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Karakoese Z, Ingola M, Sitek B, Dittmer U, Sutter K. IFNα Subtypes in HIV Infection and Immunity. Viruses 2024; 16:364. [PMID: 38543729 PMCID: PMC10975235 DOI: 10.3390/v16030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN), immediately triggered following most viral infections, play a pivotal role in direct antiviral immunity and act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. However, numerous viruses have evolved evasion strategies against IFN responses, prompting the exploration of therapeutic alternatives for viral infections. Within the type I IFN family, 12 IFNα subtypes exist, all binding to the same receptor but displaying significant variations in their biological activities. Currently, clinical treatments for chronic virus infections predominantly rely on a single IFNα subtype (IFNα2a/b). However, the efficacy of this therapeutic treatment is relatively limited, particularly in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Recent investigations have delved into alternative IFNα subtypes, identifying certain subtypes as highly potent, and their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties have been extensively characterized. This review consolidates recent findings on the roles of individual IFNα subtypes during HIV and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infections. It encompasses their induction in the context of HIV/SIV infection, their antiretroviral activity, and the diverse regulation of the immune response against HIV by distinct IFNα subtypes. These insights may pave the way for innovative strategies in HIV cure or functional cure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Karakoese
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (Z.K.); (U.D.)
- Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-Associated Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Martha Ingola
- Medical Proteome Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.I.); (B.S.)
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medical Proteome Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.I.); (B.S.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (Z.K.); (U.D.)
- Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-Associated Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (Z.K.); (U.D.)
- Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-Associated Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Schmitz Y, Schwerdtfeger M, Westmeier J, Littwitz-Salomon E, Alt M, Brochhagen L, Krawczyk A, Sutter K. Superior antiviral activity of IFNβ in genital HSV-1 infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:949036. [PMID: 36325470 PMCID: PMC9618724 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.949036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) present the first line of defense against viral infections, providing antiviral, immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects. The type I IFN family contains 12 IFNα subtypes and IFNβ, and although they share the same receptor, they are classified as non-redundant, capable to induce a variety of different IFN-stimulated genes. However, the biological impact of individual subtypes remains controversial. Recent data propose a subtype-specificity of type I IFNs revealing unique effector functions for different viruses and thus expanding the implications for IFNα-based antiviral immunotherapies. Despite extensive research, drug-resistant infections with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the common agent of recurrent orogenital lesions, are still lacking a protective or curing therapeutic. However, due to the risk of generalized infections in immunocompromised hosts as well as the increasing incidence of resistance to conventional antiherpetic agents, HSV infections raise major health concerns. Based on their pleiotropic effector functions, the application of type I IFNs represents a promising approach to inhibit HSV-1 replication, to improve host immunity and to further elucidate their qualitative differences. Here, selective IFNα subtypes and IFNβ were evaluated for their therapeutic potential in genital HSV-1 infections. Respective in vivo studies in mice revealed subtype-specific differences in the reduction of local viral loads. IFNβ had the strongest antiviral efficacy against genital HSV-1 infection in mice, whereas IFNα1, IFNα4, and IFNα11 had no impact on viral loads. Based on flow cytometric analyses of underlying immune responses at local and peripheral sites, these differences could be further assigned to specific modulations of the antiviral immunity early during HSV-1 infection. IFNβ led to enhanced systemic cytokine secretion and elevated cytotoxic responses, which negatively correlated with viral loads in the vaginal tract. These data provide further insights into the diversity of type I IFN effector functions and their impact on the immunological control of HSV-1 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Schmitz
- Institute for Virology, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mara Schwerdtfeger
- Institute for Virology, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jaana Westmeier
- Institute for Virology, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Mira Alt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leonie Brochhagen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Adalbert Krawczyk
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Medicine Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Sutter,
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Xie X, Karakoese Z, Ablikim D, Ickler J, Schuhenn J, Zeng X, Feng X, Yang X, Dittmer U, Yang D, Sutter K, Liu J. IFNα subtype-specific susceptibility of HBV in the course of chronic infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017753. [PMID: 36311794 PMCID: PMC9616162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major health problem worldwide and remains hard to be cured. Therapy with interferon (IFN) α is an important method for the clinical treatment of chronic hepatitis B. IFNα exhibits direct antiviral effects as well as immunomodulatory activities, which can induce sustained antiviral responses in part of the treated chronic hepatitis B patients. Numerous IFNα subtypes with high sequence identity between 76-96% exist which are characterized by diverse, non-redundant biological activities. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the clinically approved IFNα2 is not the most effective subtype for the anti-HBV treatment among all IFNα subtypes. So far very little is known about the IFNα subtype expression pattern during early HBV infection and the IFNα subtype-specific susceptibility during persistent HBV infection as well as its related cellular mechanism. Here we determined the Ifna subtype mRNA expression during acute and chronic HBV infection by using the well-established hydrodynamic injection (HDI) mouse model and we revealed a transient but strong expression of a panel of Ifna subtypes in the spleen of HBV persistent replication mice compared to HDI controls. Immunotherapy with distinct IFNα subtypes controlled chronic HBV infection. IFNα subtype-mediated antiviral response and immune activation were comprehensively analyzed in an AAV-HBV persistent infection murine model and murine IFNα2 was identified as the most effective subtype in suppression of HBV replication. Further analysis of the immune response revealed a strong immunomodulatory activity of murine IFNα2 on splenic and intrahepatic NK and T cell activation during persistent HBV infection. Taken together, our data provide IFNα subtype-specific differences in the antiviral and immunomodulatory effector responses and a strong expression of all IFNα subtypes in the spleen during persistent HBV infection in mice. This knowledge will support the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Zehra Karakoese
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dilhumare Ablikim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Julia Ickler
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jonas Schuhenn
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Sutter, ; Jia Liu,
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Sutter, ; Jia Liu,
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Zoellner N, Coesfeld N, De Vos FH, Denter J, Xu HC, Zimmer E, Knebel B, Al-Hasani H, Mossner S, Lang PA, Floss DM, Scheller J. Synthetic mimetics assigned a major role to IFNAR2 in type I interferon signaling. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:947169. [PMID: 36118237 PMCID: PMC9480868 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.947169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are potent inhibitors of viral replication. Here, we reformatted the natural murine and human type I interferon-α/β receptors IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 into fully synthetic biological switches. The transmembrane and intracellular domains of natural IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were conserved, whereas the extracellular domains were exchanged by nanobodies directed against the fluorescent proteins Green fluorescent protein (GFP) and mCherry. Using this approach, multimeric single-binding GFP-mCherry ligands induced synthetic IFNAR1/IFNAR2 receptor complexes and initiated STAT1/2 mediated signal transduction via Jak1 and Tyk2. Homodimeric GFP and mCherry ligands showed that IFNAR2 but not IFNAR1 homodimers were sufficient to induce STAT1/2 signaling. Transcriptome analysis revealed that synthetic murine type I IFN signaling was highly comparable to IFNα4 signaling. Moreover, replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in a cell culture-based viral infection model using MC57 cells was significantly inhibited after stimulation with synthetic ligands. Using intracellular deletion variants and point mutations, Y510 and Y335 in murine IFNAR2 were verified as unique phosphorylation sites for STAT1/2 activation, whereas the other tyrosine residues in IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 were not involved in STAT1/2 phosphorylation. Comparative analysis of synthetic human IFNARs supports this finding. In summary, our data showed that synthetic type I IFN signal transduction is originating from IFNAR2 rather than IFNAR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Zoellner
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Noémi Coesfeld
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frederik Henry De Vos
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jennifer Denter
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Medicine II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Haifeng C. Xu
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Medicine II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elena Zimmer
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Birgit Knebel
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hadi Al-Hasani
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, German Diabetes Center, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sofie Mossner
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp A. Lang
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular Medicine II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Doreen M. Floss
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Doreen M. Floss,
| | - Jürgen Scheller
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Jürgen Scheller,
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Schwerdtfeger M, Dickow J, Schmitz Y, Francois S, Karakoese Z, Malyshkina A, Knuschke T, Dittmer U, Sutter K. Immunotherapy With Interferon α11, But Not Interferon Beta, Controls Persistent Retroviral Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 12:809774. [PMID: 35126368 PMCID: PMC8810532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.809774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I Interferons (IFNs), including numerous IFNα subtypes and IFNβ, are key molecules during innate and adaptive immune responses against viral infections. These cytokines exert various non-redundant biological activities, although binding to the same receptor. Persistent viral infections are often characterized by increased IFN signatures implicating a potential role of type I IFNs in disease pathogenesis. Using the well-established Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of IFNα11 and IFNβ in acute and chronic retroviral infection. We observed a strong antiviral activity of both IFNs during acute FV infection, whereas only IFNα11 and not IFNβ could also control persistent FV infection. The therapeutic treatment with IFNα11 induced the expression of antiviral IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) and improved cytotoxic T cell responses. Finally, dysfunctional CD8+ T cells solely regained cytotoxicity after IFNα11 treatment. Our data provide evidence for opposing activities of type I IFNs during chronic retroviral infections. IFNβ was shown to be involved in immune dysfunction in chronic infections, whereas IFNα11 had a strong antiviral potential and reactivated exhausted T cells during persistent retroviral infection. In contrast, during acute infection, both type I IFNs were able to efficiently suppress FV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Dickow
