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Mutz P, Metz P, Lempp FA, Bender S, Qu B, Schöneweis K, Seitz S, Tu T, Restuccia A, Frankish J, Dächert C, Schusser B, Koschny R, Polychronidis G, Schemmer P, Hoffmann K, Baumert TF, Binder M, Urban S, Bartenschlager R. HBV Bypasses the Innate Immune Response and Does Not Protect HCV From Antiviral Activity of Interferon. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:1791-1804.e22. [PMID: 29410097 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is sensitive to interferon (IFN)-based therapy, whereas hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is not. It is unclear whether HBV escapes detection by the IFN-mediated immune response or actively suppresses it. Moreover, little is known on how HBV and HCV influence each other in coinfected cells. We investigated interactions between HBV and the IFN-mediated immune response using HepaRG cells and primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). We analyzed the effects of HBV on HCV replication, and vice versa, at the single-cell level. METHODS PHHs were isolated from liver resection tissues from HBV-, HCV-, and human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients. Differentiated HepaRG cells overexpressing the HBV receptor sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (dHepaRGNTCP) and PHHs were infected with HBV. Huh7.5 cells were transfected with circular HBV DNA genomes resembling viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), and subsequently infected with HCV; this served as a model of HBV and HCV coinfection. Cells were incubated with IFN inducers, or IFNs, and antiviral response and viral replication were analyzed by immune fluorescence, reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and flow cytometry. RESULTS HBV infection of dHepaRGNTCP cells and PHHs neither activated nor inhibited signaling via pattern recognition receptors. Incubation of dHepaRGNTCP cells and PHHs with IFN had little effect on HBV replication or levels of cccDNA. HBV infection of these cells did not inhibit JAK-STAT signaling or up-regulation of IFN-stimulated genes. In coinfected cells, HBV did not prevent IFN-induced suppression of HCV replication. CONCLUSIONS In dHepaRGNTCP cells and PHHs, HBV evades the induction of IFN and IFN-induced antiviral effects. HBV infection does not rescue HCV from the IFN-mediated response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Mutz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; HBIGS graduate school, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philippe Metz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian A Lempp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Silke Bender
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bingqian Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Schöneweis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Seitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Tu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Agnese Restuccia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jamie Frankish
- Research Group "Dynamics of early viral infection and the innate antiviral response", Division Virus-associated carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Dächert
- Research Group "Dynamics of early viral infection and the innate antiviral response", Division Virus-associated carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schusser
- Reproductive Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ronald Koschny
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infection and Intoxication, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georgios Polychronidis
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schemmer
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Transplant Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Katrin Hoffmann
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marco Binder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Research Group "Dynamics of early viral infection and the innate antiviral response", Division Virus-associated carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; HBIGS graduate school, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Li L, Barry V, Daffis S, Niu C, Huntzicker E, French DM, Mikaelian I, Lanford RE, Delaney WE, Fletcher SP. Anti-HBV response to toll-like receptor 7 agonist GS-9620 is associated with intrahepatic aggregates of T cells and B cells. J Hepatol 2018; 68:912-921. [PMID: 29247724 PMCID: PMC9940657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS GS-9620, an oral agonist of toll-like receptor 7, is in clinical development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). GS-9620 was previously shown to induce prolonged suppression of serum viral DNA and antigens in the chimpanzee and woodchuck models of CHB. Herein, we investigated the immunomodulatory mechanisms underlying these antiviral effects. METHODS Archived liver biopsies and paired peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples from a previous chimpanzee study were analyzed by RNA sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH). RESULTS GS-9620 treatment of CHB chimpanzees induced an intrahepatic transcriptional profile significantly enriched with genes associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance in acutely infected chimpanzees. Type I and II interferon, CD8+ T cell and B cell transcriptional signatures were associated with treatment response, together with evidence of hepatocyte death and liver regeneration. IHC and ISH confirmed an increase in intrahepatic CD8+ T cell and B cell numbers during treatment, and revealed that GS-9620 transiently induced aggregates predominantly comprised of CD8+ T cells and B cells in portal regions. There were no follicular dendritic cells or IgG-positive cells in these lymphoid aggregates and very few CD11b+ myeloid cells. There was no change in intrahepatic natural killer cell number during GS-9620 treatment. CONCLUSION The antiviral response to GS-9620 treatment in CHB chimpanzees was associated with an intrahepatic interferon response and formation of lymphoid aggregates in the liver. Our data indicate these intrahepatic structures are not fully differentiated follicles containing germinal center reactions. However, the temporal correlation between development of these T and B cell aggregates and the antiviral response to treatment suggests they play a role in promoting an effective immune response against HBV. LAY SUMMARY New therapies to treat chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are urgently needed. In this study we performed a retrospective analysis of liver and blood samples from a chimpanzee model of CHB to help understand how GS-9620, a drug in clinical trials, suppressed hepatitis B virus (HBV). We found that the antiviral response to GS-9620 was associated with accumulation of immune cells in the liver that can either kill cells infected with HBV or can produce antibodies that may prevent HBV from infecting new liver cells. These findings have important implications for how GS-9620 may be used in patients and may also help guide the development of new therapies to treat chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert E. Lanford
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Simon P. Fletcher
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, CA, USA,Corresponding Author: Mailing address: Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA, Phone: (650) 372-7663. Fax: (650) 522-5890.
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203
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Suslov A, Boldanova T, Wang X, Wieland S, Heim MH. Hepatitis B Virus Does Not Interfere With Innate Immune Responses in the Human Liver. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:1778-1790. [PMID: 29408639 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Most viruses are detected at early stages of cell infection and induce an innate immune response mediated by production of interferons (IFNs). IFNs induce expression of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Infection of chimpanzees with hepatitis C virus, but not hepatitis B virus (HBV), induces ISG expression in the liver. HBV might not induce an innate immune response because it is not detected by pattern recognition receptors (the stealth properties of HBV) or because HBV suppresses IFN production or signaling despite detection by pattern recognition receptors. We studied innate immune signaling in liver biopsies from patients with different stages of chronic HBV infection and uninfected individuals (controls). METHODS We obtained liver within 10 minutes after collection from 30 patients with chronic HBV infection (hepatitis B e antigen-positive or -negative, with or without hepatitis) and 42 controls (most with fatty liver disease). The liver tissues were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, HBV RNA quantification, and HBV genotyping; some specimens were incubated with toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) or infected with Sendai virus and then analyzed. RESULTS Liver specimens from patients with HBV infection were not expressing more IFN or ISGs than those from control patients, indicating that chronic HBV infection did not activate an innate immune response. However, liver specimens from patients with HBV infection did produce IFN and induce expression of ISGs following activation of TLR3 with poly(I:C) or Sendai virus infections, so the innate immune response is not suppressed in these tissues. CONCLUSION Liver tissues from patients with chronic HBV infection do not have induction of an innate immune response, but this response can be activated by other factors (TLR3 binding, Sendai virus infection) in HBV-infected liver tissue. These findings support the hypothesis that HBV is invisible to pattern recognition receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Suslov
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tujana Boldanova
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xueya Wang
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Wieland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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204
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Zhao Y, Lin J, Peng J, Deng Y, Zhao R, Sui Q, Lu Z, Wan D, Pan Z. Hepatitis B Virus Infection Predicts Better Survival In Patients With Colorectal Liver-only Metastases Undergoing Liver Resection. J Cancer 2018; 9:1560-1567. [PMID: 29760793 PMCID: PMC5950584 DOI: 10.7150/jca.24544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been shown to decrease the risk of liver metastasis in patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the prognostic value of HBV infection in long-term survival of patients with colorectal liver-only metastases (CRLM) after liver resection has not yet been evaluated. This study aims to explore the association between HBV infection and survival in CRLM patients. Methods: A total of 289 CRLM patients undergoing liver resection were recruited at our center from September 1999 to August 2015. Patients were divided into an HBV infection group and a non-HBV infection group. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) related to HBV infection were analyzed using both Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression methods. Results: HBV infection was found in 12.1 %(35/289) of patients. Of these patients, 31.4 %(11/35) had chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 42.9 % (15/35) were inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (IC) and 25.7 % (9/35) did not undergo HBV DNA detection. HBV infection was associated with more liver metastases (P = 0.025) and larger-sized liver metastases (P = 0.049). The 3-year OS and PFS rates in the HBV infection group were higher than those in the HBV non-infected group (OS: 75.0 % vs 64.8 %, P = 0.031; PFS: 55.9 % vs 39.6 %, P = 0.034). In multivariate Cox analysis, HBV infection was identified as an independent factor for better 3-year OS (hazard ratio (HR), 0.446; 95 %confidence interval (CI), 0.206-0.966; P = 0.041) but not an independent factor for 3-year PFS. Conclusions: HBV-infected CRLM patients survived longer than non-infected patients. In clinical work, therapeutic regimens and follow-up for HBsAg-positive patients may be different from that for HBsAg-negative patients, even though objective prospective studies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junzhong Lin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhong Peng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxiang Deng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruixia Zhao
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoqi Sui
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhai Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Desen Wan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhizhong Pan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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205
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its associated chronic infection remain serious health threats worldwide. However, there is still no impactful approach for clinical treatment of hepatitis B patients. Therefore, developing a better understanding of the interactions between HBV and its host is particularly important. HBV infection has been reported to induce type-III but not type-I or type-II interferon (IFN). In this study, we identified CBFβ, an HIV enhancer, as an HBV restriction factor that is specifically induced by type-III IFN in the early stages of HBV infection. Type-III IFN-induced IL-10 played an important role in the production of CBFβ. Interestingly, the interaction between CBFβ- and HBV-encoded regulatory protein X (HBx) enhanced the stability of CBFβ, but notably blocked HBx-mediated promotion of HBV replication. CBFβ expression was lower in HBV patients than in healthy persons, and the addition of serum from HBV patients inhibited CBFβ expression in HepG2 cells. On the contrary, HBV via HBsAg inhibited type-III IFN-induced CBFβ expression and decreased the anti-HBV activity of type-III IFN, suggesting that HBV inhibits antiviral interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression and induces IFN resistance. Collectively, our results demonstrate that type-III IFN-triggered and IL-10-induced CBFβ are crucial factors for inhibiting HBV replication, and the HBx–CBFβ–HBsAg axis reveals a new molecular mechanism of interaction between HBV and its hosts.
