatocytes. MX2 also reduces HBV RNA levels by downregulating synthesis of viral RNA. MX2 likely represents a novel intrinsic HBV inhibitor that could have therapeutic potential, as well as being useful for improving our understanding of the complex biology of HBV and the antiviral mechanisms of interferon-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Matthias Niklasch
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Bisheng Shi
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 201508 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Pôle Hépato-Digestif, Unité d'Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67091 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Unité Inserm 1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Shuping Tong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Nassal
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yu-Mei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
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Liu Z, Wang J, Yuan H, Liu L, Bu Y, Zhao M, Yang G, Feng J, Liu Y, Li J, He Q, Zhang X. IFN-α2b inhibits the ethanol enriched-HBV cccDNA through blocking a positive feedback loop of HBx/MSL2/cccDNA/HBV/HBx in liver. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:76-82. [PMID: 32446394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for liver diseases, in which HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), as the genomic form that templates viral transcription, plays crucial roles in sustaining viral persistence. Clinically, the excessive ethanol intake accelerates the progression of liver diseases with HBV infection. Here, we supposed that ethanol might trigger HBV cccDNA in the liver. Interestingly, we observed that the ethanol remarkably elevated the levels of HBeAg, HBsAg, HBV DNA and cccDNA in HBV-expressing hepatoma cells. Mechanically, the ethanol increased the levels of HBx and MSL2 in vivo and in HBV-expressing HepG2 cells, but not in HBV-free HepG2 cells. Moreover, the down-regulation of MSL2 by small interference RNA could block the ethanol-promoted HBV cccDNA in HepG2.2.15 cells. As a commonly administered treatment for HBV, the effect of IFNα on ethanol-triggered HBV cccDNA remains poorly understood. Strikingly, we showed that the treatment with IFN-α2b inhibited the ethanol-promoted cccDNA through depressing MSL2 in the cells. Thus, we conclude that IFN-α2b inhibits the ethanol-enriched HBV cccDNA through blocking a positive feedback loop of HBx/MSL2/cccDNA/HBV/HBx. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which IFN-α2b inhibits ethanol-enhanced HBV cccDNA. Therapeutically, IFNα may contribute to the cccDNA induced by ethanol in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixian Liu
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiapei Wang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hongfeng Yuan
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yanan Bu
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Man Zhao
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jinyan Feng
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yunxia Liu
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiangning Li
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qiujia He
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Cancer Research, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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Dandri M. Epigenetic modulation in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 42:173-185. [PMID: 32185454 PMCID: PMC7174266 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00780-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small-enveloped DNA virus causing acute and chronic hepatitis. Despite the existence of an effective prophylactic vaccine and the strong capacity of approved antiviral drugs to suppress viral replication, chronic HBV infection (CHB) continues to be a major health burden worldwide. Both the inability of the immune system to resolve CHB and the unique replication strategy employed by HBV, which forms a stable viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome in the hepatocyte nucleus, enable infection persistence. Knowledge of the complex network of interactions that HBV engages with its host is still limited but accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications occurring both on the cccDNA and on the host genome in the course of infection are essential to modulate viral activity and likely contribute to pathogenesis and cancer development. Thus, a deeper understanding of epigenetic regulatory processes may open new venues to control and eventually cure CHB. This review summarizes major findings in HBV epigenetic research, focusing on the epigenetic mechanisms regulating cccDNA activity and the modifications determined in infected host cells and tumor liver tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Site, Hamburg, Germany.
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122
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Ganesan M, Eikenberry A, Poluektova LY, Kharbanda KK, Osna NA. Role of alcohol in pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:883-903. [PMID: 32206001 PMCID: PMC7081008 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i9.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and alcohol abuse often contribute to the development of end-stage liver disease. Alcohol abuse not only causes rapid progression of liver disease in HBV infected patients but also allows HBV to persist chronically. Importantly, the mechanism by which alcohol promotes the progression of HBV-associated liver disease are not completely understood. Potential mechanisms include a suppressed immune response, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus stresses, and increased HBV replication. Certainly, more research is necessary to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms such that treatment(s) to prevent rapid liver disease progression in alcohol-abusing HBV patients could be developed. In this review, we discuss the aforementioned factors for the higher risk of liver diseases in alcohol-induced HBV pathogenies and suggest the areas for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
| | - Allison Eikenberry
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
| | - Larisa Y Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Kusum K Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
| | - Natalia A Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
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Ou Q, Guo J, Zeng Y, Chen H. Insights for clinical diagnostic indicators of virus and host in chronic hepatitis B infection. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:224-232. [PMID: 31954089 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is stably present in the nucleus of hepatocytes, is an important indicator for evaluating antiviral efficacy. Since cccDNA quantification requires an invasive procedure, serum biological markers that can effectively reflect the transcriptional activity of intrahepatic virus and the efficacy of treatment are required. Here, from the aspects of virus and host, we outline the focus of clinical research of HBV in recent years, including HBV RNA, empty virus, hepatitis B core-related antigen and changes in the immune response. We briefly discuss their significance in predicting disease activity and monitoring treatment response in chronic hepatitis B. On this basis, some issues worthy of attention in laboratory diagnosis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qishui Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yongbin Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Niehrs A, Altfeld M. Regulation of NK-Cell Function by HLA Class II. