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Yang S, Wang L, Pan W, Bayer W, Thoens C, Heim K, Dittmer U, Timm J, Wang Q, Yu Q, Luo J, Liu Y, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Zhang X, Chen H, Wang H, Feng X, Yang X, Lu Y, Lu M, Yang D, Liu J. MMP2/MMP9-mediated CD100 shedding is crucial for inducing intrahepatic anti-HBV CD8 T cell responses and HBV clearance. J Hepatol 2019; 71:685-698. [PMID: 31173811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS CD100 is constitutively expressed on T cells and can be cleaved from the cell surface by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) to become soluble CD100 (sCD100). Both membrane-bound CD100 (mCD100) and sCD100 have important immune regulatory functions that promote immune cell activation and responses. This study investigated the expression and role of mCD100 and sCD100 in regulating antiviral immune responses during HBV infection. METHODS mCD100 expression on T cells, sCD100 levels in the serum, and MMP expression in the liver and serum were analysed in patients with chronic HBV (CHB) and in HBV-replicating mice. The ability of sCD100 to mediate antigen-presenting cell maturation, HBV-specific T cell activation, and HBV clearance were analysed in HBV-replicating mice and patients with CHB. RESULTS Patients with CHB had higher mCD100 expression on T cells and lower serum sCD100 levels compared with healthy controls. Therapeutic sCD100 treatment resulted in the activation of DCs and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, enhanced HBV-specific CD8 T cell responses, and accelerated HBV clearance, whereas blockade of its receptor CD72 attenuated the intrahepatic anti-HBV CD8 T cell response. Together with MMP9, MMP2 mediated mCD100 shedding from the T cell surface. Patients with CHB had significantly lower serum MMP2 levels, which positively correlated with serum sCD100 levels, compared with healthy controls. Inhibition of MMP2/9 activity resulted in an attenuated anti-HBV T cell response and delayed HBV clearance in mice. CONCLUSIONS MMP2/9-mediated sCD100 release has an important role in regulating intrahepatic anti-HBV CD8 T cell responses, thus mediating subsequent viral clearance during HBV infection. LAY SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. The clearance of HBV relies largely on an effective T cell immune response, which usually becomes dysregulated in chronic HBV infection. Our study provides a new mechanism to elucidate HBV persistence and a new target for developing immunotherapy strategies in patients chronically infected with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangqing Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wen Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wibke Bayer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Christine Thoens
- Institute for Virology, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital, Duesseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Kathrin Heim
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Joerg Timm
- Institute for Virology, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital, Duesseldorf 40225, Germany
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jinzhuo Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yanan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79110, Germany
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Hepatology Unit and Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510551, China
| | - Hongtao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen 510632, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yinping Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen 45147, Germany
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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202
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Abstract
With a yearly death toll of 880,000, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major health problem worldwide, despite an effective prophylactic vaccine and well-tolerated, effective antivirals. HBV causes chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The viral genome persists in infected hepatocytes even after long-term antiviral therapy, and its integration, though no longer able to support viral replication, destabilizes the host genome. HBV is a DNA virus that utilizes a virus-encoded reverse transcriptase to convert an RNA intermediate, termed pregenomic RNA, into the relaxed circular DNA genome, which is subsequently converted into a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the host cell nucleus. cccDNA is maintained in the nucleus of the infected hepatocyte as a stable minichromosome and functions as the viral transcriptional template for the production of all viral gene products, and thus, it is the molecular basis of HBV persistence. The nuclear cccDNA pool can be replenished through recycling of newly synthesized, DNA-containing HBV capsids. Licensed antivirals target the HBV reverse transcriptase activity but fail to eliminate cccDNA, which would be required to cure HBV infection. Elimination of HBV cccDNA is so far only achieved by antiviral immune responses. Thus, this review will focus on possible curative strategies aimed at eliminating or crippling the viral cccDNA. Newer insights into the HBV life cycle and host immune response provide novel, potentially curative therapeutic opportunities and targets.
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203
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Dickow J, Francois S, Kaiserling RL, Malyshkina A, Drexler I, Westendorf AM, Lang KS, Santiago ML, Dittmer U, Sutter K. Diverse Immunomodulatory Effects of Individual IFNα Subtypes on Virus-Specific CD8 + T Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2255. [PMID: 31608062 PMCID: PMC6771563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical administration of Interferon α (IFNα) resulted in limited therapeutic success against some viral infections. Immune modulation of CD8+ T cell responses during IFNα therapy is believed to play a pivotal role in promoting viral clearance. However, these clinical studies primarily focused on IFNα subtype 2. To date, the immunomodulatory roles of the remaining 10-13 IFNα subtypes remains poorly understood, thereby precluding assessments of their potential for more effective treatments. Here, we report that virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses were influenced to various extents by individual IFNα subtypes. IFNα4, 6, and 9 had the strongest effects on CD8+ T cells, including antiproliferative effects, improved cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Interestingly, augmented cytokine responses were dependent on IFNα subtype stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs), while antiproliferative effects and cytotoxicity were mediated by IFNAR signaling in either CD8+ T cells or DCs. Thus, precise modulation of virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses may be feasible for specific antiviral immunotherapies through careful selection and administration of individual IFNα subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dickow
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Francois
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rouven-Luca Kaiserling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Malyshkina
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ingo Drexler
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Maria Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karl Sebastian Lang
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mario L. Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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204
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Ma Z, Zhang E, Gao S, Xiong Y, Lu M. Toward a Functional Cure for Hepatitis B: The Rationale and Challenges for Therapeutic Targeting of the B Cell Immune Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2308. [PMID: 31608073 PMCID: PMC6769125 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role of the cellular immune response in the control and clearance of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been well-established. The contribution of humoral immunity, including B cell and antibody responses against HBV, has been investigated for a long time but has attracted increasing attention again in recent years. The anti-HBs antibody was first recognized as a marker of protective immunity after the acute resolution of the HBV infection (or vaccination) and is now defined as a biomarker for the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this way, therapies targeting HBV-specific B cells and the induction of an anti-HBs antibody response are essential elements of a rational strategy to terminate chronic HBV infection. However, a high load of HBsAg in the blood, which has been proposed to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, represents a major obstacle to curing CHB. Long-term antiviral treatment by nucleoside analogs, by targeting viral translation by siRNA, by inhibiting HBsAg release via nucleic acid polymers, or by neutralizing HBsAg via specific antibodies could potentially reduce the HBsAg load in CHB patients. A combined strategy including a reduction of the HBsAg load via the above treatments and the therapeutic targeting of B cells by vaccination may induce the appearance of anti-HBs antibodies and lead to a functional cure of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shicheng Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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205
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Heim K, Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R, Hofmann M. Heterogeneity of HBV-Specific CD8 + T-Cell Failure: Implications for Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2240. [PMID: 31620140 PMCID: PMC6763562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health burden affecting around 257 million people worldwide. The consequences of chronic HBV infection include progressive liver damage, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current direct antiviral therapies successfully lead to suppression of viral replication and deceleration of liver cirrhosis progression, these treatments are rarely curative and patients often require a life-long therapy. Based on the ability of the immune system to control HBV infection in at least a subset of patients, immunotherapeutic approaches are promising treatment options to achieve HBV cure. In particular, T cell-based therapies are of special interest since CD8+ T cells are not only capable to control HBV infection but also to eliminate HBV-infected cells. However, recent data show that the molecular mechanisms underlying CD8+ T-cell failure in chronic HBV infection depend on the targeted antigen and thus different strategies to improve the HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell response are required. Here, we review the current knowledge about the heterogeneity of impaired HBV-specific T-cell populations and the potential consequences for T cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches in HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Heim
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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206
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Yan Y, Allweiss L, Yang D, Kang J, Wang J, Qian X, Zhang T, Liu H, Wang L, Liu S, Sui J, Chen X, Dandri M, Zhao J, Lu F. Down-regulation of cell membrane localized NTCP expression in proliferating hepatocytes prevents hepatitis B virus infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:879-894. [PMID: 31179847 PMCID: PMC6567113 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1625728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte proliferation could result in the loss of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the emergence of cccDNA-cleared nascent hepatocytes, which appear refractory to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reinfection with unknown mechanism(s). Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is the functional receptor for HBV entry. In this study, down-regulation of cell membrane localized NTCP expression in proliferating hepatocytes was found to prevent HBV infection in HepG2-NTCP-tet cells and in liver-humanized mice. In patients, lower NTCP protein expression was correlated well with higher levels of hepatocyte proliferation and less HBsAg expression in HBV-related focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) tissues. Clinically, significantly lower NTCP protein expression was correlated with more active hepatocyte proliferation in CHB patients with severe active necroinflammation and better antiviral treatment outcome. Mechanistically, the activation of cell cycle regulatory genes p53, S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) and cyclin D1 during cell proliferation, as well as proliferative and inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6) could transcriptionally down-regulate NTCP expression. From these aspects, we conclude that within the milieu of hepatocyte proliferation, down-regulation of cell membrane localized NTCP expression level renders nascent hepatocytes resistant to HBV reinfection. This may accelerate virus clearance during immune-mediated cell death and compensatory proliferation of survival hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yan
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Lena Allweiss
- b Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Danli Yang
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingting Kang
- c Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences , School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwen Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangjun Qian
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liu
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Shuhong Liu
- d Department of Pathology and Hepatology , The 5th Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Sui
- e Biologics Research Center , National Institute of Biological Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Maura Dandri
- b Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany.,f German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) , Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Site , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- d Department of Pathology and Hepatology , The 5th Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- a State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences , Peking University Health Science Center , Beijing , People's Republic of China
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207
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Chen Y, Tian Z. HBV-Induced Immune Imbalance in the Development of HCC. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2048. [PMID: 31507621 PMCID: PMC6718466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the high-risk factors for human HCC. Despite the integration of virus DNA and the oncoprotein HBx, chronic necroinflammation and hepatocellular regeneration account for hepatocarcinogenesis. As a non-cytopathic virus, HBV is extensively recognized to mediate chronic liver damage through abnormal immune attack. However, the mechanisms driving HBV infection to HCC are poorly understood. During chronic HBV infection in humans, the adaptive immunity changes from immune tolerance to progressive immune activation, inactivation, reactivation and exhaustion, all of which may be the immune pathogenic factors for the development of HCC. Recently, the immunopathogenic mechanisms were described in mouse HBV-induced HCC models, which is absolutely dependent on the presence of HBV-specific T cell response and NK cell-derived IFN-γ, findings which are consistent with the observations from CHB and HCC patients. In this review, we summarize recent research progression on the HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, and also CD4+ T cells, B cells and non-specific immune cells and molecules underlying chronic HBV infection and eventual HCC development to demonstrate the pathogenesis of HBV-induced immune imbalance. Based on the progression, we discussed the potential of immune-based therapies and their challenges in the treatment of HBV-related HCC, including the checkpoint inhibition, genetically modified T cell transfer, therapeutic vaccines and metabolic modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyan Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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208