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206
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Interferon-stimulated gene of 20 kDa protein (ISG20) degrades RNA of hepatitis B virus to impede the replication of HBV in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2018; 7:68179-68193. [PMID: 27626689 PMCID: PMC5356548 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) barely induces host interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), which allows efficient HBV replication in the immortalized mouse hepatocytes as per human hepatocytes. Here we found that transfection of Isg20 plasmid robustly inhibits the HBV replication in HBV-infected hepatocytes irrespective of IRF3 or IFN promoter activation. Transfection of Isg20 is thus effective to eradicate HBV in the infected hepatocytes. Transfection of HBV genome or ε-stem of HBV pgRNA (active pgRNA moiety) failed to induce Isg20 in the hepatocytes, while control polyI:C (a viral dsRNA analogue mimic) activated MAVS pathway leading to production of type I IFN and then ISGsg20 via the IFN-α/β receptor (IFNAR). Consistently, addition of IFN-α induced Isg20 and partially suppressed HBV replication in hepatocytes. Chasing HBV RNA, DNA and proteins by blotting indicated that ISG20 expression decreased HBV RNA and replicative DNA in HBV-transfected cells, which resulted in low HBs antigen production and virus titer. The exonuclease domains of ISG20 mainly participated in HBV-RNA decay. In vivo hydrodynamic injection, ISG20 was crucial for suppressing HBV replication without degrading host RNA in the liver. Taken together, ISG20 acts as an innate anti-HBV effector that selectively degrades HBV RNA and blocks replication of infectious HBV particles. ISG20 would be a critical effector for ameliorating chronic HBV infection in the IFN therapy.
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207
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Ortega-Prieto AM, Skelton JK, Wai SN, Large E, Lussignol M, Vizcay-Barrena G, Hughes D, Fleck RA, Thursz M, Catanese MT, Dorner M. 3D microfluidic liver cultures as a physiological preclinical tool for hepatitis B virus infection. Nat Commun 2018; 9:682. [PMID: 29445209 PMCID: PMC5813240 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02969-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With more than 240 million people infected, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major health concern. The inability to mimic the complexity of the liver using cell lines and regular primary human hepatocyte (PHH) cultures pose significant limitations for studying host/pathogen interactions. Here, we describe a 3D microfluidic PHH system permissive to HBV infection, which can be maintained for at least 40 days. This system enables the recapitulation of all steps of the HBV life cycle, including the replication of patient-derived HBV and the maintenance of HBV cccDNA. We show that innate immune and cytokine responses following infection with HBV mimic those observed in HBV-infected patients, thus allowing the dissection of pathways important for immune evasion and validation of biomarkers. Additionally, we demonstrate that the co-culture of PHH with other non-parenchymal cells enables the identification of the cellular origin of immune effectors, thus providing a valuable preclinical platform for HBV research.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Ortega-Prieto
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - J K Skelton
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - S N Wai
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - E Large
- CN Bio Innovations Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3AX, UK
| | - M Lussignol
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - G Vizcay-Barrena
- Centre For Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - D Hughes
- CN Bio Innovations Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 3AX, UK
| | - R A Fleck
- Centre For Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - M Thursz
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - M T Catanese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, King's College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - M Dorner
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W2 1PG, UK.
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208
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Ma Z, Cao Q, Xiong Y, Zhang E, Lu M. Interaction between Hepatitis B Virus and Toll-Like Receptors: Current Status and Potential Therapeutic Use for Chronic Hepatitis B. Vaccines (Basel) 2018; 6:vaccines6010006. [PMID: 29337856 PMCID: PMC5874647 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines6010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune defense against infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is complex and involves both host innate and adaptive immune systems. It is well accepted that the development of sufficient HBV-specific T cell and B cell responses are required for controlling an HBV infection. However, the contribution of innate immunity to removing HBV has been explored in recent years. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are recognized as the first line of antiviral immunity because they initiate intracellular signaling pathways to induce antiviral mediators such as interferons (IFNs) and other cytokines. Recent studies show that the activation of TLR-mediated signaling pathways results in a suppression of HBV replication in vitro and in vivo. However, HBV has also evolved strategies to counter TLR responses including the suppression of TLR expression and the blockage of downstream signaling pathways. Antiviral treatment in chronic HBV-infected patients leads to an upregulation of TLR expression and the restoration of its innate antiviral functions. Thus, TLR activation may serve as an additional immunotherapeutic option for treating chronic HBV infection in combination with antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Qian Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China.
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany.
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209
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Li F, Nio K, Yasui F, Murphy CM, Su L. Studying HBV Infection and Therapy in Immune-Deficient NOD-Rag1-/-IL2RgammaC-null (NRG) Fumarylacetoacetate Hydrolase (Fah) Knockout Mice Transplanted with Human Hepatocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1540:267-276. [PMID: 27975325 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6700-1_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric mouse models with a humanized liver provide a unique tool to study hepatic virus diseases, including viral infection, viral pathogenesis, and antiviral therapy. Here we describe a detailed protocol for studying hepatitis B infection in NRG-derived fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) knockout mice repopulated with human hepatocytes. The procedures include (1) maintenance and genotyping of the homozygous NRG-fah/fah mutant mice (NRG/F), (2) intrasplenic injection of human hepatocytes, (3) NTBC drug reduction cycling to improve human hepatocyte repopulation, (4) human albumin detection, and (5) HBV infection and detection. The method is simple and allows for highly reproducible generation of NRG/F-hu Hep mice for studying HBV infection and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kouki Nio
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Fumihiko Yasui
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Christopher M Murphy
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lishan Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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210
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Liu H, Li F, Zhang X, Yu J, Wang J, Jia J, Yu X, Shen Z, Yuan Z, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Lu L, Li H, Lu M, Zhang J. Differentially Expressed Intrahepatic Genes Contribute to Control of Hepatitis B Virus Replication in the Inactive Carrier Phase. J Infect Dis 2018; 217:1044-1054. [PMID: 29300924 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Liu
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
- Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou
| | - Fahong Li
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
- Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou
| | - Jie Yu
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Jia
- Shanghai Center of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
| | - Xueping Yu
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University
| | - Zhanqing Zhang
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College
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211
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Lim KH, Park ES, Kim DH, Cho KC, Kim KP, Park YK, Ahn SH, Park SH, Kim KH, Kim CW, Kang HS, Lee AR, Park S, Sim H, Won J, Seok K, You JS, Lee JH, Yi NJ, Lee KW, Suh KS, Seong BL, Kim KH. Suppression of interferon-mediated anti-HBV response by single CpG methylation in the 5'-UTR of TRIM22. Gut 2018; 67:166-178. [PMID: 28341749 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interferons (IFNs) mediate direct antiviral activity. They play a crucial role in the early host immune response against viral infections. However, IFN therapy for HBV infection is less effective than for other viral infections. DESIGN We explored the cellular targets of HBV in response to IFNs using proteome-wide screening. RESULTS Using LC-MS/MS, we identified proteins downregulated and upregulated by IFN treatment in HBV X protein (HBx)-stable and control cells. We found several IFN-stimulated genes downregulated by HBx, including TRIM22, which is known as an antiretroviral protein. We demonstrated that HBx suppresses the transcription of TRIM22 through a single CpG methylation in its 5'-UTR, which further reduces the IFN regulatory factor-1 binding affinity, thereby suppressing the IFN-stimulated induction of TRIM22. CONCLUSIONS We verified our findings using a mouse model, primary human hepatocytes and human liver tissues. Our data elucidate a mechanism by which HBV evades the host innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keo-Heun Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sook Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Cho Cho
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Yong Kwang Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hwa Park
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kee-Hwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Uijeongbu St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Chang Wook Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Hong Seok Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ah Ram Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soree Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heewoo Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juhee Won
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kieun Seok
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jueng Soo You
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Baik L Seong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.,KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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212
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Human leukocyte antigen (HLA-F) polymorphism is associated with chronic HBV infection. 3 Biotech 2018; 8:49. [PMID: 29354360 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-017-1079-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-F has been involved in immune regulation of infectious diseases. However, the role of HLA-F polymorphisms in hepatitis B infection outcomes remains unclear. Here, we aimed to determine HLA-F polymorphism implication in chronic HBV. Genotype analysis was performed for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of HLA-F and one SNP of HLA-E using PCR-SSP, in 252 Tunisian patients with chronic HBV infection stratified according to their HBV DNA levels (140 patients with low HBV DNA levels < 2000 IU/mL and 112 patients with high HBV DNA levels ≥ 2000 IU/mL) and 240 healthy controls (CTRL). The three HLA-F SNPs (HLA-F*01:02, -F*01:03 and -F*01:04) have the same allelic and genotypic frequencies in patients and in CTRL. We reported a low HLA-F*01:02 and F*01:04 allelic frequencies in the Tunisian population; however, high HLA-F*01:03 allele frequencies were observed (17%). A significant association was found between the HLA-F*01:03 allele and decreased level of HBV DNA (P = 0.02 OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.92). No significant differences were observed in haplotype distribution between patients and CTRL. A significant association of HLA-F*01:03 with the level of HBV DNA suggests an important role of HLA-F in HBV replication control.