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:55. [PMID: 32133304 PMCID: PMC7040486 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells were initially described as part of the innate immune system and characterized by their ability to lyse malignant and virus-infected cells. The cytolytic function of NK cells is tightly controlled by activating and inhibitory receptors expressed on the cell surface. Ligands that interact with a variety of NK-cell receptors include the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, and the regulation of NK-cell function by HLA class I molecules is well-established. Earlier studies also suggested a role of HLA class II molecules in regulating NK cell activity; yet, interactions between HLA class II molecules and NK cell receptors have not been well-characterized. We recently identified a subset of HLA-DP molecules that can serve as ligands for the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp44 and activate NK cells. This novel receptor-ligand interaction provides a potential mechanism to explain the strong associations of HLA-DP molecules with HBV infection outcomes, graft-vs.-host disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, it adds a new mechanism for NK-cell crosstalk with immune cells expressing HLA class II molecules. In this perspective article, we discuss the potential implications of NK cell receptor interactions with HLA class II molecules for the regulation of immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Niehrs
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Altfeld
- Research Department Virus Immunology, Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute for Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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125
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Li M, Yang J, Zhao Y, Song Y, Yin S, Guo J, Zhang H, Wang K, Wei L, Li S, Xu W. MCPIP1 inhibits Hepatitis B virus replication by destabilizing viral RNA and negatively regulates the virus-induced innate inflammatory responses. Antiviral Res 2020; 174:104705. [PMID: 31926181 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Monocyte chemotactic protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) is an inflammatory regulator in immune response. Recently, MCPIP1 has also been identified as a host antiviral factor against certain virus infection including human immunodeficiency virus, dengue virus and hepatitis C virus. However, whether MCPIP1 could restrict the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV), a DNA pararetrovirus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family, has not been investigated. In this study, we found that MCPIP1 expression was up-regulated in mouse livers upon acute HBV replication and in HBV-replicated hepatoma cells or HBV-stimulated macrophages. Enforced MCPIP1 expression by hydrodynamic DNA injection in vivo significantly inhibited HBV replication in the mouse livers. Then in vitro studies by overexpression or knockdown assays in cell-lines identified the direct antiviral effect of MCPIP1 on HBV replication. RNA immunoprecipitation and decay assay further suggested that MCPIP1 potently restricted HBV replication through directly binding viral RNA and degrading RNA via its RNase activity, but not deubiquitinase activity. Moreover, we further verified that MCPIP1 negatively regulated HBV-induced proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in macrophages. Taken together, our data expand MCPIP1's range of viral targets to DNA virus and also demonstrate the negative regulatory role of MCPIP1 in suppressing virus-induced inflammatory response, suggesting MCPIP1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating HBV-related diseases via inducing a host defense against HBV and reducing inflammatory injury meanwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yinxia Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yahui Song
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Shengxia Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 21008, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, United States
| | - Hongkai Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Kezhen Wang
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Shuijun Li
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Wei Xu
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Building, 703, 199 Ren-ai Road, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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Ma A, Motyka B, Gutfreund K, Shi YE, George R. A dendritic cell receptor-targeted chimeric immunotherapeutic protein (C-HBV) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:756-778. [PMID: 31687879 PMCID: PMC7227630 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1689080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections HBV-specific T cells are functionally impaired. Immunotherapy may restore HBV-specific T cell responses essential for sustained disease remission off-treatment and induction of a functional cure. Chimigen® Molecules are fusion proteins of antigen(s) with the Fc fragment of a xenotypic antibody designed to target specific receptors on dendritic cells (DCs). Here we describe the production and pre-clinical evaluation of Chimigen® HBV (C-HBV), containing HBV PreS1 and PreS2 peptide fragments, HBV core and murine Fc, produced in insect cells. C-HBV binding to immature DCs and internalization by endocytosis was FcγRII (CD32) and mannose receptor (CD206) dependent and led to increased MHC I and MHC II surface expression. Upon exposure of human T cells isolated from HBV un-infected healthy and chronically HBV-infected donors to C-HBV-pulsed mature DCs ex vivo, C-HBV induced vigorous T cell proliferation and enhanced expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, perforin and granzyme B in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Re-stimulation of C-HBV-activated T cells from chronically infected donors with HBV PreS1/PreS2 and core overlapping peptides induced IFN-γ production in both CD4+ and CD8+ populations. C-HBV-activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from chronically HBV-infected patients stimulated granzyme B production by CD4+CD25- T responder (Tresp) cells, accompanied by an increase in Annexin V staining on CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cell phenotype, consistent with apoptosis. The observed HBV-specific cellular responses induced by C-HBV ex vivo suggest that C-HBV is a promising immunotherapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Ma
- Akshaya Bio Inc., Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bruce Motyka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Klaus Gutfreund