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Fanning GC, Zoulim F, Hou J, Bertoletti A. Therapeutic strategies for hepatitis B virus infection: towards a cure. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:827-844. [PMID: 31455905 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of liver disease globally, with a disproportionately high burden in South-East Asia. Vaccines and nucleoside or nucleotide drugs are available and reduce both new infection rates and the development of liver disease in HBV-positive persons who adhere to long-term suppressive treatment. Although there is still considerable value in optimizing access to virus-suppressing regimens, the scientific and medical communities have embarked on a concerted journey to identify new antiviral drugs and immune interventions aimed at curing infection. The mechanisms and drug targets being explored are diverse; however, the field universally recognizes the importance of addressing the persistence of episomal covalently closed circular DNA, the existence of integrated HBV DNA in the host genome and the large antigen load, particularly of hepatitis B surface antigen. Another major challenge is to reinvigorate the exhausted immune response within the liver microenvironment. Ultimately, combinations of new drugs will be required to cure infection. Here we critically review the recent literature that describes the rationale for curative therapies and the resulting compounds that are being tested in clinical trials for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Fanning
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, China Research & Development, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon University, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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209
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Zhang Z, Wang C, Liu Z, Zou G, Li J, Lu M. Host Genetic Determinants of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Genet 2019; 10:696. [PMID: 31475028 PMCID: PMC6702792 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major health problem worldwide. Recently, a great number of genetic studies based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association studies have been performed to search for host determinants of the development of chronic HBV infection, clinical outcomes, therapeutic efficacy, and responses to hepatitis B vaccines, with a focus on human leukocyte antigens (HLA), cytokine genes, and toll-like receptors. In addition to SNPs, gene insertions/deletions and copy number variants are associated with infection. However, conflicting results have been obtained. In the present review, we summarize the current state of research on host genetic factors and chronic HBV infection, its clinical type, therapies, and hepatitis B vaccine responses and classify published results according to their reliability. The potential roles of host genetic determinants of chronic HBV infection identified in these studies and their clinical significance are discussed. In particular, HLAs were relevant for HBV infection and pathogenesis. Finally, we highlight the need for additional studies with large sample sizes, well-matched study designs, appropriate statistical methods, and validation in multiple populations to improve the treatment of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Changtai Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Affiliated Anqing Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Zhongping Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guizhou Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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210
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Synergy of therapeutic heterologous prime-boost hepatitis B vaccination with CpG-application to improve immune control of persistent HBV infection. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10808. [PMID: 31346211 PMCID: PMC6658704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis B must overcome high viral antigen load and local regulatory mechanisms that promote immune-tolerance in the liver and curtail hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8 T cell immunity. Here, we report that therapeutic heterologous HBcore-protein-prime/Modified-Vaccinia-Virus-Ankara (MVA-HBcore) boost vaccination followed by CpG-application augmented vaccine-induced HBcAg-specific CD8 T cell-function in the liver. In HBV-transgenic as well as AAV-HBV-transduced mice with persistent high-level HBV-replication, the combination of therapeutic vaccination with subsequent CpG-application was synergistic to generate more potent HBV-specific CD8 T cell immunity that improved control of hepatocytes replicating HBV.
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211
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Ning L, Huang X, Xu Y, Yang G, Yang J, Fu Q, Zhang Q, Liu H, Wu X, Wang Z, Luo K. Boosting of Hepatitis B Virus-Specific T Cell Responses After Pegylated-Interferon-α-2a Therapy for Hepatitis B e Antigen-Positive Pediatric Patients. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2019; 39:740-751. [PMID: 31329012 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2019.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with pegylated-interferon-α-2a (PegIFNα) in pediatric patients can lead to a higher rate of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) loss than in adults. However, the mechanism of underlying immune response is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore innate and adaptive immunity, especially HBV-specific T cell responses in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive pediatric patients, who have experienced HBsAg loss. Isolated lymphocytes of 20 HBeAg-positive pediatric patients were collected every 12 weeks until treatment was stopped. The phenotype of T/natural killer (NK) cells and function of HBV-specific T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The frequency of CD69 and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expressed on T cells and TRAIL on CD56hi NK cells in patients with HBsAg loss was remarkably higher compared with nonresponse patients. Furthermore, in vitro peptide stimulation of HBV-specific T cell responses was increased in patients with HBsAg loss when compared with week 0 and 48, and correlated with decline of viral load. The PegIFNα therapy in pediatric patients triggered T/NK cell activation and HBV-specific T cell responses, thereby contributing to successful viral control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juncheng Yang
- Office of Prof. Kangxian Luo, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunfang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Office of Prof. Kangxian Luo, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai Liu
- Office of Prof. Kangxian Luo, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Wu
- Office of Prof. Kangxian Luo, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangxian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Ferrando-Martinez S, Huang K, Bennett AS, Sterba P, Yu L, Suzich JA, Janssen HLA, Robbins SH. HBeAg seroconversion is associated with a more effective PD-L1 blockade during chronic hepatitis B infection. JHEP Rep 2019; 1:170-178. [PMID: 32039367 PMCID: PMC7001560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Current therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection control viral replication but do not eliminate the risk of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV-specific CD8 T cells are necessary for viral control, but they are rare and exhausted during chronic infection. Preclinical studies have shown that blockade of the PD-1:PD-L1 axis can restore HBV-specific T cell functionality. The aim of this study was to analyze how the clinical and treatment status of patients impacts the ability of HBV-specific T cells to respond to PD-L1 blockade. Methods Expression patterns of the PD-1:PD-L1/PD-L2 axis were analyzed in healthy donors and chronically infected patients in different clinical phases of disease. A functional assay was performed to quantify baseline HBV-specific T cell responses in chronically infected patients. Baseline responses were then compared to those attained in the presence of an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (MEDI2790). Results Chronically infected patients were characterized by the upregulation of PD-1 within the T cell compartment and a concomitant upregulation of PD-L1 on myeloid dendritic cells. The upregulation was maximal in HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients but persisted after HBeAg negativization and was not restored by long-term treatment. HBV reactivity, measured as frequency of HBV-specific T cells, was significantly higher in HBeAg-negative patients with lower HBV DNA levels, independently of HBV surface antigen or alanine aminotransferase levels. Anti-PD-L1 blockade with MEDI2790 increased both the number of IFN-γ-producing T cells and the amount of IFN-γ produced per cell in 97% of patients with detectable HBV reactivity, independently of patients’ clinical or treatment status. Conclusion Patients with lower levels of HBV DNA and the absence of HBeAg have more intact HBV-specific T cell immunity and may benefit the most from PD-L1 blockade as a monotherapy. Lay summary Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cell responses during chronic infection are weak due to the upregulation of inhibitor molecules on the immune cells. In this study we show that the inhibitory PD-1:PD-L1 axis is upregulated during chronic HBV infection and successful antiretroviral therapy does not restore normal levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression. However, in HBV e antigen-negative patients, treatment with an anti-PD-L1 antibody can increase the functionality of HBV-specific T cell responses by an average of 2-fold and is a promising new therapy for patients with chronic HBV infection. Upregulation of the PD-1:PD-L1 axis is more profound in HBeAg-positive samples. This upregulation does not normalize in HBeAg-negative patients, or patients under antiviral therapy. HBV-specific T cell reactivity is higher in HBeAg-negative patients with low HBV DNA levels. 97% of HBV-reactive patients respond to anti-PD-L1 blockade with MEDI2790 irrespective of their clinical status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Huang
- Microbial Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Li Yu
- Statistical Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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213
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Giadans CG, Ríos DA, Ameigeiras B, Pietrantonio AM, Lucatelli NL, Haddad L, Mullen E, Heinrich F, De Matteo E, Flichman D, Valva P, Preciado MV. Chronic hepatitis B: The interplay between intrahepatic lymphocyte population and viral antigens in relation to liver damage. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:727-737. [PMID: 30739377 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, virus and immune response interplay is thought to be responsible for pathogenesis. Yet, the impact of each immune cell population and viral protein expression in liver damage is still unknown. Our aim was to study the interplay between intrahepatic immune response and viral activity in relation to CHB liver damage. Immunostaining was performed in 29 liver biopsies from untreated CHB patients to characterize liver infiltrate [Th (CD4+), CTL (CD8+), Treg (FoxP3+), Th17 (IL-17A+) and Th1 (T-bet+)] and viral antigen expression (HBsAg and HBcAg). Inflammatory activity and fibrosis were assessed using the HAI and METAVIR scoring system. All studied populations were identified in the portal-periportal (P-P) areas with a CD4+ lymphocyte predominance, while only CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells were observed in the intralobular area. Both P-P CD4+ and intralobular CD8+ cell frequencies were increased among severe hepatitis cases. Concerning HBsAg and HBcAg expression, a mutually exclusive pattern was observed. HBcAg was mainly detected among HBeAg-positive patients and was associated with hepatitis severity and higher frequency of P-P FoxP3+, intralobular CD8+ and FoxP3+ cells. HBsAg was identified among HBeAg-negative cases with less severe hepatitis grade and lower frequency of P-P CD4+ and intralobular FoxP3+ lymphocytes. In conclusion, the HBV antigen profile expression seen during CHB infection may be reflecting different stages of viral replication which impacts the host immune response and liver damage process. While HBcAg might be an inducer of a regulatory microenvironment, the intralobular CTL population seemed to have a key role in hepatitis severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia G Giadans
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División Patología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP- CONICET-GCBA), Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela A Ríos
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División Patología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP- CONICET-GCBA), Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Ameigeiras
- Unidad de Hepatología, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,División Patología, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Néstor L Lucatelli
- Unidad de Hepatología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leila Haddad
- División Patología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Mullen
- Hospital San Antonio, Gualeguay, Provincia de Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Fabiana Heinrich
- División Patología, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Elena De Matteo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División Patología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP- CONICET-GCBA), Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Flichman
- Cátedra de Virología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División Patología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP- CONICET-GCBA), Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María V Preciado
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, División Patología, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Investigaciones en Patologías Pediátricas (IMIPP- CONICET-GCBA), Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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214
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Abstract
Globally, infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization programs are markedly reducing the rate of chronic HBV infections among children <5 years of age. Desirable improvements include increased birth dose coverage and better prevention of perinatal HBV transmission. Follow-up studies show that by the teenage years most of those immunized as infants have lost circulating anti-HBs antibody and some fail to respond to challenge HBV vaccination, implying loss of protection from infection. With high exposure to HBV, such individuals can develop breakthrough HBV infection but this rarely leads to chronic infection, the main goal of prevention programs. While longer-term follow-up studies into adulthood are needed, current evidence does not support a need for booster immunization of otherwise healthy teens or young adults.