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213
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Stelma F, Willemse SB, Erken R, de Niet A, Sinnige MJ, van Dort K, Zaaijer HL, van Leeuwen EMM, Kootstra NA, Reesink HW. Dynamics of the Immune Response in Acute Hepatitis B Infection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 4:ofx231. [PMID: 29302605 PMCID: PMC5739046 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute hepatitis B virus infection in adults is generally self-limiting but may lead to chronicity in a minority of patients. Methods We included 9 patients with acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and collected longitudinal follow-up samples. Natural killer (NK) cell characteristics were analyzed by flowcytometry. HBV-specific T-cell function was analyzed by in vitro stimulation with HBV peptide pools and intracellular cytokine staining. Results Median baseline HBV DNA load was 5.12 log IU/mL, and median ALT was 2652 U/mL. Of 9 patients, 8 cleared HBsAg within 6 months whereas 1 patient became chronically infected. Early time points after infection showed increased CD56bright NK cells and an increased proportion of cells expressing activation markers. Most of these had normalized at week 24, while the proportion of TRAIL-positive CD56bright NK cells remained high in the chronically infected patient. In patients who cleared HBV, functional HBV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ responses could be observed, whereas in the patient who developed chronic infection, only low HBV-specific T-cell responses were observed. Conclusions NK cells are activated early in the course of acute HBV infection. Broad and multispecific T-cell responses are observed in patients who clear acute HBV infection, but not in a patient who became chronically infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Stelma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sophie B Willemse
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robin Erken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annikki de Niet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjan J Sinnige
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karel van Dort
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hans L Zaaijer
- Department of Clinical Virology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ester M M van Leeuwen
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Neeltje A Kootstra
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik W Reesink
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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214
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Cheng X, Xia Y, Serti E, Block PD, Chung M, Chayama K, Rehermann B, Liang TJ. Hepatitis B virus evades innate immunity of hepatocytes but activates cytokine production by macrophages. Hepatology 2017; 66:1779-1793. [PMID: 28665004 PMCID: PMC5706781 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hepatocytes specifically and causes immune-mediated liver damage. How HBV interacts with the innate immunity at the early phase of infection, either with hepatocytes or other cells in the liver, remains controversial. To address this question, we utilized various human cell-culture models and humanized Alb-uPA/SCID mice. All these models were unable to mount an interferon (IFN) response despite robust HBV replication. To elucidate the mechanisms involved in the lack of IFN response, we examined whether HBV actively inhibits innate immune functions of hepatocytes. By treating HBV-infected cells with known inducers of the IFN signaling pathway, we observed no alteration of either sensing or downstream IFN response by HBV. We showed that the DNA innate sensing pathways are poorly active in hepatocytes, consistent with muted innate immune recognition of HBV. Upon exposure to high-level HBV, human macrophages could be activated with increased inflammatory cytokine expressions. CONCLUSION HBV behaves like a "stealth" virus and is not sensed by, nor actively interferes with, the intrinsic innate immunity of infected hepatocytes. Macrophages are capable of sensing HBV, but require exposure to high HBV titers, potentially explaining the long "window period" during acute infection and HBV's propensity to chronic infection. (Hepatology 2017;66:1779-1793).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Cheng
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yuchen Xia
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Elisavet Serti
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Peter Daniel Block
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michelle Chung
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Barbara Rehermann
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - T. Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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215
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. There are >250 million people chronically infected with HBV, and these chronic carriers are at high risk of developing end-stage liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) usually acquire the virus perinatally, while most patients infected during adulthood develop acute hepatitis B (AHB), which usually results in viral clearance. HBV infection is noncytopathic, and liver injury is mostly contributed by host immune responses. The virus is stealthy, since the infection rarely induces type I interferon response in the early phase. In AHB, viral infection is detected and restrained by the innate immune response, which is followed by a strong and robust adaptive immune response and accompanied by viral clearance. In patients with CHB, both innate and adaptive immune responses are weak and thus rarely lead to viral clearance. Interferon α and nucleos(t)ide analogues are 2 classes of approved antiviral therapies. The former treatment activates nature killer (NK) cells and NK T cells, which partially enhances the innate immune response, while the later treatment suppresses viral replication by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, which may restore the HBV-specific adaptive immune response. However, single or combined treatment are still far from achieving seroclearance of HBV surface antigen. Although the treatment response is unsatisfactory in current clinical trials using several immunomodulators for boosting antiviral immunity, immunotherapy that is able to induce immune surveillance is still the most promising modality for HBV cure in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital-Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei.,Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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216
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Janfeshan S, Yaghobi R, Eidi A, Karimi MH, Geramizadeh B, Malekhosseini SA, Kafilzadeh F. Study the Cross-talk Between Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Interferon Regulatory Factors in Liver Transplant Patients. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017; 17. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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217
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Ortega-Prieto AM, Dorner M. Immune Evasion Strategies during Chronic Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:E24. [PMID: 28862649 PMCID: PMC5620555 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are a major global healthcare problem with more than 240 million and 70 million infected, respectively. Both viruses persist within the liver and result in progressive liver disease, resulting in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Strikingly, this pathogenesis is largely driven by immune responses, unable to clear an established infection, rather than by the viral pathogens themselves. Even though disease progression is very similar in both infections, HBV and HCV have evolved distinct mechanisms, by which they ensure persistence within the host. Whereas HCV utilizes a cloak-and-dagger approach, disguising itself as a lipid-like particle and immediately crippling essential pattern-recognition pathways, HBV has long been considered a "stealth" virus, due to the complete absence of innate immune responses during infection. Recent developments and access to improved model systems, however, revealed that even though it is among the smallest human-tropic viruses, HBV may, in addition to evading host responses, employ subtle immune evasion mechanisms directed at ensuring viral persistence in the absence of host responses. In this review, we compare the different strategies of both viruses to ensure viral persistence by actively interfering with viral recognition and innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
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218
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Tsai KN, Kuo CF, Ou JHJ. Mechanisms of Hepatitis B Virus Persistence. Trends Microbiol 2017; 26:33-42. [PMID: 28823759 PMCID: PMC5741523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 250 million people worldwide, resulting in nearly one million deaths annually. Studies in recent years have significantly improved our knowledge on the mechanisms of HBV persistence. HBV uses multiple pathways to harness host innate immunity to enhance its replication. It can also take advantage of the developing immune system and the not-yet-stabilized gut microbiota of young children to facilitate its persistence, and use maternal viral e antigen to educate immunity of the offspring to support its persistence after vertical transmission. The knowledge gained from these recent studies paves the way for the development of new therapies for the treatment of chronic HBV infection, which has so far been very challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Cheng-Fu Kuo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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219
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Ma Z, Liu J, Wu W, Zhang E, Zhang X, Li Q, Zelinskyy G, Buer J, Dittmer U, Kirschning CJ, Lu M. The IL-1R/TLR signaling pathway is essential for efficient CD8 + T-cell responses against hepatitis B virus in the hydrodynamic injection mouse model. Cell Mol Immunol 2017; 14:997-1008. [PMID: 28757610 PMCID: PMC5719144 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2017.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcome of hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection is determined by the complex interactions between replicating HBV and the immune system. While the role of the adaptive immune system in the resolution of HBV infection has been studied extensively, the contribution of innate immune mechanisms remains to be defined. Here we examined the role of the interleukin-1 receptor/Toll-like receptor (IL-1R/TLR) signaling pathway in adaptive immune responses and viral clearance by exploring the HBV mouse model. Hydrodynamic injection with a replication-competent HBV genome was performed in wild-type mice (WT) and a panel of mouse strains lacking specific innate immunity component expression. We found higher levels of HBV protein production and replication in Tlr2−/−, Tlr23479−/−, 3d/Tlr24−/−, Myd88/Trif−/− and Irak4−/− mice, which was associated with reduced HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in these mice. Importantly, HBV clearance was delayed for more than 2 weeks in 3d/Tlr24−/−, Myd88/Trif−/− and Irak4−/− mice compared to WT mice. HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses were functionally impaired for producing the cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2 in TLR signaling-deficient mice compared to WT mice. In conclusion, the IL-1R/TLR signaling pathway might contribute to controlling HBV infection by augmenting HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ma
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Weimin Wu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Qian Li
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jan Buer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Carsten J Kirschning
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
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220