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Yuenian Eric Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Faure-Dupuy S, Delphin M, Aillot L, Dimier L, Lebossé F, Fresquet J, Parent R, Matter MS, Rivoire M, Bendriss-Vermare N, Salvetti A, Heide D, Flores L, Klumpp K, Lam A, Zoulim F, Heikenwälder M, Durantel D, Lucifora J. Hepatitis B virus-induced modulation of liver macrophage function promotes hepatocyte infection. J Hepatol 2019; 71:1086-1098. [PMID: 31349000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver macrophages can be involved in both pathogen clearance and/or pathogenesis. To get further insight on their role during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, our aim was to phenotypically and functionally characterize in vivo and ex vivo the interplay between HBV, primary human liver macrophages (PLMs) and primary blood monocytes differentiated into pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory macrophages (M1-MDMs or M2-MDMs, respectively). METHODS PLMs or primary blood monocytes, either ex vivo differentiated into M1-MDMs or M2-MDMs, were exposed to HBV and their activation followed by ELISA or quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Liver biopsies from HBV-infected patients were analysed by RT-qPCR or immunohistochemistry. Viral parameters in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes and differentiated HepaRG cells were followed by ELISA, qPCR and RT-qPCR analyses. RESULTS HBc protein was present within the macrophages of liver biopsies taken from HBV-infected patients. Macrophages from HBV-infected patients also expressed higher levels of anti-inflammatory macrophage markers than those from non-infected patients. Ex vivo exposure of naive PLMs to HBV led to reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Upon exposure to HBV or HBV-producing cells during differentiation and activation, M1-MDMs secreted less IL-6 and IL-1β, whereas M2-MDMs secreted more IL-10 when exposed to HBV during activation. Finally, cytokines produced by M1-MDMs, but not those produced by HBV-exposed M1-MDMs, decreased HBV infection of hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, our data strongly suggest that HBV modulates liver macrophage functions to favour the establishment of infection. LAY SUMMARY Hepatitis B virus modulates liver macrophage function in order to favour the establishment and likely maintenance of infection. It impairs the production of the antiviral cytokine IL-1β, while promoting that of IL-10 in the microenvironment. This phenotype can be recapitulated in naive liver macrophages or monocyte-derived-macrophages ex vivo by short exposure to the virus or cells replicating the virus, thus suggesting an "easy to implement" mechanism of inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Faure-Dupuy
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France; Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marion Delphin
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Ludovic Aillot
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Laura Dimier
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Fanny Lebossé
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France; Department of Hepatology, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Judith Fresquet
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Romain Parent
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | | | | | - Nathalie Bendriss-Vermare
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Danijela Heide
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lalo Flores
- Novira Therapeutics, Part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, United States
| | - Klaus Klumpp
- Novira Therapeutics, Part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, United States
| | - Angela Lam
- Novira Therapeutics, Part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, United States
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France; Department of Hepatology, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; DEVweCAN Laboratory of Excellence, Lyon, France
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Durantel
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France; DEVweCAN Laboratory of Excellence, Lyon, France.
| | - Julie Lucifora
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France.
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Brezgin S, Kostyusheva A, Bayurova E, Gordeychuk I, Isaguliants M, Goptar I, Nikiforova A, Smirnov V, Volchkova E, Glebe D, Kostyushev D, Chulanov V. Replenishment of Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA Pool Is Restricted by Baseline Expression of Host Restriction Factors In Vitro. Microorganisms 2019; 7:E533. [PMID: 31698767 PMCID: PMC6920784 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major cause of viral persistence in patients with chronic HBV infection. Understanding the mechanisms underlying stability and persistence of HBV cccDNA in hepatocytes is critical for developing novel therapeutics and managing chronic hepatitis B. In this study, we observed an unexpected increase in HBV cccDNA levels upon suppression of transcription by de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A and uncovered additional mechanisms potentially involved in HBV cccDNA maintenance. METHODS HBV-expressing cell lines were transfected with a DNMT3A-expressing plasmid. Real-time PCR and HBsAg assays were used to assess the HBV replication rate. Cell cycling was analyzed by fluorescent cell sorting. CRISPR/Cas9 was utilized to abrogate expression of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. Alterations in the expression of target genes were measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS Similar to previous studies, HBV replication induced DNMT3A expression, which in turn, led to reduced HBV transcription but elevated HBV cccDNA levels (4- to 6-fold increase). Increased levels of HBV cccDNA were not related to cell cycling, as DNMT3A accelerated proliferation of infected cells and could not contribute to HBV cccDNA expansion by arresting cells in a quiescent state. At the same time, DNMT3A suppressed transcription of innate immunity factors including cytidine deaminases APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated silencing of APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B transcription had minor effects on HBV transcription, but significantly increased HBV cccDNA levels, similar to DNMT3A. In an attempt to further analyze the detrimental effects of HBV and DNMT3A on infected cells, we visualized γ-H2AX foci and demonstrated that HBV inflicts and DNMT3A aggravates DNA damage, possibly by downregulating DNA damage response factors. Additionally, suppression of HBV replication by DNMT3A may be related to reduced ATM/ATR expression. CONCLUSION Formation and maintenance of HBV cccDNA pools may be partially suppressed by the baseline expression of host inhibitory factors including APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B. HBV inflicts DNA damage both directly and by inducing DNMT3A expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center for Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasiia Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center for Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.C.)
| | - Ekaterina Bayurova
- NF Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.); (M.I.)
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- NF Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.); (M.I.)
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Isaguliants
- NF Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (I.G.); (M.I.)
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune and Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 108819 Moscow, Russia
- Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irina Goptar
- Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 105275 Moscow, Russia; (I.G.); (A.N.)
| | - Anastasiia Nikiforova
- Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, 105275 Moscow, Russia; (I.G.); (A.N.)
| | - Valery Smirnov
- Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 115522 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Elena Volchkova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center for Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.C.)
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center for Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, 127994 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.C.)