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215
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Jacobi FJ, Wild K, Smits M, Zoldan K, Csernalabics B, Flecken T, Lang J, Ehrenmann P, Emmerich F, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Neumann-Haefelin C, Boettler T. OX40 stimulation and PD-L1 blockade synergistically augment HBV-specific CD4 T cells in patients with HBeAg-negative infection. J Hepatol 2019; 70:1103-1113. [PMID: 30826436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Current antiviral therapies lack the potential to eliminate persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV-specific T cells are crucial for HBV control and have recently been shown to be protective in patients following discontinuation of antiviral therapy. Thus, T cell-based approaches may greatly improve the therapeutic landscape of HBV infection. We aimed to augment HBV-specific CD4 T cells from chronically infected patients by targeting different immunological pathways. METHODS Expression of various co-stimulatory and inhibitory receptors on HBV- and influenza-specific CD4 T cells was analyzed directly ex vivo by MHC class II-tetramers. Patients infected with HBV genotype D were screened for CD4 T cell responses by IFN-γ ELISpot and intracellular cytokine staining following stimulation with overlapping peptides (OLPs) spanning the HBV-polyprotein. Stimulation with recombinant IL-7, an agonistic OX40-antibody or blockade of PD-L1 was performed in antigen-specific in vitro cultures. Cytokine secretion and expression of transcription factors were analyzed by flow cytometry. Responses targeting influenza, Epstein-Barr virus and tetanus toxoid served as controls. RESULTS Tetramer-staining revealed that the IL-7 receptor-alpha (CD127), OX40 and PD-1 constitute possible therapeutic targets as they were all strongly expressed on HBV-specific CD4 T cells ex vivo. The HBV-specific CD4 T cell responses identified by OLP screening targeted predominantly the HBV-polymerase and core proteins. Combined OX40 stimulation and PD-L1 blockade significantly augmented IFN-γ and IL-21 producing HBV-specific CD4 T cells in vitro, suggesting active T helper type 1 cell and follicular T helper cell programs. Indeed, transcription factors T-bet and Bcl6 were strongly expressed in cytokine-producing cells. CONCLUSIONS Combined OX40 stimulation and PD-L1 blockade augmented secretion of the helper T cell signature cytokines IFN-γ and IL-21, suggesting that immunotherapeutic approaches can improve HBV-specific CD4 T cell responses. LAY SUMMARY CD4 T cells are important in controlling viral infections but are impaired in the context of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Therapeutic approaches to cure chronic HBV infection are highly likely to require an immune-stimulatory component. This study demonstrates that HBV-specific CD4 T cells can be functionally augmented by combined stimulation of the co-stimulatory molecule OX40 and blockade of the inhibitory PD-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Johannes Jacobi
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wild
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Smits
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Csernalabics
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Flecken
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Lang
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Ehrenmann
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Emmerich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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216
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Cheung KW, Seto MTY, Lao TTH. Prevention of perinatal hepatitis B virus transmission. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 300:251-259. [PMID: 31098821 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05190-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains endemic and continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. It is a global health issue and the World Health Organization aims to eradicate HBV by 2030. Since vertical transmission accounts for the majority of chronic HBV infection, pregnancy offers an excellent opportunity to achieve complete HBV eradication by providing effective immunization of the offspring. METHODS We reviewed recent publications identified from PubMed database using a combination of the relevant keywords for HBV, pregnancy, vertical transmission, immunoprophylaxis failure and antiviral treatment. RESULTS We summarized the evidence of factors associated with, and measures to reduce and prevent maternal to child transmission, including the use of antiviral treatment during pregnancy to prevent immunoprophylaxis failure. Evidence suggested that highly viremia mother can be offered antenatal antiviral treatment to prevent immunoprophylaxis failure. We elaborated the viral load threshold to start maternal antiviral treatment and the importance of timely neonatal vaccination. A clinical algorithm to manage HBV carriers during pregnancy was proposed. CONCLUSION Eradication of HBV is achievable with optimal management of HBV carriers, especially during pregnancy by interruption of vertical transmission. Routine antenatal screening and neonatal immunoprophylaxis remain the key measures to reduce the global HBV burden, and additional antenatal antiviral treatment could further minimize the chance of persistent infection in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Wang Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 6/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Mimi Tin Yan Seto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 6/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Terence Tzu-Hsi Lao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 6/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
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217
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Association between IL-37 gene polymorphisms and risk of HBV-related liver disease in a Saudi Arabian population. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7123. [PMID: 31073186 PMCID: PMC6509272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42808-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-37 (IL-37) has recently been recognized as a strong anti-inflammatory cytokine having anti-tumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. HCC is a typical inflammation-related cancer, and genetic variations within the IL-37 gene may be associated with the risk of HBV infection. Identification of the allelic patterns that genetically have a high disease risk is essential for the development of preventive diagnostics for HBV-mediated liver disease pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL-37 gene and disease sequelae associated with HBV infection. We genotyped ten IL-37 SNPs in 1274 patients infected with HBV and 599 healthy controls from a Saudi Arabian population. Among the selected SNPs, two SNPs (rs2723175 and rs2708973) were strongly associated with HBV infection, and six SNPs (rs2723176, rs2723175, rs2723186, rs364030, rs28947200, rs4392270) were associated with HBV clearance, comparing healthy controls and HBV infected-patients respectively. A suggestive association of rs4849133 was identified with active HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier and HBV-related liver disease progression. In conclusion, our findings suggest that variations at the IL-37 gene may be useful as genetic predictive risk factors for HBV infection and HBV-mediated liver disease progression in the Saudi Arabian population.
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218
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Jia W, Zhu MQ, Qi X, Wang T, Wen X, Chen PD, Fan QQ, Zhang WH, Zhang JM. Serum hepatitis B virus RNA levels as a predictor of HBeAg seroconversion during treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a. Virol J 2019; 16:61. [PMID: 31064399 PMCID: PMC6505123 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion represents an endpoint of treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Methods We have studied whether levels of serum hepatitis B virus ribonucleic acid (HBV RNA) during pegylated interferon alfa-2a treatment might be helpful for predicting HBeAg seroconversion. 61 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a alone or in combination with adefovir (10 mg/day) for 48 weeks were included in this retrospective analysis. Response was defined as HBeAg seroconversion at 24 weeks posttreatment. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to identify baseline and on-treatment HBV RNA levels associated with response. Results Twenty-two of 61 (36.1%) patients achieved a response. Baseline HBV RNA levels were lower in responders than in nonresponders (4.55 ± 1.19 and 5.90 ± 1.13 copies/mL, respectively, P = 0.001). Baseline HBV RNA cut off level (200,000 copies/mL) provided a positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.0% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.8%. HBV RNA level (3000 copies/mL) at week 12 provide a PPV of 75.0% and a NPV of 82.8%. Moreover, HBeAg seroconversion rates at 24 weeks posttreatment were significantly higher in patients with HBV RNA ≤ 200,000 copies/mL at baseline and HBV RNA ≤ 3000 copies/mL at week 12 (92.9%) versus others (12.5%) (All P < 0.05). Conclusions In Conclusions, serum HBV RNA levels may serve as a novel tool for prediction of HBeAg seroconversion during therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-019-1152-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Men Qi Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Qi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Wen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Dong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Qi Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Ming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China.