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Hepatitis B Virus Activates Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Supporting Hepatocyte Survival and Virus Replication. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 4:339-363. [PMID: 28884137 PMCID: PMC5581872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but molecular mechanisms driving liver disease and carcinogenesis are largely unknown. We therefore studied cellular pathways altered by HBV infection. METHODS We performed gene expression profiling of primary human hepatocytes infected with HBV and proved the results in HBV-replicating cell lines and human liver tissue using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) was examined in HBV-replicating human hepatocytes, HBV-replicating mice, and liver tissue from HBV-infected individuals using Western blotting, STAT3-luciferase reporter assay, and immunohistochemistry. The consequences of STAT3 activation on HBV infection and cell survival were studied by chemical inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of STAT3. RESULTS Gene expression profiling of HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes detected no interferon response, while genes encoding for acute phase and antiapoptotic proteins were up-regulated. This gene regulation was confirmed in liver tissue samples of patients with chronic HBV infection and in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathway analysis revealed activation of STAT3 to be the major regulator. Interleukin-6-dependent and -independent activation of STAT3 was detected in HBV-replicating hepatocytes in cell culture and in vivo. Prevention of STAT3 activation by inhibition of Janus tyrosine kinases as well as small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of STAT3-induced apoptosis and reduced HBV replication and gene expression. CONCLUSIONS HBV activates STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes to foster its own replication but also to prevent apoptosis of infected cells. This very likely supports HBV-related carcinogenesis.
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Key Words
- APR, acute phase response
- Apoptosis
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- FCS, fetal calf serum
- HBV pg RNA, hepatitis B pregenomic RNA
- HBV, Hepatitis B virus
- HBVtg, hepatitis B transgenic
- HBeAg, hepatitis B early antigen
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HNF, hepatocyte nuclear factor
- Hepatitis B Virus Infection
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- IFN, interferon
- IL-6, interleukin 6
- IRF3, interferon regulatory factor 3
- NAC, N-acetyl-L-cysteine
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PHH, primary human hepatocyte
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- RT, reverse transcription
- STAT3 Signaling
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- cDNA, complementary DNA
- cRNA, complementary RNA
- cccDNA, covalently closed circular DNA
- mRNA, messenger RNA
- p.i., postinfection
- pSTAT3, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- pgRNA, pregenomic RNA
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
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221
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Kim HY, Kim CW, Choi JY, Yu DS, Kim JW, Han KD, Park YG, Lee YB. Atopic dermatitis is inversely associated with hepatitis B antigen positivity: a population-based cohort study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2017. [PMID: 28646620 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No clear association between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been established. Some studies have reported that subjects with HBV had an increased risk of atopy; other studies reported an inverse association between HBV seropositivity and allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the association between AD and hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) positivity using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. METHODS In total, 14 776 participants aged >19 years were included in the analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the odds ratio of HBsAg positivity in association with AD and asthma. RESULTS The prevalence of HBsAg positivity was lower in individuals with AD than in those without AD (mean [SE], 0.7% [0.4] vs. 3.7% [0.2]; P < 0.001). However, HBsAg positivity was not significantly associated with asthma (3.7% [0.2] vs. 2.8% [0.8]; P < 0.001). HBsAg positivity decreased the risk of AD significantly (OR = 0.223; 95% CI = 0.069-0.72). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates an inverse association between AD and HBsAg positivity using a nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional health examination and survey.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Y Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - C W Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - J Y Choi
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - D S Yu
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - J W Kim
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - K D Han
- Department of Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y G Park
- Department of Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Y B Lee
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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222
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Lucifora J, Salvetti A, Marniquet X, Mailly L, Testoni B, Fusil F, Inchauspé A, Michelet M, Michel ML, Levrero M, Cortez P, Baumert TF, Cosset FL, Challier C, Zoulim F, Durantel D. Detection of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently-closed-circular DNA (cccDNA) in mice transduced with a recombinant AAV-HBV vector. Antiviral Res 2017; 145:14-19. [PMID: 28709657 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) persists in infected hepatocytes as an episomal covalently-closed-circular DNA mini-chromosome, called cccDNA. As the main nuclear transcription template, HBV cccDNA is a key replication intermediate in the viral life cycle. Little is known about the mechanisms involved in its formation, maintenance and fate under antiviral therapies. This is mainly due to the lack of small immune-competent animal models able to recapitulate the entire HBV replication cycle, including formation of HBV cccDNA. Here we report that HBV cccDNA can be detected by Southern blot analyses in the liver of C57BL6 mice transduced with AAV-HBV. HBV cccDNA persists in the liver of these animals together with the AAV-HBV episome. We also set up a PCR strategy to distinguish the HBV cccDNA from the AAV-HBV episome. These suggest that the AAV-HBV/mouse model might be relevant to test drugs targeting HBV cccDNA regulation and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lucifora
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Marniquet
- Sanofi R&D, Infectious Disease Therapeutic Area, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Laurent Mailly
- INSERM U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Floriane Fusil
- INSERM, U1111, International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Aurore Inchauspé
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Sanofi R&D, Infectious Disease Therapeutic Area, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Maud Michelet
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | - Massimo Levrero
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Cortez
- Sanofi R&D, Infectious Disease Therapeutic Area, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - François-Loic Cosset
- INSERM, U1111, International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), Team EVIR, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Univ Lyon, F-69007, Lyon, France
| | - Cécile Challier
- Sanofi R&D, Infectious Disease Therapeutic Area, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), Lyon, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
| | - David Durantel
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
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Nosratabadi R, Alavian SM, Zare-Bidaki M, Shahrokhi VM, Arababadi MK. Innate immunity related pathogen recognition receptors and chronic hepatitis B infection. Mol Immunol 2017; 90:64-73. [PMID: 28704708 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Innate immunity consists of several kinds of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which participate in the recognition of pathogens and consequently activation of innate immune system against pathogens. Recently, several investigations reported that PRRs may also play key roles in the induction/stimulation of immune system related complications in microbial infections. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), as the main cause of viral hepatitis in human, can induce several clinical forms of hepatitis B and also might be associated with hepatic complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Based on the important roles of PRRs in the eradication of microbial infections including viral infections and their related complications, it appears that the molecules may be a main part of immune responses against viral infections including HBV and participate in the HBV related complications. Thus, this review article has brought together information regarding the roles of PRRs in immunity against HBV and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nosratabadi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatallah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zare-Bidaki
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Dept. of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Vahid Mohammadi Shahrokhi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran; Dept. of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
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224
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Hou J, Brouwer WP, Kreefft K, Gama L, Price SL, Janssen HLA, French PJ, Vanwolleghem T, Boonstra A. Unique intrahepatic transcriptomics profiles discriminate the clinical phases of a chronic HBV infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179920. [PMID: 28662087 PMCID: PMC5491066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is a highly heterogeneous liver disease characterized by phases with fluctuations in viral replication and progressive liver damage in some, but not all infected individuals. Despite four decades of research, insight into host determinants underlying these distinct clinical phases-immunotolerant, immune active, inactive carrier, and HBeAg-negative hepatitis-remains elusive. We performed an in-depth transcriptome analysis of archived FFPE liver biopsies of each clinical phase to address host determinants associated with the natural history. Therefore, we determined, for the first time, intrahepatic global expression profiles of well-characterized chronic HBV patients at different clinical phases. Our data, obtained by microarray, demonstrate that B cells and NK/cytotoxic-related genes in the liver, including CD19, TNFRSF13C, GZMH, and KIR2DS3, were differentially expressed across the clinical HBV phases, which was confirmed by modular analysis and also Nanostring arrays in an independent cohort. Compared to the immunotolerant phase, 92 genes were differentially expressed in the liver during the immune active phase, 46 in the inactive carrier phase, and 71 in the HBeAg-negative phase. Furthermore, our study also revealed distinctive transcription of genes associated with cell cycle activity, NF-κB signaling, cytotoxic function and mitochondrial respiration between clinical phases. Our data define for the first time using microarray unique transcriptomes in the HBV-infected liver during consecutive clinical phases. We demonstrate that fluctuations of viral loads and liver damage coincide with fluctuations in the liver transcriptome and point to functional- immune and non-immune- components contributing to the clinical phenotype in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Willem P. Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kim Kreefft
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lucio Gama
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sarah L. Price
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Harry L. A. Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Pim J. French
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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225
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major health burden worldwide; it can cause various degrees of liver damage and is strongly associated with the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular mechanisms determining HBV persistence are not fully understood, but these appear to be multifactorial and the unique replication strategy employed by HBV enables its maintenance in infected hepatocytes. Both the stability of the HBV genome, which forms a stable minichromosome, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the hepatocyte nucleus, and the inability of the immune system to resolve chronic HBV infection are believed to be key mechanisms of HBV chronicity. Since a true cure of HBV requires clearance of intranuclear cccDNA from infected hepatocytes, understanding the mechanisms involved in cccDNA biogenesis, regulation and stability is mandatory to achieve HBV eradication. This review will summarize the state of knowledge on these mechanisms including the impact of current treatments on the cccDNA stability and activity. We will focus on events challenging cccDNA persistence in dividing hepatocytes.