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146 Moscow, Russia;
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, 111123 Moscow, Russia
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129
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Maini MK, Burton AR. Restoring, releasing or replacing adaptive immunity in chronic hepatitis B. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:662-675. [PMID: 31548710 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple new therapeutic approaches are currently being developed to achieve sustained, off-treatment suppression of HBV, a persistent hepatotropic infection that kills ~2,000 people a day. A fundamental therapeutic goal is the restoration of robust HBV-specific adaptive immune responses that are able to maintain prolonged immunosurveillance of residual infection. Here, we provide insight into key components of successful T cell and B cell responses to HBV, discussing the importance of different specificities and effector functions, local intrahepatic immunity and pathogenic potential. We focus on the parallels and interactions between T cell and B cell responses, highlighting emerging areas for future investigation. We review the potential for different immunotherapies in development to restore or release endogenous adaptive immunity by direct or indirect approaches, including limitations and risks. Finally, we consider an alternative HBV treatment strategy of replacing failed endogenous immunity with infusions of highly targeted T cells or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alice R Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
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130
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Potential of recombinant Mycobacterium paragordonae expressing HIV-1 Gag as a prime vaccine for HIV-1 infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15515. [PMID: 31664100 PMCID: PMC6820866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51875-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant Mycobacterium strains such as recombinant BCG (rBCG) have received considerable attention for the HIV-1 vaccine development. Recently, we described a temperature-sensitive Mycobacterium paragordonae (Mpg) strain as a novel live tuberculosis vaccine that is safer and showed an enhanced protective effect against mycobacterial infection compared to BCG. We studied the possibility of developing a vaccine against HIV-1 infection using rMpg strain expressing the p24 antigen (rMpg-p24). We observed that rMpg-p24 can induce an increased p24 expression in infected antigen presenting cells (APCs) compared to rBCG-p24. We also observed that rMpg-p24 can induce enhanced p24 specific immune responses in vaccinated mice as evidenced by increased p24-specific T lymphocyte proliferation, gamma interferon induction, antibody production and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Furthermore, an rMpg-p24 prime and plasmid DNA boost showed an increased CTL response and antibody production compared to rBCG or rMpg alone. In summary, our study indicates that a live rMpg-p24 strain induced enhanced immune responses against HIV-1 Gag in vaccinated mice. Thus, rMpg-p24 may have potential as a preventive prime vaccine in a heterologous prime-boost regimen for HIV-1 infection.
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131
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Sa-Ngiamsuntorn K, Thongsri P, Pewkliang Y, Wongkajornsilp A, Kongsomboonchoke P, Suthivanich P, Borwornpinyo S, Hongeng S. An Immortalized Hepatocyte-like Cell Line (imHC) Accommodated Complete Viral Lifecycle, Viral Persistence Form, cccDNA and Eventual Spreading of a Clinically-Isolated HBV. Viruses 2019; 11:E952. [PMID: 31623162 PMCID: PMC6832882 DOI: 10.3390/v11100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 350 million people worldwide have been persistently infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic HBV infection could advance toward liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The intervention with prophylactic vaccine and conventional treatment could suppress HBV, but could not completely eradicate it. The major obstacle for investigating curative antiviral drugs are the incompetence of hepatocyte models that should have closely imitated natural human infection. Here, we demonstrated that an immortalized hepatocyte-like cell line (imHC) could accommodate for over 30 days the entire life cycle of HBV prepared from either established cultured cells or clinically-derived fresh isolates. Normally, imHCs had intact interferon signaling with anti-viral action. Infected imHCs responded to treatments with direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) and interferons (IFNs) by diminishing HBV DNA, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg, aka the Australia antigen) and the hepatitis B viral protein (HBeAg). Notably, we could observe and quantify HBV spreading from infected cells to naïve cells using an imHC co-culture model. In summary, this study constructed a convenient HBV culture model that allows the screening for novel anti-HBV agents with versatile targets, either HBV entry, replication or cccDNA formation. Combinations of agents aiming at different targets should achieve a complete HBV eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanit Sa-Ngiamsuntorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Piyanoot Thongsri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Yongyut Pewkliang
- Excellent Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Adisak Wongkajornsilp
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand.
| | | | - Phichaya Suthivanich
- Excellent Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Suparerk Borwornpinyo
- Excellent Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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132
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Zheng B, Zhang J, Zheng T, Wang H, Li Z, Huan C, Ning S, Wang Y, Zhang W. ATP1B3 cooperates with BST-2 to promote hepatitis B virus restriction. J Med Virol 2019; 92:201-209. [PMID: 31556466 PMCID: PMC7159099 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates ATP1B3, one of the regulatory subunits of Na+ /K+ -ATPase, is involved in numerous viral propagations, such as HIV and EV71. However, the function and mechanism of ATP1B3 on hepatitis B virus (HBV) propagation is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that ATP1B3 overexpression reduced the quantity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in supernatants of HBV expression plasmids cotransfected HepG2 cells. Correspondingly, small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA mediated ATP1B3 silencing promoted HBsAg and HBeAg expression in the supernatants of HBV expression plasmids transfected HepG2 cells. Mechanically, we reported that ATP1B3 expression could activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway by inducing the expression, phosphorylation, and nuclear import of P65 for the first time. And NF-κB inhibitor (Bay11) impaired the restraint of ATP1B3 on HBV replication. This counteraction effect of Bay11 proved that ATP1B3-induced NF-κB activation was crucial for HBV restriction. Accordingly, we observed that anti-HBV factors interferon-α (IFN-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production were increased in HepG2 cells after the NF-κB activation. It suggested that ATP1B3 suppressed HBsAg and HBeAg by NF-κB/IFN-α and NF-κB/IL-6 axis. Further experiments proved that ATP1B3 overexpression induced anti-HBV factor BST-2 expression by NF-κB/IFN-α axis in HepG2 cells but not HEK293T cells, and ATP1B3 silencing downregulated BST-2 messenger RNA level in HepG2 cells. As an HBV restriction factor, BST-2 cooperated with ATP1B3 to antagonize HBsAg but not HBeAg in HepG2 cells. Our work identified ATP1B3 as a novel candidate of HBV restrictor with unrevealed mechanism and we highlighted it might serve as a potential therapeutic molecule for HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baisong Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Tianhang Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhaolong Li
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Huan
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shanshan Ning
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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133
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Clinical utility of HBV surface antigen quantification in HBV e antigen-negative chronic HBV infection. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:631-641. [PMID: 31477873 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious problem owing to its worldwide distribution and potential adverse sequelae that include cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current antiviral therapies have much improved outcomes, but few patients achieve the ultimate goal of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure). As hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic HBV infection is the final phase prior to HBsAg loss, the management of patients in this phase together with quantification of HBsAg has attracted increasing clinical and research interest. This Review integrates the findings from research in HBsAg kinetics and discusses how they might inform our understanding and management of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection. Studies have shown that HBsAg levels are highly predictive of the presence of inactive HBV infection and that serial changes in HBsAg levels might predict HBsAg loss within 1-3 years. Data also suggest that quantitative HBsAg monitoring is important during hepatitis flare and antiviral therapy, especially in the timing of the decision to stop therapy and to start off-therapy retreatment. These findings have shed new light on the natural course of HBV infection and might lead to optimization of the management of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection and contribute to the paradigm shift from indefinite to finite therapy for patients with HBV infection.