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219
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Hoogeveen RC, Robidoux MP, Schwarz T, Heydmann L, Cheney JA, Kvistad D, Aneja J, Melgaço JG, Fernandes CA, Chung RT, Boonstra A, Kim AY, Baumert TF, Timm J, Lewis-Ximenez LL, Tonnerre P, Lauer GM. Phenotype and function of HBV-specific T cells is determined by the targeted epitope in addition to the stage of infection. Gut 2019; 68:893-904. [PMID: 30580250 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic HBV infection affects more than 250 million people worldwide and remains a global healthcare problem in part because we lack curative treatment. Sustained viral control requires HBV-specific T cells, but these become functionally impaired in chronic infection. Clinical evidence indicates that functional cure of HBV infection by the host immune response is feasible. Developing T cell-based therapies able to achieve functional cure will require identification of the requirements for a successful T cell response against HBV and the relative contribution of individual T cell specificities to HBV control. DESIGN The phenotype and function of HBV-specific T cells were studied directly ex vivo using fluorochrome-labelled multimers. We studied multiple HBV-specific T cell specificities targeting different HBV proteins in individuals with either an acute self-limiting or chronic HBV infection. RESULTS We detected strong T cell responses targeting multiple HBV viral proteins in acute self-limiting and low-frequency core and polymerase-specific T cells in chronic infection. Expression of the T cell inhibitory receptor PD-1, as well as T cell differentiation, T cell function and T cell regulation differed by stages and outcomes of infection. In addition, these features differed significantly between T cells targeting different HBV specificities. CONCLUSION HBV-specific T cells with different target specificities are characterised by distinct phenotypical and functional profiles. These results have direct implications for the design of immunological studies in HBV infection, and are potentially relevant for informing immunotherapeutic approaches to induce functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben C Hoogeveen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maxwell P Robidoux
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tatjana Schwarz
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Laura Heydmann
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - James A Cheney
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Kvistad
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jasneet Aneja
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Juliana G Melgaço
- Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Fernandes
- Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública Noel Nutels, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Pierre Tonnerre
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Georg M Lauer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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220
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Bertoletti A, Kennedy PTF. HBV antiviral immunity: not all CD8 T cells are born equal. Gut 2019; 68:770-773. [PMID: 30700541 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-317959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Singapore Immunology Network, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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221
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Wisskirchen K, Kah J, Malo A, Asen T, Volz T, Allweiss L, Wettengel JM, Lütgehetmann M, Urban S, Bauer T, Dandri M, Protzer U. T cell receptor grafting allows virological control of Hepatitis B virus infection. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:2932-2945. [PMID: 31039136 DOI: 10.1172/jci120228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell therapy is a promising means to treat chronic HBV infection and HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. T cells engineered to express an HBV-specific T cell receptor (TCR) may achieve cure of HBV infection upon adoptive transfer. We investigated the therapeutic potential and safety of T cells stably expressing high affinity HBV envelope- or core-specific TCRs recognizing European and Asian HLA-A2 subtypes. Both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from healthy donors and from chronic hepatitis B patients became polyfunctional effector cells when grafted with HBV-specific TCRs and eliminated HBV from infected HepG2-NTCP cell cultures. A single transfer of TCR-grafted T cells into HBV-infected, humanized mice controlled HBV infection and virological markers declined 4-5 log or below detection limit. When - as in a typical clinical setting - only a minority of hepatocytes were infected, engineered T cells specifically cleared infected hepatocytes without damaging non-infected cells. Cell death was compensated by hepatocyte proliferation and alanine amino transferase levels peaking at day 5 to 7 normalized again thereafter. Co-treatment with the entry inhibitor Myrcludex B ensured long-term control of HBV infection. Thus, T cells stably transduced with highly functional TCRs have the potential to mediate clearance of HBV-infected cells causing limited liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Wisskirchen
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany
| | - Janine Kah
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Asen
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tassilo Volz
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lena Allweiss
- 1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,Institute of Microbiology, Virology, and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Bauer
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany.,1st Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Hamburg, and Heidelberg partner sites, Germany
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Wang WT, Zhao XQ, Li GP, Chen YZ, Wang L, Han MF, Li WN, Chen T, Chen G, Xu D, Ning Q, Zhao XP. Immune response pattern varies with the natural history of chronic hepatitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:1950-1963. [PMID: 31086463 PMCID: PMC6487378 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i16.1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B is a highly heterogeneous disease that can be divided into four phases: Immune tolerant (IT), immune active (IA), inactive carrier (IC) and hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-negative hepatitis (ENEG).
AIM To investigate the immune status of natural killer (NK) and T cells in different phases of chronic hepatitis B.
METHODS The frequency, phenotype and function of circulating NK cells, as well as nonantigen-specific and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific T cell responses were detected by flow cytometry in healthy and HBV-infected subjects.
RESULTS The ability of NK cells to produce IFN-γ was markedly attenuated in HBV-infected patients overall but was less compromised in IC patients. Patients in the IT and IA phases also displayed significantly lower TNF-α production compared to healthy subjects. NK cells were phenotypically activated in the IA and ENEG phases, as evidenced by the upregulation of NKp44 in CD56bright NK cells and CD69 in CD56dim NK cells. Furthermore, global T-cells from the ENEG phase displayed a proinflammatory cytokine profile with upregulated IFN-γ and TNF-α expression, while this profile was suppressed in IT and IA patients. Finally, core and S antigen-specific T cell responses were significantly stronger after in vitro expansion in the IC phase compared to other phases.
CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate the changes in immune response pattern during the natural history of HBV infection. Both NK and T cells are functionally impaired in the IT and IA phases. With the spontaneous clearance of HBeAg and hepatitis B surface antigen decline, NK cell cytokine production and HBV-specific T responses are partially restored in IC phase, and the ENEG phase is dominated by nonantigen-specific T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xue-Qi Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Gui-Ping Li
- Department of Heart Function Examination, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi-Zhi Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mei-Fang Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei-Na Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xi-Ping Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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223
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A global scientific strategy to cure hepatitis B. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:545-558. [PMID: 30981686 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30119-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health challenge on the same scale as tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria. The International Coalition to Eliminate HBV (ICE-HBV) is a coalition of experts dedicated to accelerating the discovery of a cure for chronic hepatitis B. Following extensive consultation with more than 50 scientists from across the globe, as well as key stakeholders including people affected by HBV, we have identified gaps in our current knowledge and new strategies and tools that are required to achieve HBV cure. We believe that research must focus on the discovery of interventional strategies that will permanently reduce the number of productively infected cells or permanently silence the covalently closed circular DNA in those cells, and that will stimulate HBV-specific host immune responses which mimic spontaneous resolution of HBV infection. There is also a pressing need for the establishment of repositories of standardised HBV reagents and protocols that can be accessed by all HBV researchers throughout the world. The HBV cure research agenda outlined in this position paper will contribute markedly to the goal of eliminating HBV infection worldwide.