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226
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Dandri M, Petersen J. Animal models of HBV infection. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017; 31:273-279. [PMID: 28774409 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms determining hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence and pathogenesis are not fully elucidated, but appear to be multi-factorial. Current medication to repress viral replication is available; however, the unique replication strategies employed by HBV enable the virus to persist within the infected hepatocytes. Consequently, cure is rarely achieved. Progresses in HBV research and preclinical testing of antiviral agents have been limited by the narrow species- and tissue-tropism of the virus, the paucity of infection models available and the restrictions imposed by the use of chimpanzees, the only animals fully susceptible to HBV infection. Mice are not HBV permissive but major efforts have focused on the development of mouse models of HBV replication and infection, such as the generation of humanized mice. By presenting the different animal models available, this review will highlight the most important and clinically relevant findings that have been retrieved from the respective systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Site, Germany.
| | - Joerg Petersen
- IFI Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine at Asklepios Clinic St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
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227
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Gehring AJ. New treatments to reach functional cure: Rationale and challenges for emerging immune-based therapies. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017; 31:337-345. [PMID: 28774416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The landscape for chronic HBV therapy is rapidly evolving. The latest generation of antiviral drugs provide robust virus suppression with a high barrier to resistance that facilitates long-term treatment. However, low rates of HBsAg loss demonstrate that additional strategies are needed to consistency achieve a functional cure. The immune system can clear HBV and establish long-term control over the virus. Sufficiently boosting HBV immunity in chronic patients has been very difficult due to immune exhaustion, immune dysregulation, and inhibitory pathways suppressing the immune response. Therapeutic vaccines employing new technology, vectors and new immunomodulatory drugs that can elicit direct antiviral effects and cancel inhibitory mechanism may be able to overcome exhaustion. This review will discuss the justification for immunotherapy, lessons from previous trials and new vaccines/drugs in early stage clinical trials. The challenges of correlating immune responses induced by these drugs to clinical efficacy will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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228
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Boeijen LL, Hoogeveen RC, Boonstra A, Lauer GM. Hepatitis B virus infection and the immune response: The big questions. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017; 31:265-272. [PMID: 28774408 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Clinical events and the host immune response during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are intricately linked. Despite decades of research, important questions concerning the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infection remain unanswered. For example, it is unclear which immune parameters facilitate persistence, and if HBV can be completely cleared from the human liver. Recent technological breakthroughs now allow researchers to address these seemingly basic, but essential questions surrounding HBV immunity. It will be important to better define the molecular underpinnings of immune cell function and dysfunction during chronic disease and in controlled infection, with particular focus on the liver, as little information is available on the intrahepatic compartment. In the near future, it may be possible to solve some of the controversy surrounding the immune responses to HBV, and establish the features of both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system required to achieve sustained control of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauke L Boeijen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben C Hoogeveen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Georg M Lauer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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229
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Yu Y, Wan P, Cao Y, Zhang W, Chen J, Tan L, Wang Y, Sun Z, Zhang Q, Wan Y, Zhu Y, Liu F, Wu K, Liu Y, Wu J. Hepatitis B Virus e Antigen Activates the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 2 to Repress Interferon Action. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1729. [PMID: 28496097 PMCID: PMC5431827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute hepatitis B (AHB), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the serum generally indicates ongoing viral replication and disease progression. However, the mechanism by which HBeAg regulates HBV infection remains unclear. Interferons (IFNs) are pleiotropic cytokines that participate in host innate immunity. After binding to receptors, IFNs activate the JAK/STAT pathway to stimulate expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), leading to induction of antiviral responses. Here, we revealed that HBeAg represses IFN/JAK/STAT signaling to facilitate HBV replication. Initially, HBeAg stimulates the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2). Subsequently, SOCS2 impairs IFN/JAK/STAT signaling through reducing the stability of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), downregulating the expression of type I and III IFN receptors, attenuating the phosphorylation and nucleus translocation of STAT1. Finally, SOCS2 inhibits the expression of ISGs, which leads to the repression of IFN action and facilitation of viral replication. These results demonstrate an important role of HBeAg in the regulation of IFN action, and provide a possible molecular mechanism by which HBV resists the IFN therapy and maintains persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pin Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yanhua Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Junbo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Li Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhichen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yushun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kailang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Yingle Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Jianguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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230
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Wittlich M, Dudek M, Böttcher JP, Schanz O, Hegenbarth S, Bopp T, Schmitt E, Kurts C, Garbers C, Rose John S, Knolle PA, Wohlleber D. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell cross-priming is supported by CD4 T cell-derived IL-2. J Hepatol 2017; 66:978-986. [PMID: 28025060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are prominent liver-resident antigen (cross-)presenting cells. LSEC cross-priming of naïve CD8 T cells does not require CD4 T cell help in contrast to priming by dendritic cells (DC) but leads to the formation of memory T cells that is preceded by transient Granzyme B (GzmB) expression. Here we provide evidence for a so far unrecognized CD4 T helper cell function in LSEC-induced CD8 T cell activation. METHODS Naïve CD8 T cells and differentiated T helper 1 (Th1) cells were stimulated by antigen-presenting LSEC, and GzmB expression in CD8 T cells was determined by flow cytometry. To identify molecular pathways mediating this GzmB expression, mechanistic proof-of-concept experiments were conducted using stimulatory anti-CD3 antibody together with Hyper-IL-6. RESULTS We demonstrate that LSECs simultaneously function in antigen co-presentation to CD8 and CD4 T cells. Such co-presentation revealed a function of Th1 cells to increase GzmB expression in CD8 T cells after LSEC but not DC cross-priming. IL-2 released from Th1 cells was required but not sufficient for rapid GzmB induction in CD8 T cells. T cell receptor together with IL-6 trans-signaling was necessary for IL-2 to mediate rapid GzmB induction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that LSECs can serve as a platform to facilitate CD4-CD8 T cell crosstalk enhancing the immune function of LSECs to cross-prime CD8 T cells. IL-6 trans-signaling-mediated responsiveness for IL-2 inducing sustained GzmB expression in CD8 T cells reveals unique mechanisms of CD4 T cell help and CD8 T cell differentiation through liver-resident antigen-presenting cells. LAY SUMMARY Our findings demonstrate that LSEC co-present antigen to CD8 and CD4 T cells and thereby enable CD4 T cell help for LSEC-priming of CD8 T cells. This CD4 T cell help selectively enhances the rapid upregulation of GzmB and effector function of LSEC-primed CD8 T cells thereby enhancing functional differentiation towards CD8 effector T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Wittlich
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Dudek
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum München rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | - Jan P Böttcher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Schanz
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | - Silke Hegenbarth
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum München rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | - Tobias Bopp
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Mainz, Germany
| | - Edgar Schmitt
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kurts
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Percy A Knolle
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, Germany; Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum München rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Klinikum München rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
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231
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Vanwolleghem T, Boonstra A. Focus on the liver: Host-virus interactions in HBV. J Hepatol 2017; 66:884-885. [PMID: 28223100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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232
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Uchida T, Imamura M, Kan H, Hiraga N, Hayes CN, Tsuge M, Abe-Chayama H, Aikata H, Makokha GN, Miki D, Ochi H, Ishida Y, Tateno C, Chayama K. Usefulness of humanized cDNA-uPA/SCID mice for the study of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus virology. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:1040-1047. [DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Hiraga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - C. Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiromi Abe-Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Grace Naswa Makokha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, Center for Genomic Medicine, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ochi
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, Center for Genomic Medicine, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuji Ishida