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134
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Xia Y. A small molecule cocktail breaks the bottleneck of human primary hepatocytes culture. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2019; 64:1293-1294. [PMID: 36659654 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2019.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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135
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Abstract
With a yearly death toll of 880,000, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major health problem worldwide, despite an effective prophylactic vaccine and well-tolerated, effective antivirals. HBV causes chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The viral genome persists in infected hepatocytes even after long-term antiviral therapy, and its integration, though no longer able to support viral replication, destabilizes the host genome. HBV is a DNA virus that utilizes a virus-encoded reverse transcriptase to convert an RNA intermediate, termed pregenomic RNA, into the relaxed circular DNA genome, which is subsequently converted into a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the host cell nucleus. cccDNA is maintained in the nucleus of the infected hepatocyte as a stable minichromosome and functions as the viral transcriptional template for the production of all viral gene products, and thus, it is the molecular basis of HBV persistence. The nuclear cccDNA pool can be replenished through recycling of newly synthesized, DNA-containing HBV capsids. Licensed antivirals target the HBV reverse transcriptase activity but fail to eliminate cccDNA, which would be required to cure HBV infection. Elimination of HBV cccDNA is so far only achieved by antiviral immune responses. Thus, this review will focus on possible curative strategies aimed at eliminating or crippling the viral cccDNA. Newer insights into the HBV life cycle and host immune response provide novel, potentially curative therapeutic opportunities and targets.
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136
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Liu S, Xin Y. HBV cccDNA: The Stumbling Block for Treatment of HBV Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2019; 7:195-196. [PMID: 31608210 PMCID: PMC6783674 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shousheng Liu
- Central Laboratories, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yongning Xin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
- Correspondence to: Yongning Xin, Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 1 Jiaozhou Road, Qingdao, Shandong 266011, China. Tel: +86-532-82789463, Fax: +86-532-85968434, E-mail:
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137
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Wu Y, Wang X, Lin X, Shen C, Chen X. Quantitative of serum hepatitis B core antibody is a potential predictor of recurrence after interferon-induced hepatitis B surface antigen clearance. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2019; 54:238-244. [PMID: 31784245 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2019.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrence is common for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who achieved hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance after antiviral treatment. The aim of the study is to explore the possibility of quantitative hepatitis B core antibody (Anti-HBc) level as a biomarker to predict recurrence. METHODS A total of 73 patients with HBsAg clearance were enrolled in this study, 16 cases with recurrence and 57 cases of non-recurrence. A newly developed double-sandwich Anti-HBc immunoassay was used to detect the quantitative Anti-HBc level before therapy (baseline) and at the end of therapy. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of quantitative Anti-HBc levels for recurrence. RESULTS Quantitative Anti-HBc levels at the end of therapy in both recurrence and non-recurrence groups were significantly lower than those of before therapy (P < 0.001). In addition, the declining trend of the recurrence group was significantly greater than that of the non-recurrence group (0.71 log10 vs. 0.45 log10 IU/mL, P = 0.026). Quantitative Anti-HBc levels in non-recurrence group were higher than those in recurrence group at baseline and drug withdrawal (P = 0.023, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that Anti-HBc level at drug withdrawal alone was associated with recurrence (OR = 0.116, P = 0.037). At Anti-HBc level >2.3386 log10 IU/mL, the predictive sensitivity and specificity for recurrence were 80.0% and 71.9%. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative Anti-HBc level can be used as a potential predictor of recurrence after HBsAg clearance. Anti-HBc level at the drug withdrawal has better predictive value than the baseline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Wu
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Chengli Shen
- Division of Surgical Oncology, James Cancer Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Xinyue Chen
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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138
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Yang G, Feng J, Liu Y, Zhao M, Yuan Y, Yuan H, Yun H, Sun M, Bu Y, Liu L, Liu Z, Niu JQ, Yin M, Song X, Miao Z, Lin Z, Zhang X. HAT1 signaling confers to assembly and epigenetic regulation of HBV cccDNA minichromosome. Theranostics 2019; 9:7345-7358. [PMID: 31695772 PMCID: PMC6831306 DOI: 10.7150/thno.37173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading cause of liver diseases. HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a critical obstacle of complete elimination by anti-HBV therapy. HBV cccDNA accumulates in nucleus as a chromatin-like cccDNA minichromosome assembled by histones and non-histones. However, the underlying mechanism of modulation of cccDNA minichromosome in hepatocytes is poorly understood. Methods: A human liver-chimeric mouse model was established. The cccDNA-ChIP, Southern blot analysis, confocal assays, RIP assays and RNA pull-down assays, et al. were performed to assess the mechanism of assembly and epigenetic regulation of cccDNA minichromosome in human liver-chimeric mouse model, human primary hepatocytes (PHH), dHepaRG, HepG2-NTCP cell lines and clinical liver tissues. Results: Importantly, the expression levels of HAT1, CAF-1 and lncRNA HULC were significantly elevated in the liver from HBV-infected human liver-chimeric mice. Strikingly, the depletion of HAT1 reduced HBV replication and cccDNA accumulation, and impaired the assembly of histone H3/H4 and the deposition of HBx and p300 onto cccDNA to form cccDNA minichromosome in the cells. Mechanically, chromatin assembly factor-1 (CAF-1) was involved in the events. Interestingly, HAT1 modified the acetylation of histone H3K27/H4K5/H4K12 on cccDNA minichromosome. Moreover, lncRNA HULC-scaffold HAT1/HULC/HBc complex was responsible for the modification on cccDNA minichromosome. Additionally, HBV activated HAT1 through HBx-co-activated transcriptional factor Sp1 in a positive feedback manner. Conclusion: HAT1 signaling contributes to assembly and epigenetic regulation of HBV cccDNA minichromosome.
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139