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224
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Zheng J, Ou Z, Xu Y, Xia Z, Lin X, Jin S, Liu Y, Wu J. Hepatitis B virus-specific effector CD8 + T cells are an important determinant of disease prognosis: A meta-analysis. Vaccine 2019; 37:2439-2446. [PMID: 30935741 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.03.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific effector CD8+ T cells are critical for viral clearance. To determine the effects of HBV-specific effector CD8+ T cells on HBV infection, we performed a meta-analysis of the available literature. METHODS Electronic database searches identified appropriately designed studies that detected specific CD8+ T cells in HBV-infected patients. Our main endpoints were the course of infection, seroconversion of HBV "e" antigen (HBeAg), the level of HBVDNA, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. We used a fixed/random model for analysis, according to the results of a heterogeneity test (P value of Q-squared, I2). RESULTS Our searches found five eligible articles. Pooled estimation of the reported results showed that levels of specific CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in patients with acute hepatitis B than in patients with chronic hepatitis B (odds ratio [OR] = 76.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.37-378.70). With respect to chronic hepatitis B, patients with <107 copies/ml HBVDNA had higher levels of specific CD8+ T cells relative to patients with >107 copies/ml HBVDNA, but the difference had no statistics significance (OR: 3.89, 95% CI: 0.71-21.33). Patients with negative HBeAg or positive anti-HBeAg antibody (anti-HBe) results had significantly higher levels of specific CD8+ T cells versus patients with positive HBeAg results (OR: 5.82, 95% CI: 1.41-24.13). There were no significant associations between the levels of specific CD8+ T cells and serum ALT activity (OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.01-74.15). CONCLUSION HBV-specific effector CD8+ T cells influence the disease activity in HBV-infected patients in various ways and determine prognosis by eliminating the virus. Therefore, efforts of studying HBV-specific effector CD8+ T cells focused vaccine are potentially needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzeng Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhanfan Ou
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yilun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ziqiang Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xianfan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sisi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinming Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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225
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Intersection of immune checkpoints and CD8+ T cell noncytolytic suppression of HIV-1 infection: putting on the brakes versus the nuclear option. AIDS 2019; 33:581-583. [PMID: 30702523 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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226
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Tendeiro Rego R, Morris EC, Lowdell MW. T-cell receptor gene-modified cells: past promises, present methodologies and future challenges. Cytotherapy 2019; 21:341-357. [PMID: 30655164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy constitutes an exciting and rapidly evolving field, and the demonstration that genetically modified T-cell receptors (TCRs) can be used to produce T-lymphocyte populations of desired specificity offers new opportunities for antigen-specific T-cell therapy. Overall, TCR-modified T cells have the ability to target a wide variety of self and non-self targets through the normal biology of a T cell. Although major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted and dependent on co-receptors, genetically engineered TCRs still present a number of characteristics that ensure they are an important alternative strategy to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and high-affinity TCRs can now be successfully engineered with the potential to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse events. This review will focus on the main characteristics of TCR gene-modified cells, their potential clinical application and promise to the field of adoptive cell transfer (ACT), basic manufacturing procedures and characterization protocols and overall challenges that need to be overcome so that redirection of TCR specificity may be successfully translated into clinical practice, beyond early-phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Tendeiro Rego
- UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, London, UK; Centre for Cell, Gene & Tissue Therapeutics, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emma C Morris
- UCL Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, London, UK
| | - Mark W Lowdell
- UCL Cancer Institute, Department of Haematology, London, UK
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227
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Anastasiou OE, Widera M, Westhaus S, Timmer L, Korth J, Gerken G, Canbay A, Todt D, Steinmann E, Schwarz T, Timm J, Verheyen J, Ciesek S. Clinical Outcome and Viral Genome Variability of Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Acute Liver Failure. Hepatology 2019; 69:993-1003. [PMID: 30229977 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a frequent cause of acute liver failure (ALF) worldwide. ALF occurs in 0.1%-0.5% of infected patients. The aim of this study was to scrutinize the outcome of patients with HBV-induced ALF and mutational patterns of HBV variants, which might contribute to ALF. From 2005 to 2016, 42 patients were treated for HBV-induced ALF in the University Hospital Essen, Germany. Clinical and virological data from these patients were collected. As a control, 38 patients with acute hepatitis B (AHB) without liver failure were included. The HBV genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Mutations that were found by NGS were analyzed in vitro. Of 42 patients, 8 had ALF without spontaneous recovery (NSR): Seven patients underwent liver transplantation (LT) and one patient died before LT. Of 42 patients, 34 (81%) had spontaneous recovery (SR) and cleared the infection, achieving either anti-HBs seroconversion or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. HBV genotype (GT)-D was the most frequent GT in patients with ALF. Mutations in HBV core, preS2, and small hepatitis B surface antigen (SHB) were more frequent in patients with ALF-NSR compared with those with ALF-SR or AHB. Amino acid deletions (del; 16-22 and 20-22) in preS2 and SHB mutation L49R were exclusively detected in patients with ALF-NSR. In vitro analyses reveal that these mutations did not influence HBsAg secretion or infectivity. Conclusion: HBV GT-D and increased variability in HBV core, preS2 region, and SHB are associated with a worse clinical outcome of acute HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olympia E Anastasiou
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Marek Widera
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Westhaus
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lejla Timmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Johannes Korth
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tatjana Schwarz
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Düsseldorf, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Düsseldorf, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jens Verheyen
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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228
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A Highly Attenuated Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Based Vaccine Platform Controls Hepatitis B Virus Replication in Mouse Models of Hepatitis B. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01586-18. [PMID: 30541859 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01586-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines may be an important component of a treatment regimen for curing chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We previously demonstrated that recombinant wild-type vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing the HBV middle surface glycoprotein (MHBs) elicits functional immune responses in mouse models of HBV replication. However, VSV has some undesirable pathogenic properties, and the use of this platform in humans requires further viral attenuation. We therefore generated a highly attenuated VSV that expresses MHBs and contains two attenuating mutations. This vector was evaluated for immunogenicity, pathogenesis, and anti-HBV function in mice. Compared to wild-type VSV, the highly attenuated virus displayed markedly reduced pathogenesis but induced similar MHBs-specific CD8+ T cell and antibody responses. The CD8+ T cell responses elicited by this vector in naive mice prevented HBV replication in animals that were later challenged by hydrodynamic injection or transduction with adeno-associated virus encoding the HBV genome (AAV-HBV). In mice in which persistent HBV replication was first established by AAV-HBV transduction, subsequent immunization with the attenuated VSV induced MHBs-specific CD8+ T cell responses that corresponded with reductions in serum and liver HBV antigens and nucleic acids. HBV control was associated with an increase in the frequency of intrahepatic HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and a transient elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase activity. The ability of VSV to induce a robust multispecific T cell response that controls HBV replication combined with the improved safety profile of the highly attenuated vector suggests that this platform offers a new approach for HBV therapeutic vaccination.IMPORTANCE A curative treatment for chronic hepatitis B must eliminate the virus from the liver, but current antiviral therapies typically fail to do so. Immune-mediated resolution of infection occurs in a small fraction of chronic HBV patients, which suggests the potential efficacy of therapeutic strategies that boost the patient's own immune response to the virus. We modified a safe form of VSV to express an immunogenic HBV protein and evaluated the efficacy of this vector in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection in mouse models. Our results show that this vector elicits HBV-specific immune responses that prevent the establishment of HBV infection and reduce viral proteins in the serum and viral DNA/RNA in the liver of mice with persistent HBV replication. These findings suggest that highly attenuated and safe virus-based vaccine platforms have the potential to be utilized for the development of an effective therapeutic vaccine against chronic HBV infection.
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229
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Cheng Y, Zhu YO, Becht E, Aw P, Chen J, Poidinger M, de Sessions PF, Hibberd ML, Bertoletti A, Lim SG, Newell EW. Multifactorial heterogeneity of virus-specific T cells and association with the progression of human chronic hepatitis B infection. Sci Immunol 2019; 4:4/32/eaau6905. [DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.aau6905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Associations between chronic antigen stimulation, T cell dysfunction, and the expression of various inhibitory receptors are well characterized in several mouse and human systems. During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB), T cell responses are blunted with low frequencies of virus-specific T cells observed, making these parameters difficult to study. Here, using mass cytometry and a highly multiplexed combinatorial peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) tetramer strategy that allows for the detection of rare antigen-specific T cells, we simultaneously probed 484 unique HLA-A*1101–restricted epitopes spanning the entire HBV genome on T cells from patients at various stages of CHB. Numerous HBV-specific T cell populations were detected, validated, and profiled. T cells specific for two epitopes (HBVpol387and HBVcore169) displayed differing and complex heterogeneities that were associated with the disease progression, and the expression of inhibitory receptors on these cells was not linearly related with their extent of T cell dysfunction. For HBVcore169-specific CD8+T cells, we found cellular markers associated with long-term memory, polyfunctionality, and the presence of several previously unidentified public TCR clones that correlated with viral control. Using high-dimensional trajectory analysis of these cellular phenotypes, a pseudo-time metric was constructed that fit with the status of viral infection in corresponding patients. This was validated in a longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing antiviral therapy. Our study uncovers complex relationships of inhibitory receptors between the profiles of antigen-specific T cells and the status of CHB with implications for new strategies of therapeutic intervention.
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230
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Spatiotemporal Differences in Presentation of CD8 T Cell Epitopes during Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01457-18. [PMID: 30518652 PMCID: PMC6364024 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01457-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The inability of patients with chronic HBV infection to clear HBV is associated with defective HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Hence, the majority of immunotherapy developments focus on HBV-specific T cell function restoration. However, knowledge of whether distinct HBV-specific T cells can equally target all the HBV-infected hepatocytes of a chronically infected liver is lacking. In this work, analysis of CHB patient liver parenchyma and in vitro HBV infection models shows a nonuniform distribution of HBV CD8+ T cell epitopes that is influenced by the presence of IFN-γ and availability of newly translated viral antigens. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells recognizing different HBV epitopes can be necessary for efficient immune therapeutic control of chronic HBV infection. Distinct populations of hepatocytes infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or only harboring HBV DNA integrations coexist within an HBV chronically infected liver. These hepatocytes express HBV antigens at different levels and with different intracellular localizations, but it is not known whether this heterogeneity of viral antigen expression could result in an uneven hepatic presentation of distinct HBV epitopes/HLA class I complexes triggering different levels of activation of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Using antibodies specific to two distinct HLA-A*02:01/HBV epitope complexes of HBV nucleocapsid and envelope proteins, we mapped their topological distributions in liver biopsy specimens of two anti-hepatitis B e antigen-positive (HBe+) chronic HBV (CHB) patients. We demonstrated that the core and envelope CD8+ T cell epitopes were not uniformly distributed in the liver parenchyma but preferentially located in distinct and sometimes mutually exclusive hepatic zones. The efficiency of HBV epitope presentation was then tested in vitro utilizing HLA-A*02:01/HBV epitope-specific antibodies and the corresponding CD8+ T cells in primary human hepatocyte and hepatoma cell lines either infected with HBV or harboring HBV DNA integration. We confirmed the existence of a marked variability in the efficiency of HLA class I/HBV epitope presentation among the different targets that was influenced by the presence of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and availability of newly translated viral antigens. In conclusion, HBV antigen presentation can be heterogeneous within an HBV-infected liver. As a consequence, CD8+ T cells of different HBV specificities might have different antiviral efficacies. IMPORTANCE The inability of patients with chronic HBV infection to clear HBV is associated with defective HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Hence, the majority of immunotherapy developments focus on HBV-specific T cell function restoration. However, knowledge of whether distinct HBV-specific T cells can equally target all the HBV-infected hepatocytes of a chronically infected liver is lacking. In this work, analysis of CHB patient liver parenchyma and in vitro HBV infection models shows a nonuniform distribution of HBV CD8+ T cell epitopes that is influenced by the presence of IFN-γ and availability of newly translated viral antigens. These results suggest that CD8+ T cells recognizing different HBV epitopes can be necessary for efficient immune therapeutic control of chronic HBV infection.