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Chise Tateno
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd, Higashihiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Applied Life Science, Institute of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, Center for Genomic Medicine, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Hiroshima, Japan
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233
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Lebossé F, Testoni B, Fresquet J, Facchetti F, Galmozzi E, Fournier M, Hervieu V, Berthillon P, Berby F, Bordes I, Durantel D, Levrero M, Lampertico P, Zoulim F. Intrahepatic innate immune response pathways are downregulated in untreated chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2017; 66:897-909. [PMID: 28043874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence and the pathobiology of chronic HBV (CHB) infections result from the interplay between viral replication and host immune responses. We aimed to comprehensively analyse the expression of intrahepatic host genes as well as serum and liver HBV markers in a large cohort of untreated CHB patients. METHODS One-hundred and five CHB patients untreated at the time of liver biopsy (34 HBeAg[+] and 71 HBeAg[-]) were analysed for the intrahepatic expression profile of 67 genes belonging to multiple innate immunity pathways. Results were correlated to serological (quantification of HBsAg [qHBsAg] and HBV DNA) and intrahepatic viral markers (total HBV DNA, pre-genomic RNA and covalently closed circular HBV DNA). RESULTS Intrahepatic gene expression profiling revealed a strong downregulation of antiviral effectors, interferon stimulated genes, Toll-like and pathogen recognition receptor pathways in CHB patients as compared to non-infected controls, which was not directly correlated to HBV replication. A subset of genes [CXCL10, GBP1, IFITM1, IFNB1, IL10, IL6, ISG15, TLR3, SOCS1, SOCS3] was more repressed in HBeAg(-) respect to HBeAg(+) patients (median of serum HBV DNA 7.9×103vs. 7.9×107IU/ml, respectively). Notably, HBeAg(-) patients with lower qHBsAg (<5×103IU/ml) showed a relief of repression of genes belonging to multiple pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a strong impairment of innate immune responses in the liver of CHB patients. The association of low levels of qHBsAg with gene repression, if confirmed, might prove useful for the identification of patients who would most benefit from immune-modulators and/or HBsAg targeting agents as strategies to restore immune responsiveness. LAY SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections represent a major public health problem worldwide. Over 200 million people are chronically infected and at risk of developing chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and cancer. Our work aimed to understand the molecular consequences of chronic hepatitis B in the infected liver. It was conducted in a large cohort of untreated chronically infected HBV patients and analysed the expression of immunity and liver disease-related genes in the liver, with respect to markers of viral replication and persistence. Our results indicate that chronic HBV infection has a suppressive effect on immune responses, which was more pronounced with high levels of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). These data provide novel insight into the mechanisms of HBV persistence in the liver and suggest that approaches aimed at reducing HBsAg levels, may restore immune responsiveness against the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Lebossé
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; Department of Hepatology, Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Judith Fresquet
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Floriana Facchetti
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Galmozzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maëlenn Fournier
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Valérie Hervieu
- University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France; Department of Pathology, Edouard Heriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | | | - Françoise Berby
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Bordes
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France
| | - David Durantel
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Massimo Levrero
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; Department of Hepatology, Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France; Department of Internal Medicine - DMISM and the IIT Center for Life Nanoscience (CLNS), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 69008 Lyon, France; Department of Hepatology, Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France; University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, 69008 Lyon, France.
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234
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Interplay between the Hepatitis B Virus and Innate Immunity: From an Understanding to the Development of Therapeutic Concepts. Viruses 2017; 9:v9050095. [PMID: 28452930 PMCID: PMC5454408 DOI: 10.3390/v9050095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hepatocytes, which are the main cell type composing a human liver. However, the liver is enriched with immune cells, particularly innate cells (e.g., myeloid cells, natural killer and natural killer T-cells (NK/NKT), dendritic cells (DCs)), in resting condition. Hence, the study of the interaction between HBV and innate immune cells is instrumental to: (1) better understand the conditions of establishment and maintenance of HBV infections in this secondary lymphoid organ; (2) define the role of these innate immune cells in treatment failure and pathogenesis; and (3) design novel immune-therapeutic concepts based on the activation/restoration of innate cell functions and/or innate effectors. This review will summarize and discuss the current knowledge we have on this interplay between HBV and liver innate immunity.
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235
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Liu Y, Nie H, Mao R, Mitra B, Cai D, Yan R, Guo JT, Block TM, Mechti N, Guo H. Interferon-inducible ribonuclease ISG20 inhibits hepatitis B virus replication through directly binding to the epsilon stem-loop structure of viral RNA. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006296. [PMID: 28399146 PMCID: PMC5388505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its DNA genome through reverse transcription of a viral RNA pregenome. We report herein that the interferon (IFN) stimulated exoribonuclease gene of 20 KD (ISG20) inhibits HBV replication through degradation of HBV RNA. ISG20 expression was observed at basal level and was highly upregulated upon IFN treatment in hepatocytes, and knock down of ISG20 resulted in elevation of HBV replication and attenuation of IFN-mediated antiviral effect. The sequence element conferring the susceptibility of HBV RNA to ISG20-mediated RNA degradation was mapped at the HBV RNA terminal redundant region containing epsilon (ε) stem-loop. Furthermore, ISG20-induced HBV RNA degradation relies on its ribonuclease activity, as the enzymatic inactive form ISG20D94G was unable to promote HBV RNA decay. Interestingly, ISG20D94G retained antiviral activity against HBV DNA replication by preventing pgRNA encapsidation, resulting from a consequence of ISG20-ε interaction. This interaction was further characterized by in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and ISG20 was able to bind HBV ε directly in absence of any other cellular proteins, indicating a direct ε RNA binding capability of ISG20; however, cofactor(s) may be required for ISG20 to efficiently degrade ε. In addition, the lower stem portion of ε is the major ISG20 binding site, and the removal of 4 base pairs from the bottom portion of ε abrogated the sensitivity of HBV RNA to ISG20, suggesting that the specificity of ISG20-ε interaction relies on both RNA structure and sequence. Furthermore, the C-terminal Exonuclease III (ExoIII) domain of ISG20 was determined to be responsible for interacting with ε, as the deletion of ExoIII abolished in vitro ISG20-ε binding and intracellular HBV RNA degradation. Taken together, our study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of IFN-mediated HBV inhibition and the antiviral mechanism of ISG20 in general. HBV is a DNA virus but replicates its DNA via retrotranscription of a viral RNA pregenome. ISG20, an antiviral RNase induced by interferons, inhibits the replication of many RNA viruses but the underlying molecular antiviral mechanism remains elusive. Since all the known viruses, except for prions, have RNA products in their life cycles, ISG20 can be a broad spectrum antiviral protein; but in order to distinguish viral RNA from host RNA, ISG20 may have evolved to recognize virus-specific signals as its antiviral target. We demonstrated herein that ISG20 selectively binds to a unique stem-loop structure called epsilon (ε) in all HBV RNA species and degrades viral RNA to inhibit HBV replication. Because ε is the HBV pregenomic RNA packaging signal and reverse transcription priming site, the binding of ISG20 to ε, even in the absence of ribonuclease activity, results in antiviral effect to prevent DNA replication due to preventing viral polymerase binding to pgRNA. We also determined the structure and sequence requirements of ε RNA and ISG20 protein for ISG20-ε binding and antiviral activity. Such information will aid the function study of ISG20 against viral pathogens in host innate defense, and ISG20 has potentials to be developed into a therapeutic agent for viral diseases including hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Hui Nie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Bidisha Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Dawei Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Timothy M. Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nadir Mechti
- CNRS, UMR5235, DIMNP, University of Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tu T, Budzinska MA, Shackel NA, Urban S. HBV DNA Integration: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Viruses 2017; 9:v9040075. [PMID: 28394272 PMCID: PMC5408681 DOI: 10.3390/v9040075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. One peculiar observation in cells infected with HBV (or with closely‑related animal hepadnaviruses) is the presence of viral DNA integration in the host cell genome, despite this form being a replicative dead-end for the virus. The frequent finding of somatic integration of viral DNA suggests an evolutionary benefit for the virus; however, the mechanism of integration, its functions, and the clinical implications remain unknown. Here we review the current body of knowledge of HBV DNA integration, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms and its clinical implications (including the possible consequences of replication-independent antigen expression and its possible role in hepatocellular carcinoma). HBV DNA integration is likely to influence HBV replication, persistence, and pathogenesis, and so deserves greater attention in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Tu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Magdalena A Budzinska
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Shackel
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
- Liverpool Hospital, Gastroenterology, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia.