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Xiong X, Lei F, Haque M, Song J. Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31609353 DOI: 10.3791/60043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health issue. With over 350 million people affected worldwide, HBV infection remains the leading cause of liver cancer. This is a major concern, especially in developing countries. Failure of the immune system to mount an effective response against HBV leads to chronic infection. Although HBV vaccine is present and novel antiviral medicines are being created, eradication of virus-reservoir cells remains a major health topic. Described here is a method for the generation of viral antigen (Ag) -specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) (i.e., iPSC-CTLs), which have the ability to suppress HBV replication. HBV replication is efficiently induced in mice through hydrodynamic injection of an HBV expression plasmid, pAAV/HBV1.2, into the liver. Then, HBV surface Ag-specific mouse iPSC-CTLs are adoptively transferred, which greatly suppresses HBV replication in the liver and blood as well as prevents HBV surface Ag expression in hepatocytes. This method demonstrates HBV replication in mice after hydrodynamic injection and that stem cell-derived viral Ag-specific CTLs can suppress HBV replication. This protocol provides a useful method for HBV immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xiong
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center
| | - Fengyang Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Mohammad Haque
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center;
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140
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Mohd-Ismail NK, Lim Z, Gunaratne J, Tan YJ. Mapping the Interactions of HBV cccDNA with Host Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174276. [PMID: 31480501 PMCID: PMC6747236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem affecting about 300 million people globally. Although successful administration of a prophylactic vaccine has reduced new infections, a cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is still unavailable. Current anti-HBV therapies slow down disease progression but are not curative as they cannot eliminate or permanently silence HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). The cccDNA minichromosome persists in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes where it forms the template for all viral transcription. Interactions between host factors and cccDNA are crucial for its formation, stability, and transcriptional activity. Here, we summarize the reported interactions between HBV cccDNA and various host factors and their implications on HBV replication. While the virus hijacks certain cellular processes to complete its life cycle, there are also host factors that restrict HBV infection. Therefore, we review both positive and negative regulation of HBV cccDNA by host factors and the use of small molecule drugs or sequence-specific nucleases to target these interactions or cccDNA directly. We also discuss several reporter-based surrogate systems that mimic cccDNA biology which can be used for drug library screening of cccDNA-targeting compounds as well as identification of cccDNA-related targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur K Mohd-Ismail
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Zijie Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Jayantha Gunaratne
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Yee-Joo Tan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System (NUHS), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), Singapore 138673, Singapore.
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141
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Fanning GC, Zoulim F, Hou J, Bertoletti A. Therapeutic strategies for hepatitis B virus infection: towards a cure. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:827-844. [PMID: 31455905 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 329] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of liver disease globally, with a disproportionately high burden in South-East Asia. Vaccines and nucleoside or nucleotide drugs are available and reduce both new infection rates and the development of liver disease in HBV-positive persons who adhere to long-term suppressive treatment. Although there is still considerable value in optimizing access to virus-suppressing regimens, the scientific and medical communities have embarked on a concerted journey to identify new antiviral drugs and immune interventions aimed at curing infection. The mechanisms and drug targets being explored are diverse; however, the field universally recognizes the importance of addressing the persistence of episomal covalently closed circular DNA, the existence of integrated HBV DNA in the host genome and the large antigen load, particularly of hepatitis B surface antigen. Another major challenge is to reinvigorate the exhausted immune response within the liver microenvironment. Ultimately, combinations of new drugs will be required to cure infection. Here we critically review the recent literature that describes the rationale for curative therapies and the resulting compounds that are being tested in clinical trials for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Fanning
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, China Research & Development, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon University, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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142
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Raimondo G, Locarnini S, Pollicino T, Levrero M, Zoulim F, Lok AS. Update of the statements on biology and clinical impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2019; 71:397-408. [PMID: 31004683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In October 2018 a large number of international experts with complementary expertise came together in Taormina to participate in a workshop on occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). The objectives of the workshop were to review the existing knowledge on OBI, to identify issues that require further investigation, to highlight both existing controversies and newly emerging perspectives, and ultimately to update the statements previously agreed in 2008. This paper represents the output from the workshop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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143
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Understanding the Natural History of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and the New Definitions of Cure and the Endpoints of Clinical Trials. Clin Liver Dis 2019; 23:401-416. [PMID: 31266616 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common chronic viral infection worldwide and remains a significant global health problem. Chronic HBV infection can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Outcome of chronic HBV infections depends on the host, virus, and environmental factors. Although effective prophylactic vaccines and antiviral therapies exist, curative treatment is not yet available. Intense research into a cure for HBV is ongoing and proposed definitions of cure and endpoints for clinical trials evaluating "curative" therapy are discussed.