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231
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Bertoletti A, Le Bert N. Immunotherapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Gut Liver 2019; 12:497-507. [PMID: 29316747 PMCID: PMC6143456 DOI: 10.5009/gnl17233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While new therapies for chronic hepatitis C virus infection have delivered remarkable cure rates, curative therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remain a distant goal. Although current direct antiviral therapies are very efficient in controlling viral replication and limiting the progression to cirrhosis, these treatments require lifelong administration due to the frequent viral rebound upon treatment cessation, and immune modulation with interferon is only effective in a subgroup of patients. Specific immunotherapies can offer the possibility of eliminating or at least stably maintaining low levels of HBV replication under the control of a functional host antiviral response. Here, we review the development of immune cell therapy for HBV, highlighting the potential antiviral efficiency and potential toxicities in different groups of chronically infected HBV patients. We also discuss the chronic hepatitis B patient populations that best benefit from therapeutic immune interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Nina Le Bert
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore
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232
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Breakdown of adaptive immunotolerance induces hepatocellular carcinoma in HBsAg-tg mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:221. [PMID: 30644386 PMCID: PMC6333806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can induce chronic inflammation, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite evidence suggesting a link between adaptive immunity and HBV-related diseases in humans, the immunopathogenic mechanisms involved are seldom described. Here we show that expression of TIGIT, a promising immune checkpoint in tumor immunotherapy, increases with age on hepatic CD8+ T cells in HBsAg-transgenic (HBs-tg) mice whose adaptive immune system is tolerant to HBsAg. TIGIT blockade or deficiency leads to chronic hepatitis and fibrosis, along with the emergence of functional HBsAg-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), suggesting adaptive immune tolerance could be broken by TIGIT blockade or deficiency. Importantly, HBsAg vaccination further induces nonresolving inflammation and HCC in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner in TIGIT-blocked or -deficient HBs-tg mice. Therefore, CD8+ T cells play an important role in adaptive immunity-mediated tumor progression and TIGIT is critical in maintenance of liver tolerance by keeping CTLs in homeostatic balance. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with immune tolerance to HBV. Here the authors show, in a transgenic mouse model, that rescuing T cells function via inhibition of co-inhibitory receptor TIGIT results in HCC development via supporting inflammation.
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234
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Monette A, Mouland AJ. T Lymphocytes as Measurable Targets of Protection and Vaccination Against Viral Disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 342:175-263. [PMID: 30635091 PMCID: PMC7104940 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Continuous epidemiological surveillance of existing and emerging viruses and their associated disorders is gaining importance in light of their abilities to cause unpredictable outbreaks as a result of increased travel and vaccination choices by steadily growing and aging populations. Close surveillance of outbreaks and herd immunity are also at the forefront, even in industrialized countries, where previously eradicated viruses are now at risk of re-emergence due to instances of strain recombination, contractions in viral vector geographies, and from their potential use as agents of bioterrorism. There is a great need for the rational design of current and future vaccines targeting viruses, with a strong focus on vaccine targeting of adaptive immune effector memory T cells as the gold standard of immunity conferring long-lived protection against a wide variety of pathogens and malignancies. Here, we review viruses that have historically caused large outbreaks and severe lethal disorders, including respiratory, gastric, skin, hepatic, neurologic, and hemorrhagic fevers. To observe trends in vaccinology against these viral disorders, we describe viral genetic, replication, transmission, and tropism, host-immune evasion strategies, and the epidemiology and health risks of their associated syndromes. We focus on immunity generated against both natural infection and vaccination, where a steady shift in conferred vaccination immunogenicity is observed from quantifying activated and proliferating, long-lived effector memory T cell subsets, as the prominent biomarkers of long-term immunity against viruses and their associated disorders causing high morbidity and mortality rates.
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235
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Ning Q. Main Complications of AECHB and Severe Hepatitis B (Liver Failure). ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B 2019. [PMCID: PMC7498917 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1603-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Ning
- Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China
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236
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Rehermann B, Thimme R. Insights From Antiviral Therapy Into Immune Responses to Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:369-383. [PMID: 30267712 PMCID: PMC6340757 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There are 257 million persons worldwide with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a leading causes of liver cancer. Almost all adults with acute HBV infection have a rapid immune response to the virus, resulting in life-long immunity, but there is no cure for individuals with chronic HBV infection, which they acquire during early life. The mechanisms that drive the progression of HBV through distinct clinical phases to end-stage liver disease are poorly understood. Likewise, it is not clear whether and how immune responses can be modulated to allow control and/or clearance of intrahepatic HBV DNA. We review the innate and adaptive immune responses to acute and chronic HBV infections and responses to antiviral therapy. Comparisons with hepatitis C virus infection provide insights into the reversibility of innate inflammatory responses and the potential for successful therapy to recover virus-specific memory immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Robert Thimme
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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237
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Manickam C, Shah SV, Lucar O, Ram DR, Reeves RK. Cytokine-Mediated Tissue Injury in Non-human Primate Models of Viral Infections. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2862. [PMID: 30568659 PMCID: PMC6290327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral infections trigger robust secretion of interferons and other antiviral cytokines by infected and bystander cells, which in turn can tune the immune response and may lead to viral clearance or immune suppression. However, aberrant or unrestricted cytokine responses can damage host tissues, leading to organ dysfunction, and even death. To understand the cytokine milieu and immune responses in infected host tissues, non-human primate (NHP) models have emerged as important tools. NHP have been used for decades to study human infections and have played significant roles in the development of vaccines, drug therapies and other immune treatment modalities, aided by an ability to control disease parameters, and unrestricted tissue access. In addition to the genetic and physiological similarities with humans, NHP have conserved immunologic properties with over 90% amino acid similarity for most cytokines. For example, human-like symptomology and acute respiratory syndrome is found in cynomolgus macaques infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, antibody enhanced dengue disease is common in neotropical primates, and in NHP models of viral hepatitis cytokine-induced inflammation induces severe liver damage, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma recapitulates human disease. To regulate inflammation, anti-cytokine therapy studies in NHP are underway and will provide important insights for future human interventions. This review will provide a comprehensive outline of the cytokine-mediated exacerbation of disease and tissue damage in NHP models of viral infections and therapeutic strategies that can aid in prevention/treatment of the disease syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Manickam
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Spandan V. Shah
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Olivier Lucar
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniel R. Ram
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R. Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
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238
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Isogawa M, Murata Y, Kawashima K, Tanaka Y. How are HBV-specific CD8+ T-cell responses induced? Future Virol 2018. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Isogawa
- Department of Virology & Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Murata
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic & Transplant Surgery, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2–174 Edobashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Keigo Kawashima
- Department of Virology & Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, 3–9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology & Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
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Hepatitis B virus genome recycling and de novo secondary infection events maintain stable cccDNA levels. J Hepatol 2018; 69:1231-1241. [PMID: 30142426 PMCID: PMC7611400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Several steps in the HBV life cycle remain obscure because of a lack of robust in vitro infection models. These steps include particle entry, formation and maintenance of covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, kinetics of gene expression and viral transmission routes. This study aimed to investigate infection kinetics and cccDNA dynamics during long-term culture. METHODS We selected a highly permissive HepG2-NTCP-K7 cell clone engineered to express sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) that supports the full HBV life cycle. We characterized the replication kinetics and dynamics of HBV over six weeks of infection. RESULTS HBV infection kinetics showed a slow infection process. Nuclear cccDNA was only detected 24 h post-infection and increased until 3 days post-infection (dpi). Viral RNAs increased from 3 dpi reaching a plateau at 6 dpi. HBV protein levels followed similar kinetics with HBx levels reaching a plateau first. cccDNA levels modestly increased throughout the 45-day study period with 5-12 copies per infected cell. Newly produced relaxed circular DNA within capsids was reimported into the nucleus and replenished the cccDNA pool. In addition to intracellular recycling of HBV genomes, secondary de novo infection events resulted in cccDNA formation. Inhibition of relaxed circular DNA formation by nucleoside analogue treatment of infected cells enabled us to measure cccDNA dynamics. HBV cccDNA decayed slowly with a half-life of about 40 days. CONCLUSIONS After a slow infection process, HBV maintains a stable cccDNA pool by intracellular recycling of HBV genomes and via secondary infection. Our results provide important insights into the dynamics of HBV infection and support the future design and evaluation of new antiviral agents. LAY SUMMARY Using a unique hepatocellular model system designed to support viral growth, we demonstrate that hepatitis B virus (HBV) has remarkably slow infection kinetics. Establishment of the episomal transcription template and the persistent form of the virus, so called covalently closed circular DNA, as well as viral transcription and protein expression all take a long time. Once established, HBV maintains a stable pool of covalently closed circular DNA via intracellular recycling of HBV genomes and through infection of naïve cells by newly formed virions.