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, Im Neuenheimer Feld 345, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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237
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Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Facilitates Hepatitis B Virus Replication through Binding with Type I Interferon (IFN) Receptor 1 To Repress IFN/JAK/STAT Signaling. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01824-16. [PMID: 28122987 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01824-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may cause acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms by which HBV evades host immunity and maintains chronic infection are largely unknown. Here, we revealed that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is activated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HBV-infected patients, and HBV stimulates MMP-9 expression in macrophages and PBMCs isolated from healthy individuals. MMP-9 plays important roles in the breakdown of the extracellular matrix and in the facilitation of tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. MMP-9 also regulates respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) replication, but the mechanism underlying such regulation is unknown. We further demonstrated that MMP-9 facilitates HBV replication by repressing the interferon (IFN)/Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, IFN action, STAT1/2 phosphorylation, and IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression. Moreover, MMP-9 binds to type I IFN receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and facilitates IFNAR1 phosphorylation, ubiquitination, subcellular distribution, and degradation to interfere with the binding of IFANR1 to IFN-α. Thus, we identified a novel positive-feedback regulation loop between HBV replication and MMP-9 production. On one hand, HBV activates MMP-9 in infected patients and leukocytes. On the other hand, MMP-9 facilitates HBV replication through repressing IFN/JAK/STAT signaling, IFNAR1 function, and IFN-α action. Therefore, HBV may take the advantage of MMP-9 function to establish or maintain chronic infection.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may cause chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms by which HBV maintains chronic infection are largely unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) plays important roles in the facilitation of tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. However, the effects of MMP-9 on HBV replication and pathogenesis are not known. This study reveals that MMP-9 expression is activated in patients with CHB, and HBV stimulates MMP-9 production in PBMCs and macrophages. More interestingly, MMP-9 in turn promotes HBV replication through suppressing IFN-α action. Moreover, MMP-9 interacts with type I interferon receptor 1 (IFNAR1) to disturb the binding of IFN-α to IFNAR1 and facilitate the phosphorylation, ubiquitination, subcellular distribution, and degradation of IFNAR1. Therefore, these results discover a novel role of MMP-9 in viral replication and reveal a new mechanism by which HBV evades host immunity to maintain persistent infection.
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238
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Lobaina Y, Michel ML. Chronic hepatitis B: Immunological profile and current therapeutic vaccines in clinical trials. Vaccine 2017; 35:2308-2314. [PMID: 28351734 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than 250million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (CHB), and over half a million die each year due to CHB-associated liver complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The translation of immunological knowledge about CHB into therapeutic strategies aiming to a sustainable hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance has been challenging. In recent years, however, the understanding on the immune effectors required to overcome chronicity has notably increased thanks to preclinical and clinical research. Therapeutic vaccination may prove to be useful for treating CHB patients when coupled with current antiviral agents and other immunomodulatory strategies. This review summarizes current data and future perspectives on therapeutic vaccination. Other treatment alternatives that could be combined with vaccines for a complete cure from hepatitis B virus infection are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba.
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239
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Tong S, Liu G, Li M, Li X, Liu Q, Peng H, Li S, Ren H, Yin W. Natural killer cell activation contributes to hepatitis B viral control in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:314. [PMID: 28331190 PMCID: PMC5428210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00387-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been well documented. However, the role of innate immunity in HBV infection remains obscure. Here we examined the effect of activation of innate immunity by polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) on HBV infection. A chronic HBV replication mouse model was established by hydrodynamical injection of pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid into C57BL/6 mice. We found that HBV did not seem to induce an active NK-cell response in the mouse model. Early PolyI:C treatment markedly decreased serum HBV levels and led to HBV clearance. Following PolyI:C injection, NK cells were activated and accumulated in the liver. Depletion of NK cells markedly attenuated the anti-HBV activity of PolyI:C. Moreover, we found that IFN-γ production from NK cells was essential for the antiviral effect of PolyI:C in the model. Importantly, activation of NK cells by PolyI:C could also lead to HBV suppression in HBV-tolerant mice and HBV-transgenic mice. These results suggest that activated NK cells might suppress HBV and contribute to HBV clearance during natural HBV infection. In addition, therapeutic activation of NK cells may represent a new strategy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Tong
- 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.,Department of Clinical Nutrition, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangze Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, 458th Hospital of PLA, No. 801 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghong Li
- 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
| | - Xiumei Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, 458th Hospital of PLA, No. 801 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Liu
- 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
| | - Hong Peng
- 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
| | - Shiying Li
- 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
| | - Hong Ren
- 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
| | - Wenwei Yin
- 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.
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240
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Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles Reveals Deregulation of the Immune Response Genes during Different Phases of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.42237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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241
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Zheng Z, Wang L, Pan J. Interferon-stimulated gene 20-kDa protein (ISG20) in infection and disease: Review and outlook. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2017; 6:35-40. [PMID: 28357179 PMCID: PMC5359350 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2017.01004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-stimulated exonuclease gene 20 (ISG20) is an RNA exonuclease in the yeast RNA exonuclease 4 homolog (REX4) subfamily and the DEDDh exonuclease family, and this gene codes for a 20-kDa protein. Those exonucleases are involved in cleaving single-stranded RNA and DNA. ISG20 is also referred to as HEM45 (HeLa estrogen-modulated, band 45). Expression of ISG20 can be induced or regulated by both type I and II interferons (IFNs) in various cell lines. ISG20 plays a role in mediating interferon's antiviral activities. In addition, ISG20 may be a potential susceptibility biomarker or pharmacological target in some inflammatory conditions. Exonucleases are useful components of many physiological processes. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the functions of ISG20, much work remains to be done with regard to uncovering the mechanism of action of ISG20 in specific diseases and adapting ISG20 for use as a biomarker of disease. This review describes current information on ISG20 and its potential use in marking disease. This review describes several research achievements thus far and it seeks to provide some new ideas for future related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Zheng
- Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Center, Ji'nan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Ji'nan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-drugs of the Ministry of Health, Ji'nan, China
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Center, Ji'nan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Ji'nan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-drugs of the Ministry of Health, Ji'nan, China
| | - Jihong Pan
- Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Center, Ji'nan, China
- Key Laboratory for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Ji'nan, China
- Key Laboratory for Biotech-drugs of the Ministry of Health, Ji'nan, China
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Jihong Pan, Shandong Medicinal and Biotechnology Center, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 18877 Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250062, China. E-mail:
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242
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Nuclear Import of Hepatitis B Virus Capsids and Genome. Viruses 2017; 9:v9010021. [PMID: 28117723 PMCID: PMC5294990 DOI: 10.3390/v9010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped pararetrovirus with a DNA genome, which is found in an up to 36 nm-measuring capsid. Replication of the genome occurs via an RNA intermediate, which is synthesized in the nucleus. The virus must have thus ways of transporting its DNA genome into this compartment. This review summarizes the data on hepatitis B virus genome transport and correlates the finding to those from other viruses.
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243
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Niu C, Livingston CM, Li L, Beran RK, Daffis S, Ramakrishnan D, Burdette D, Peiser L, Salas E, Ramos H, Yu M, Cheng G, Strubin M, Delaney IV WE, Fletcher SP. The Smc5/6 Complex Restricts HBV when Localized to ND10 without Inducing an Innate Immune Response and Is Counteracted by the HBV X Protein Shortly after Infection. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169648. [PMID: 28095508 PMCID: PMC5240991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural maintenance of chromosome 5/6 complex (Smc5/6) is a restriction factor that represses hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcription. HBV counters this restriction by expressing HBV X protein (HBx), which targets Smc5/6 for degradation. However, the mechanism by which Smc5/6 suppresses HBV transcription and how HBx is initially expressed is not known. In this study we characterized viral kinetics and the host response during HBV infection of primary human hepatocytes (PHH) to address these unresolved questions. We determined that Smc5/6 localizes with Nuclear Domain 10 (ND10) in PHH. Co-localization has functional implications since depletion of ND10 structural components alters the nuclear distribution of Smc6 and induces HBV gene expression in the absence of HBx. We also found that HBV infection and replication does not induce a prominent global host transcriptional response in PHH, either shortly after infection when Smc5/6 is present, or at later times post-infection when Smc5/6 has been degraded. Notably, HBV and an HBx-negative virus establish high level infection in PHH without inducing expression of interferon-stimulated genes or production of interferons or other cytokines. Our study also revealed that Smc5/6 is degraded in the majority of infected PHH by the time cccDNA transcription could be detected and that HBx RNA is present in cell culture-derived virus preparations as well as HBV patient plasma. Collectively, these data indicate that Smc5/6 is an intrinsic antiviral restriction factor that suppresses HBV transcription when localized to ND10 without inducing a detectable innate immune response. Our data also suggest that HBx protein may be initially expressed by delivery of extracellular HBx RNA into HBV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congrong Niu
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | | | - Li Li
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Rudolf K. Beran
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Stephane Daffis
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | | | - Dara Burdette
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Leanne Peiser
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Salas
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Hilario Ramos
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Mei Yu
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Guofeng Cheng
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Michel Strubin
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center (C.M.U.), Geneva, Switzerland
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244
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MITA/STING and Its Alternative Splicing Isoform MRP Restrict Hepatitis B Virus Replication. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169701. [PMID: 28056087 PMCID: PMC5215812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) requires the coordinated work of both the innate and adaptive immune responses. MITA/STING, an adapter protein of the innate immune signaling pathways, plays a key role in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses to DNA virus infection. Previously, we identified an alternatively spliced isoform of MITA/STING, called MITA-related protein (MRP), and found that MRP could specifically block MITA-mediated interferon (IFN) induction while retaining the ability to activate NF-κB. Here, we asked whether MITA/STING and MRP were able to control the HBV replication. Both MITA/STING and MRP significantly inhibited HBV replication in vitro. MITA overexpression stimulated IRF3-IFN pathway; while MRP overexpression activated NF-κB pathway, suggesting these two isoforms may inhibit HBV replication through different ways. Using a hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model, we found that HBV replication was reduced following MITA/STING and MRP expression vectors in mice and was enhanced by the knockout of MITA/STING (MITA/STING-/-). The HBV specific humoral and CD8+ T cell responses were impaired in MITA/STING deficient mice, suggesting the participation of MITA/STING in the initiation of host adaptive immune responses. In summary, our data suggest that MITA/STING and MRP contribute to HBV control via modulation of the innate and adaptive responses.