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144
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals are neither diagnosed nor treated. In those treated, nucleos(t)ide polymerase inhibitors persistently suppress viremia to the limits of quantitation; however, few achieve a "functional cure," defined as sustained off-treatment loss of detectable serum HBV DNA with or without loss of hepatitis B surface antigen. The low cure rate has been attributed to an inability to eliminate the viral reservoir of covalently closed circular DNA from hepatocytes. This review focuses on the diverse therapeutic approaches currently under development that may contribute to the goal of HBV cure.
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145
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Huang C, Ge T, Xia C, Zhu W, Xu L, Wang Y, Wu F, Liu F, Zheng M, Chen Z. Association of rs10204525 genotype GG and rs2227982 CC combination in programmed cell death 1 with hepatitis B virus infection risk. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e16972. [PMID: 31464942 PMCID: PMC6736136 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000016972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single nuclear polymorphism (SNP) of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) was reported associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but the SNP sites studied were limited. Whether the combination of 2 or more SNP sites could better represent the relationship between PD-1 SNP and HBV infection was not studied.Eight hundred ninety-eight HBV-infected patients (222 asymptomatic carriers [AsC], 276 chronic hepatitis B, 105 acute-on-chronic liver failure, and 295 liver cirrhosis) and 364 health controls of South China were enrolled in this study. Four PD-1 SNPs (rs10204525, rs2227982, rs41386349, and rs36084323) were selected and detected by TaqMan probe. The frequency of allele, genotype, and combination of different SNPs were compared between different groups.For allele frequency analysis, G allele of rs10204525 was protective factor (odds ratio (OR) = 0.823, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.679-0.997, P = .046) and T allele of rs2227982 was predisposing factor (OR = 1.231, 95% CI = 1.036-1.463, P = .018) in HBV infection. When analyzed in genotype frequency, the genotype GG of rs10204525 and CC of rs2227982 were protective factor of HBV infection. Combination of rs10204525 GG and rs2227982 CC was potent protective factor of HBV infection (OR = 0.552, 95% CI = 0.356-0.857, P = .007) and was also associated with lower HBV load (OR = 0.201, 95% CI = 0.056-0.728, P = .008) in AsC. The 4 SNP sites were not associated with progression of HBV-related liver disease.Rs10204525 and rs2227982 of PD-1 associate with HBV infection and combination of the 2 SNP sites can better predict host susceptibility in HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Tiantian Ge
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Caixia Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital
| | - Wei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lichen Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Yunyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Fengtian Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Feifei Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Min Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
| | - Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital
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146
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Synergy of therapeutic heterologous prime-boost hepatitis B vaccination with CpG-application to improve immune control of persistent HBV infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10808. [PMID: 31346211 PMCID: PMC6658704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis B must overcome high viral antigen load and local regulatory mechanisms that promote immune-tolerance in the liver and curtail hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8 T cell immunity. Here, we report that therapeutic heterologous HBcore-protein-prime/Modified-Vaccinia-Virus-Ankara (MVA-HBcore) boost vaccination followed by CpG-application augmented vaccine-induced HBcAg-specific CD8 T cell-function in the liver. In HBV-transgenic as well as AAV-HBV-transduced mice with persistent high-level HBV-replication, the combination of therapeutic vaccination with subsequent CpG-application was synergistic to generate more potent HBV-specific CD8 T cell immunity that improved control of hepatocytes replicating HBV.