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Nomura M, Tsuge M, Uchida T, Hiraga N, Kurihara M, Tsushima K, Fujino H, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Abe-Chayama H, Kawaoka T, Miki D, Hiramatsu A, Imamura M, Kawakami Y, Aikata H, Ochi H, Zhang Y, Makokha GN, Hayes CN, Tanaka S, Chayama K. CTL-associated and NK cell-associated immune responses induce different HBV DNA reduction patterns in chronic hepatitis B patients. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1555-1564. [PMID: 29998562 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The activation of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatitis is associated with both natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). We analyzed the association between the immune response and changes in the proportion of Pre-S deletion variants. We quantified Pre-S deleted HBV (HBV-del) and wild-type HBV (HBV-wt) DNA levels in sera obtained from HBV-infected mice and chronic hepatitis B patients. In chronic hepatitis B patients, the HBV-del proportion usually increased during or after ALT elevation but did not occur during all ALT elevations. To clarify this difference in the immunological responses, we performed in vivo analyses using HBV-infected human hepatocyte chimeric mice. Although HBV-del proportions did not change in mice with NK cell-associated hepatitis or in mice treated with entecavir, the proportions sharply increased in mice with CTL-associated hepatitis. Furthermore, the number of patients in which HBV-del proportions were greater than 5% was significantly higher in chronic hepatitis B patients than in asymptomatic carriers (P = 0.023). We identified associations between virological response in chronic hepatitis B patients and two different immune responses. The proportion of HBV-del variants could be a useful biomarker for distinguishing between chronic hepatitis and asymptomatic carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motonobu Nomura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takuro Uchida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Hiraga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mio Kurihara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ken Tsushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiromi Abe-Chayama
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Center for Medical Specialist Graduate Education and Research, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Hiramatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshiiku Kawakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hidenori Ochi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yizhou Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Grace Naswa Makokha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Clair Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Endoscopy, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Division of Frontier Medical Science, Programs for Biomedical Research Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Laboratory for Digestive Diseases, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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Malm M, Vesikari T, Blazevic V. Identification of a First Human Norovirus CD8 + T Cell Epitope Restricted to HLA-A *0201 Allele. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2782. [PMID: 30542352 PMCID: PMC6277766 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) causes a substantial global burden of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups and the development of NoV vaccine is a high priority. There are still gaps in understanding of protective NoV-specific immunity. Antibody mediated immune responses have been widely studied, but in contrast, the research on NoV-specific human T cell-mediated immunity is very limited. We have recently reported NoV capsid VP1-specific 18-mer peptide (134SPSQVTMFPHIIVDVRQL151) to induce strong CD8+ T cell immune responses in healthy adult donors. This work extends to identify the precise NoV T cell epitope and the restricting human leucocyte antigen (HLA). Pentamer technology was used to detect HLA-A*0201-restricted T cell-mediated responses to 10-mer peptide 139TMFPHIIVDV148 of four healthy adult blood donors. Immunogenicity of the 10-mer epitope was confirmed by ELISPOT IFN-γ and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) on flow cytometry. A population of CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes binding to HLA-A*0201/TMFPHIIVDV pentamers was identified in two HLA-A*0201-positive donors. Recognition of the 10-mer epitope by T cells resulted in a strong IFN-γ secretion as shown by ELISPOT assay. In addition, ICS confirmed that high proportion (31 and 59%) of the TMFPHIIVDV epitope-responsive CD3+CD8+ T cells in the two donors had multifunctional phenotype, simultaneously producing IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α cytokines. In the present study novel human NoV HLA-A*0201-restricted minimal 10-mer epitope 139TMFPHIIVDV148 in the capsid VP1 was identified. The HLA-peptide pentamer staining of T cells from healthy donor PBMCs and cytokine responses in ex-vivo ELISPOT and ICS assays suggest that this epitope is recognized during NoV infection and activates memory phenotype of the epitope-specific multifunctional CD8+ T cells. The importance of this epitope in protection from NoV infection remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Malm
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Vaccine Research Center, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Timo Vesikari
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Vaccine Research Center, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesna Blazevic
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Vaccine Research Center, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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Type I Interferon Signaling Prevents Hepatitis B Virus-Specific T Cell Responses by Reducing Antigen Expression. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01099-18. [PMID: 30209178 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01099-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Robust virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses are required for the clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the factors that determine the magnitude of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses are poorly understood. To examine the impact of genetic variations of HBV on HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses, we introduced three HBV clones (Aa_IND [Aa], C_JPN22 [C22], and D_IND60 [D60]) that express various amounts of HBV antigens into the livers of C57BL/6 (B6) (H-2b) mice and B10.D2 (H-2d) mice. In B6 mice, clone C22 barely induced HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses and persisted the longest, while clone D60 elicited strong HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses and was rapidly cleared. These differences between HBV clones largely diminished in H-2d mice. Interestingly, the magnitude of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in B6 mice was associated with the HB core antigen expression level during the early phase of HBV transduction. Surprisingly, robust HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses to clone C22 were induced in interferon-α/β receptor-deficient (IFN-αβR-/-) (H-2b) mice. The induction of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses to C22 in IFN-αβR-/- mice reflects enhanced HBV antigen expression because the suppression of antigen expression by HBV-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) attenuated HBV-specific T cell responses in IFN-αβR-/- mice and prolonged HBV expression. Collectively, these results suggest that HBV genetic variation and type I interferon signaling determine the magnitude of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses by regulating the initial antigen expression levels.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic infection, and approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with HBV worldwide. It is generally believed that virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses are required for the clearance of HBV. However, the relative contributions of genetic variation and innate immune responses to the induction of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses are not fully understood. In this study, we discovered that different clearance rates between HBV clones after hydrodynamic transduction were associated with the magnitude of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses and initial HB core antigen expression. Surprisingly, type I interferon signaling negatively regulated HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses by reducing early HBV antigen expression. These results show that the magnitude of the HBV-specific CD8+ T cell response is regulated primarily by the initial antigen expression level.
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243
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Role of humoral immunity against hepatitis B virus core antigen in the pathogenesis of acute liver failure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E11369-E11378. [PMID: 30420516 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809028115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated acute liver failure (ALF) is a dramatic clinical syndrome leading to death or liver transplantation in 80% of cases. Due to the extremely rapid clinical course, the difficulties in obtaining liver specimens, and the lack of an animal model, the pathogenesis of ALF remains largely unknown. Here, we performed a comprehensive genetic and functional characterization of the virus and the host in liver tissue from HBV-associated ALF and compared the results with those of classic acute hepatitis B in chimpanzees. In contrast with acute hepatitis B, HBV strains detected in ALF livers displayed highly mutated HBV core antigen (HBcAg), associated with increased HBcAg expression ex vivo, which was independent of viral replication levels. Combined gene and miRNA expression profiling revealed a dominant B cell disease signature, with extensive intrahepatic production of IgM and IgG in germline configuration exclusively targeting HBcAg with subnanomolar affinities, and complement deposition. Thus, HBV ALF appears to be an anomalous T cell-independent, HBV core-driven B cell disease, which results from the rare and unfortunate encounter between a host with an unusual B cell response and an infecting virus with a highly mutated core antigen.
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244
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NK cells in liver homeostasis and viral hepatitis. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2018; 61:1477-1485. [PMID: 30421296 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As an important member of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells are well known for their rapid and efficient immune responses against infectious agents and tumors. NK cells are widely distributed throughout the body and are particularly enriched within the liver, where they display unique phenotypic and functional properties, playing important roles in various liver diseases. Herein, we present an overview of liver NK cell properties with regard to phenotype, function, and subset composition at steady state, and we also summarize the complex reciprocal interactions between liver NK cells and other cell types within the local environment of the liver. We also provide an overview of recent advances demonstrating the roles of NK cells in viral hepatitis, including a discussion of NK cell altered states and their beneficial versus harmful effects during hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.