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Suresh M, Korolowicz KE, Balarezo M, Iyer RP, Padmanabhan S, Cleary D, Gimi R, Sheri A, Yon C, Kallakury BV, Tucker RD, Afdhal N, Menne S. Antiviral Efficacy and Host Immune Response Induction during Sequential Treatment with SB 9200 Followed by Entecavir in Woodchucks. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169631. [PMID: 28056062 PMCID: PMC5215947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SB 9200, an orally bioavailable dinucleotide, activates the viral sensor proteins, retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-I) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) causing the induction of the interferon (IFN) signaling cascade for antiviral defense. The present study evaluated the overall antiviral response in woodchucks upon induction of immune response, first with SB 9200 followed by Entecavir (ETV) versus reduction of viral burden with ETV followed by SB 9200 immunomodulation. Woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) were treated orally with SB 9200 (30 mg/kg/day) and ETV (0.5 mg/kg/day). Group 1 received ETV for 4 weeks followed by SB 9200 for 12 weeks. Group 2 received SB 9200 for 12 weeks followed by ETV for 4 weeks. At the end of treatment in Group 2, average reductions of 6.4 log10 in serum WHV DNA and 3.3 log10 in WHV surface antigen were observed whereas in Group 1, average reductions of 4.2 log10 and 1.1 log10 in viremia and antigenemia were noted. Both groups demonstrated marked reductions in hepatic WHV nucleic acid levels which were more pronounced in Group 2. Following treatment cessation and the 8-week follow-up, recrudescence of viral replication was observed in Group 1 while viral relapse in Group 2 was significantly delayed. The antiviral effects observed in both groups were associated with temporally different induction of IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-stimulated genes in blood and liver. These results suggest that the induction of host immune responses by pretreatment with SB 9200 followed by ETV resulted in antiviral efficacy that was superior to that obtained using the strategy of viral reduction with ETV followed by immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasa Suresh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Kyle E. Korolowicz
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Maria Balarezo
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | | | | | - Dillon Cleary
- Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rayomand Gimi
- Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Anjaneyulu Sheri
- Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Changsuek Yon
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Bhaskar V. Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Robin D. Tucker
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Nezam Afdhal
- Spring Bank Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Milford, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephan Menne
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
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Pang J, Zhang G, Lin Y, Xie Z, Liu H, Tang L, Lu M, Yan R, Guo H, Sun J, Hou J, Zhang X. Transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 transcriptionally suppresses hepatitis B virus replication. Sci Rep 2017; 7:39901. [PMID: 28045080 PMCID: PMC5206675 DOI: 10.1038/srep39901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) replication in hepatocytes is restricted by the host innate immune system and related intracellular signaling pathways. Transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is a key mediator of toll-like receptors and pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling pathways. Here, we report that silencing or inhibition of endogenous TAK1 in hepatoma cell lines leads to an upregulation of HBV replication, transcription, and antigen expression. In contrast, overexpression of TAK1 significantly suppresses HBV replication, while an enzymatically inactive form of TAK1 exerts no effect. By screening TAK1-associated signaling pathways with inhibitors and siRNAs, we found that the MAPK-JNK pathway was involved in TAK1-mediated HBV suppression. Moreover, TAK1 knockdown or JNK pathway inhibition induced the expression of farnesoid X receptor α, a transcription factor that upregulates HBV transcription. Finally, ectopic expression of TAK1 in a HBV hydrodynamic injection mouse model resulted in lower levels of HBV DNA and antigens in both liver and serum. In conclusion, our data suggest that TAK1 inhibits HBV primarily at viral transcription level through activation of MAPK-JNK pathway, thus TAK1 represents an intrinsic host restriction factor for HBV replication in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinke Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Geng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Zhanglian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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247
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Tout I, Marotel M, Chemin I, Hasan U. HBV and the importance of TLR9 on B cell responses. AIMS ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/allergy.2017.3.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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248
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Golsaz-Shirazi F, Shokri F. Hepatitis B immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:461-77. [PMID: 26973127 DOI: 10.2217/imt.16.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide there are over 248 million chronic carriers of HBV of whom about a third eventually develop severe HBV-related complications. Due to the major limitations of current therapeutic approaches, the development of more effective strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients seems crucial. Immune activation plays a critical role in spontaneous viral control; therefore, new modalities based on stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses could result in the resolution of infection and are promising approaches. Here, we summarize the HBV immunopathogenesis, and discuss the encouraging results obtained from the promising immune-based innovations, such as therapeutic vaccination, cytokine therapy, cell-based therapies and blocking inhibitory receptors, as current and future immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Golsaz-Shirazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazel Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Wohlleber D, Knolle PA. The role of liver sinusoidal cells in local hepatic immune surveillance. Clin Transl Immunology 2016; 5:e117. [PMID: 28090319 PMCID: PMC5192065 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2016.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the liver's function as unique immune organ regulating immunity has received a lot of attention over the last years, the mechanisms determining hepatic immune surveillance against infected hepatocytes remain less well defined. Liver sinusoidal cells, in particular, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and Kupffer cells (KCs), serve as physical platform for recruitment and anchoring of blood-borne immune cells in the liver. Liver sinusoidal cells also function as portal of entry for infectious microorganisms targeting the liver such as hepatotropic viruses, bacteria or parasites. At the same time, liver sinusoidal cells actively contribute to achieve immune surveillance against bacterial and viral infections. KCs function as adhesion hubs for CD8 T cells from the circulation, which initiates the interaction of virus-specific CD8 T cells with infected hepatocytes. Through their phagocytic function, KCs contribute to removal of bacteria from the circulation and engage in cross talk with sinusoidal lymphocyte populations to achieve elimination of phagocytosed bacteria. LSECs contribute to local immune surveillance through cross-presentation of viral antigens that causes antigen-specific retention of CD8 T cells from the circulation. Such cross-presentation of viral antigens activates CD8 T cells to release TNF that in turn triggers selective killing of virus-infected hepatocytes. Beyond major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T-cell immunity, CD1- and MR1-restricted innate-like lymphocytes are found in liver sinusoids whose roles in local immune surveillance against infection need to be defined. Thus, liver sinusoidal cell populations bear key functions for hepatic recruitment and for local activation of immune cells, which are both required for efficient immune surveillance against infection in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität München , München, Germany
| | - Percy A Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, Technische Universität München, München, Germany; Institute of Experimental Immunology, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
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250
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Ward H, Tang L, Poonia B, Kottilil S. Treatment of hepatitis B virus: an update. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:1581-1597. [PMID: 27855500 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a global health concern as it affects over 240 million people worldwide and an estimated 686,000 people die annually as a result of complications of the disease. With the development of newer antiviral drugs, viral suppression of HBV is achievable, however elimination of HBV from infected individuals (functional cure) remains an issue. Due to persistence of HBV DNA (cccDNA) in infected cells, chronically infected patients who discontinue therapy prior to HBsAg loss or seroconversion are likely to relapse. Several novel therapeutic strategies are being researched and studied in clinical trials. Here we review these novel strategies to achieve sustained cure or elimination of HBV. These strategies include the targeting of the host or viral factors required for viral persistence as well as therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Ward
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lydia Tang
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Bhawna Poonia
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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