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147
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Li TY, Yang Y, Zhou G, Tu ZK. Immune suppression in chronic hepatitis B infection associated liver disease: A review. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3527-3537. [PMID: 31367154 PMCID: PMC6658392 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i27.3527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [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: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one the leading risk factors for chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer (HCC), which are a major global health problem. A large number of clinical studies have shown that chronic HBV persistent infection causes the dysfunction of innate and adaptive immune response involving monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T cells. Among these immune cells, cell subsets with suppressive features have been recognized such as myeloid derived suppressive cells(MDSC), NK-reg, T-reg, which represent a critical regulatory system during liver fibrogenesis or tumourigenesis. However, the mechanisms that link HBV-induced immune dysfunction and HBV-related liver diseases are not understood. In this review we summarize the recent studies on innate and adaptive immune cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, and further discuss the potential mechanism of HBV-induced immunosuppressive cascade in HBV infection and consequences. It is hoped that this article will help ongoing research about the pathogenesis of HBV-related hepatic fibrosis and HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yang Li
- Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Liver diseases, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guo Zhou
- Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zheng-Kun Tu
- Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Institute of Liver diseases, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
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148
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Feng J, Yang G, Liu Y, Gao Y, Zhao M, Bu Y, Yuan H, Yuan Y, Yun H, Sun M, Gao H, Zhang S, Liu Z, Yin M, Song X, Miao Z, Lin Z, Zhang X. LncRNA PCNAP1 modulates hepatitis B virus replication and enhances tumor growth of liver cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:5227-5245. [PMID: 31410212 PMCID: PMC6691589 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for liver cancer, in which HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) plays crucial roles. However, the effect of pseudogene-derived long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as functional regulators of their ancestral gene expression on HBV replication and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, we speculated that the pseudogene-derived lncRNA PCNAP1 and its ancestor PCNA might modulate HBV replication and promote hepatocarcinogenesis. Methods: We investigated the roles of lncRNA PCNAP1 in contribution of HBV replication through modulating miR-154/PCNA/HBV cccDNA signaling in hepatocarcinogenesis by using CRISPR/Cas9, Southern blot analysis, confocal assays, et al. in primary human hepatocytes (PHH), HepaRG cells, HepG2-NTCP cells, hepatoma carcinoma cells, human liver-chimeric mice model, transgenetic mice model, in vitro tumorigenicity and clinical patients. Results: Interestingly, the expression levels of PCNAP1 and PCNA were significantly elevated in the liver of HBV-infectious human liver-chimeric mice. Clinically, the mRNA levels of PCNAP1 and PCNA were increased in the liver of HBV-positive/HBV cccDNA-positive HCC patients. Mechanistically, PCNA interacted with HBV cccDNA in a HBc-dependent manner. PCNAP1 enhanced PCNA through sponging miR-154 targeting PCNA mRNA 3′UTR. Functionally, PCNAP1 or PCNA remarkably enhanced HBV replication and accelerated the growth of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: We conclude that lncRNA PCNAP1 enhances the HBV replication through modulating miR-154/PCNA/HBV cccDNA signaling and the PCNAP1/PCNA signaling drives the hepatocarcinogenesis. Our finding provides new insights into the mechanism by which lncRNA PCNAP1 enhances HBV replication and hepatocarcinogenesis.
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149
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An interferon-like small chemical compound CDM-3008 suppresses hepatitis B virus through induction of interferon-stimulated genes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216139. [PMID: 31188831 PMCID: PMC6561549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral administration of nucleotide analogues and injection of interferon-α (IFNα) are used to achieve immediate suppression in replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Nucleotide analogs and IFNα inhibit viral polymerase activity and cause long-term eradication of the virus at least in part through removing covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) via induction of the APOBEC3 deaminases family of molecules, respectively. This study aimed to explore whether the orally administrable low molecular weight agent CDM-3008 (RO8191), which mimics IFNα through the binding to IFNα/β receptor 2 (IFNAR2) and the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway, can suppress HBV replication and reduce cccDNA levels. In primary cultured human hepatocytes, HBV DNA levels were decreased after CDM-3008-treatment in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.1 μM, and this was accompanied by significant reductions in cellular cccDNA levels, both HBeAg and HBsAg levels in the cell culture medium. Using a microarray we comprehensively analyzed and compared changes in gene (mRNA) expression in CDM-3008- and IFNα-treated primary cultured human hepatocytes. As reported previously, CDM-3008 mimicked the induction of genes that participate in the interferon signaling pathway. OAS1 and ISG20 mRNA expression was similarly enhanced by both CDM-3008 and IFNα. Thus, CDM-3008 could suppress pgRNA expression to show anti-HBV activity. APOBEC3F and 3G mRNA expression was also induced by CDM-3008 and IFNα treatments, suggesting that cccDNA could be degraded through induced APOBEC3 family proteins. We identified the genes whose expression was specifically enhanced in CDM-3008-treated cells compared to IFNα-treated cells. The expression of SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, and CISH, which inhibit STAT activation, was enhanced in CDM-3008-treated cells suggesting that a feedback inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway was enhanced in CDM-3008-treated cells compared to IFNα-treated cells. In addition, CDM-3008 showed an additive effect with a clinically-used nucleoside entecavir on inhibition of HBV replication. In summary, CDM-3008 showed anti-HBV activity through activation of the JAK/STAT pathway, inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), with greater feedback inhibition than IFNα.
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150
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Wang J, Qu B, Zhang F, Zhang C, Deng W, Dao Thi VL, Xia Y. Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cells as Model for Viral Hepatitis Research. Stem Cells Int 2019; 2019:9605252. [PMID: 31281392 PMCID: PMC6594266 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9605252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis, the leading cause of liver diseases worldwide, is induced upon infection with hepatotropic viruses, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E virus. Due to their obligate intracellular lifestyles, culture systems for efficient viral replication are vital. Although basic and translational research on viral hepatitis has been performed for many years, conventional hepatocellular culture systems are not optimal. These studies have greatly benefited from recent efforts on improving cell culture models for virus replication and infection studies. Here we summarize the use of human stem cell-derived hepatocyte-like cells for hepatotropic virus infection studies, including the dissection of virus-host interactions and virus-induced pathogenesis as well as the identification and validation of novel antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bingqian Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Translational Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Cindy Zhang
- Schaller Research Group at Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioQuant Center, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wanyan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Viet Loan Dao Thi
- Schaller Research Group at Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Cluster of Excellence CellNetworks, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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