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245
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Yoshio S, Mano Y, Doi H, Shoji H, Shimagaki T, Sakamoto Y, Kawai H, Matsuda M, Mori T, Osawa Y, Korenaga M, Sugiyama M, Mizokami M, Mita E, Katayama K, Tanaka J, Kanto T. Cytokine and chemokine signatures associated with hepatitis B surface antigen loss in hepatitis B patients. JCI Insight 2018; 3:122268. [PMID: 30333304 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.122268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, defined as functional cure, is a clinical target in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CH). To understand the immune responses underlying functional cure, we evaluated cytokine and chemokine expression profiles from patients with resolving and nonresolving acute hepatitis B (AH). METHODS We cross-sectionally evaluated 41 chemokines and cytokines at the peak of hepatitis in the sera from 41 self-limited AH patients who achieved HBsAg seroconversion, 8 AH patients who failed to clear HBsAg within 1 year after the diagnosis, 8 CH patients with hepatic flare, and 14 healthy volunteers. We longitudinally examined 41 chemokines and cytokines in the sera from 4 self-limited AH patients, 3 chimpanzees inoculated with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and 2 CH patients treated with nucleotide analogs and PEG-IFN-α, one resulting in functional cure. RESULTS In AH patients and HBV-inoculated chimpanzees with HBsAg loss, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, and IL-21 were elevated at hepatitis with subsequent decline of HBsAg. Interestingly, IL-21 elevation was observed only in resolving AH patients but not in nonresolvers. CXCL13 and IL-21 elevation was not observed in CH patients who failed to attain HBsAg loss, even at hepatic flare. A concomitant increase of CXCL13 and IL-21 was significant in CH patients who attained HBsAg seroconversion with a sequential therapy. CONCLUSION Elevation of serum CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, and IL-21 might be a hallmark of functional cure of AH or CH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiyo Yoshio
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Yohei Mano
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Doi
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Tomonari Shimagaki
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Sakamoto
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Hironari Kawai
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Michitaka Matsuda
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Taizo Mori
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Yosuke Osawa
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masaaki Korenaga
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Department of Genome Medical Sciences Project, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Department of Genome Medical Sciences Project, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Eiji Mita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National Hospital Organization, Osaka National Hospital, Hoenzaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiko Katayama
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kanto
- Department of Liver Disease, Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Kohnodai, Ichikawa, Japan
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Intrahepatic Cross-Presentation and Hepatocellular Antigen Presentation Play Distinct Roles in the Induction of Hepatitis B Virus-Specific CD8 + T Cell Responses. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00920-18. [PMID: 30089700 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00920-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are the key cellular effectors mediating the clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. However, early immunological events surrounding the priming of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses remain poorly understood. This study examined the importance of priming location and the relative contribution of endogenous antigen presentation by hepatocytes versus cross-presentation by bone marrow-derived cells to the induction of functional HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses using the animal models of acute and chronic HBV infection. Functional HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses could be induced to intrahepatically expressed HBV even when T cell homing to the lymphoid tissues was severely suppressed, suggesting that functional priming could occur in the liver. The expansion of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells was significantly reduced in the mice whose major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression was mostly restricted to nonhematopoietic cells, suggesting the importance of cross-presentation by hematopoietic cells in the induction of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Strikingly, the expansion and cytolytic differentiation of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells were reduced even more severely in the mice whose MHC class I expression was restricted to hematopoietic cells. Collectively, these results indicate that cross-presentation is required but relatively inefficient in terms of inducing the cytolytic differentiation of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells by itself. Instead, the expansion and functional differentiation of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells are primarily dependent on hepatocellular antigen presentation.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis. Approximately 260 million people are chronically infected with HBV and under an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Host immune responses, particularly HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses, largely determine the outcome of HBV infection. It is widely accepted that antigen inexperienced CD8+ T cells should be initially activated by professional antigen-presenting cells (pAPCs) in lymphoid tissues to differentiate into effector CD8+ T cells. However, this notion has not been tested for HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. In this study, we show that HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses can be induced in the liver. Surprisingly, antigen presentation by hepatocytes is more important than cross-presentation by hematopoietic cells for the induction of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses. These results revealed a previously unappreciated role of antigen presentation by hepatocytes in the induction of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses.
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247
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Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R. Entering the spotlight: hepatitis B surface antigen-specific B cells. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4257-4259. [PMID: 30222139 DOI: 10.1172/jci124098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus-specific (HBV-specific) T cells have been identified as main effector cells in HBV clearance. In contrast, B cells producing neutralizing antibodies against the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) have been studied in little detail, mainly due to methodical limitations. In this issue of the JCI, two reports use a new technique to specifically detect and characterize HBsAg-specific B cells ex vivo. Indeed, these cells are present, but show phenotypic alterations and impaired function during acute and chronic HBV infection. Thus, HBsAg-specific B cells are a novel attractive target for antiviral strategies toward functional cure of chronic HBV infection.
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248
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Chen H, He G, Chen Y, Zhang X, Wu S. Differential Activation of NLRP3, AIM2, and IFI16 Inflammasomes in Humans with Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B. Viral Immunol 2018; 31:639-645. [PMID: 30222506 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), and interferon gamma inducible protein 16 (IFI16) are innate immune sensors for intracellular microbes, which can be activated by various dangerous signals and subsequently lead to caspase-1 (CASP1) activation and the maturation cleavage of effector molecules pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18. Their roles in immunopathology of acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are still unclear. In this study, we first investigated the activation of NLRP3, AIM2, and IFI16 inflammasomes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients infected with acute hepatitis B (AHB) and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We next analyzed the impact of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) on activation of AIM2 and IFI16 inflammasomes in PBMCs of CHB patients stimulated in vitro with AIM2 and IFI16 agonist ligands, poly (dA:dT) and VACA-70mer, respectively. The results showed that the mRNA expression levels of AIM2, IFI16, and CASP1 in PBMCs from AHB and CHB patients were both upregulated. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of AIM2 and IFI16 in CHB patients were significantly positively correlated with serum HBV loads. However, only in patients with AHB there was elevation of serum IL-1β and IL-18. There was no activation of NLRP3, AIM2, and IFI16 inflammasomes in CHB patients. Stimulation of PBMCs of CHB patients in vitro with poly (dA:dT) and VACA-70mer induced the activation of AIM2 and IFI16 inflammasomes, respectively. This ligand-induced activation was suppressed by HBeAg. Our results suggest that there exists activation of the AIM2 and IFI16 inflammasomes, but not the NLRP3 inflammasome, in AHB, and the activation of the AIM2 and IFI16 inflammasomes can be inhibited by HBeAg in CHB, which may contribute to HBV-induced immunotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Chen
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University , Shenzhen, China .,2 Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism of Shenzhen , Shenzhen, China
| | - Guirong He
- 3 Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University , Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Chen
- 3 Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University , Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- 4 Hepatology Unit and Key Laboratory for Organ Failure Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Shipin Wu
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University , Shenzhen, China
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249
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Chapin CA, Burn T, Meijome T, Loomes KM, Melin-Aldana H, Kreiger PA, Whitington PF, Behrens EM, Alonso EM. Indeterminate pediatric acute liver failure is uniquely characterized by a CD103 + CD8 + T-cell infiltrate. Hepatology 2018; 68:1087-1100. [PMID: 29603342 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The cause of pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is unknown in up to 40% of cases. Evidence suggests that aberrant immune system activation may play a role. We hypothesized that indeterminate PALF cases would exhibit a unique pattern of hepatic inflammation. This was a retrospective and prospective study of PALF cases due to indeterminate (iPALF), autoimmune hepatitis, or known diagnosis (dPALF) etiology. Liver tissue sections were stained with immunohistochemical markers for cytotoxic T-cells (cluster of differentiation 8 [CD8]), perforin, and tissue resident memory T-cells (CD103) and scored as minimal, moderate, or dense. Lymphocytes were isolated from liver tissue for T-cell receptor beta sequencing and flow-cytometric studies. Thirty-three iPALF, 9 autoimmune hepatitis, and 14 dPALF cases were included. Dense hepatic infiltrates of CD8+ T-cells were found in 27 (82%) iPALF cases compared to 1 (7%) dPALF case (P < 0.0001). Perforin staining was dense or moderate in 19 (73%) of 26 iPALF cases compared to minimal in all 7 dPALF cases (P = 0.004); 16 (62%) of 26 iPALF cases had dense CD103 staining compared to none of the 6 dPALF cases (P = 0.001). T-cell receptor beta sequencing of iPALF cases demonstrated increased clonality compared to dPALF and control cases. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry revealed that iPALF intrahepatic leukocytes were predominantly tissue resident memory CD8+ T-cells. CONCLUSION Indeterminate PALF is characterized by a dense CD8+ T-cell hepatic infiltrate consistent with expansion of a tissue resident memory T-cell phenotype; CD8+ T-cells are a biomarker of immune dysregulation in iPALF and may be used to better identify and define this group. (Hepatology 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Chapin
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Thomas Burn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Tomas Meijome
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kathleen M Loomes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hector Melin-Aldana
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Portia A Kreiger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Peter F Whitington
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Edward M Behrens
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Estella M Alonso
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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250
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Rinker F, Zimmer CL, Höner Zu Siederdissen C, Manns MP, Kraft ARM, Wedemeyer H, Björkström NK, Cornberg M. Hepatitis B virus-specific T cell responses after stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2018; 69:584-593. [PMID: 29758333 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) leads to hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA suppression in most patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) loss rates are low. Upon NA discontinuation, HBV DNA can return rapidly with ensuing alanine aminotransferase flares and induction of cytokines. Several studies reported higher HBsAg loss rates after stopping therapy, but at present it is unclear if cell-mediated immune responses are altered after treatment discontinuation. The aim of this study was to characterise T cell responses during the early phase of virological relapse, following discontinuation of NA therapy in HBeAg-negative patients. METHODS A total of 15 HBeAg-negative patients with CHB on long-term NA treatment were included in a prospective study and subjected to structured NA discontinuation. T cell responses were studied at the end of NA therapy and 4, 8 and 12 weeks thereafter. RESULTS The T cell phenotype of patients with CHB on long-term NA therapy was markedly different compared to healthy individuals, but was only slightly altered after discontinuation of therapy. T cells from patients with HBsAg loss expressed low levels of KLRG1 and PD-1 at all time-points and high levels of Ki-67 and CD38 at week 12 after treatment cessation. In vitro peptide stimulated HBV-specific T cell responses were increased in several patients after NA cessation. Blocking of PD-L1 further enhanced HBV-specific T cell responses, especially after discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSION Relapse of active HBV replication after stopping therapy may trigger an immunological environment that enhances the responsiveness of HBV-specific T cells in vitro. Together with other immune interventions, this approach might be of interest for the development of novel therapeutic options to induce HBsAg loss in CHB. LAY SUMMARY Relapse of hepatitis B virus replication after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in certain patients with chronic hepatitis B may alter the phenotype of T cells and enhance the responsiveness of hepatitis B virus-specific T cells to in vitro peptide stimulation. Blocking PD-L1 can further augment these hepatitis B virus-specific T cell responses. Interestingly, T cells of patients that subsequently achieve hepatitis B surface antigen loss are less exhausted at all time-points after stopping treatment and display a higher proliferative capacity 12-weeks after treatment discontinuation. These findings contribute to the understanding of the immunological events that occur during discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Rinker
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christine L Zimmer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany; Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CIIM), c/o CRC Hannover, Germany
| | - Anke R M Kraft
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany; Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CIIM), c/o CRC Hannover, Germany.
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