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yasmin Schmitz
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Francois
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Zehra Karakoese
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Malyshkina
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Torben Knuschke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Translational HIV Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Sutter,
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Bondet V, Rodero MP, Posseme C, Bost P, Decalf J, Haljasmägi L, Bekaddour N, Rice GI, Upasani V, Herbeuval JP, Reynolds JA, Briggs TA, Bruce IN, Mauri C, Isenberg D, Menon M, Hunt D, Schwikowski B, Mariette X, Pol S, Rozenberg F, Cantaert T, Eric Gottenberg J, Kisand K, Duffy D. Differential levels of IFNα subtypes in autoimmunity and viral infection. Cytokine 2021; 144:155533. [PMID: 33941444 PMCID: PMC7614897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons are essential for host response to viral infections, while dysregulation of their response can result in autoinflammation or autoimmunity. Among IFNα (alpha) responses, 13 subtypes exist that signal through the same receptor, but have been reported to have different effector functions. However, the lack of available tools for discriminating these closely related subtypes, in particular at the protein level, has restricted the study of their differential roles in disease. We developed a digital ELISA with specificity and high sensitivity for the IFNα2 subtype. Application of this assay, in parallel with our previously described pan-IFNα assay, allowed us to study different IFNα protein responses following cellular stimulation and in diverse patient cohorts. We observed different ratios of IFNα protein responses between viral infection and autoimmune patients. This analysis also revealed a small percentage of autoimmune patients with high IFNα2 protein measurements but low pan-IFNα measurements. Correlation with an ISG score and functional activity showed that in this small sub group of patients, IFNα2 protein measurements did not reflect its biological activity. This unusual phenotype was partly explained by the presence of anti-IFNα auto-antibodies in a subset of autoimmune patients. This study reports ultrasensitive assays for the study of IFNα proteins in patient samples and highlights the insights that can be obtained from the use of multiple phenotypic readouts in translational and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Bondet
- Translational Immunology Lab, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu P Rodero
- Chimie & Biologie, Modélisation et Immunologie pour la Thérapie (CBMIT), Université de Paris, CNRS, UMR8601, Paris, France
| | - Céline Posseme
- Translational Immunology Lab, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Frontiers of Innovation in Research and Education PhD program, CRI doctoral school, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Pierre Bost
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Computational Biology and USR 3756, Institut Pasteur and CNRS, Paris 75015, France; Sorbonne Universite, Complexite du vivant, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jérémie Decalf
- Translational Immunology Lab, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Liis Haljasmägi
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nassima Bekaddour
- Chimie & Biologie, Modélisation et Immunologie pour la Thérapie (CBMIT), Université de Paris, CNRS, UMR8601, Paris, France
| | - Gillian I Rice
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Vinit Upasani
- Immunology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jean-Philippe Herbeuval
- Chimie & Biologie, Modélisation et Immunologie pour la Thérapie (CBMIT), Université de Paris, CNRS, UMR8601, Paris, France
| | - John A Reynolds
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Rheumatology Department, Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tracy A Briggs
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Claudia Mauri
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College of London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - David Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College of London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Madhvi Menon
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College of London, London WC1E 6JF, UK; Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
| | - David Hunt
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Medical Research Council Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Benno Schwikowski
- Systems Biology Group, Department of Computational Biology and USR 3756, Institut Pasteur and CNRS, Paris 75015, France; Sorbonne Universite, Complexite du vivant, Paris 75005, France
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Rheumatology, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Bicêtre, INSERM UMR1184, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France
| | - Stanislas Pol
- Unite d'Hépatologie, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Flore Rozenberg
- Department of Virology, APHP-CUP, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Tineke Cantaert
- Immunology Unit, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Institut Pasteur International Network, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - J Eric Gottenberg
- Faculté de Médecine de l'Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kai Kisand
- Molecular Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Darragh Duffy
- Translational Immunology Lab, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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Yang L, Wang J, Hui P, Yarovinsky TO, Badeti S, Pham K, Liu C. Potential role of IFN-α in COVID-19 patients and its underlying treatment options. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4005-4015. [PMID: 33950278 PMCID: PMC8096625 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11319-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread rapidly worldwide. Given that this contagious viral outbreak is still unfolding, it is urgent to understand the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and explore effective treatments to protect patients from developing a severe illness related to COVID-19. Recently, IFN-α has been considered a potential therapeutic strategy to treat COVID-19 disease, mainly because the innate immune system rapidly produces IFN-α as the first line of defense to combat viral infections. However, IFN-α can also play a role in immunoregulatory effects, causing pathogenic damage and uncontrolled inflammatory responses. There are 13 human IFN-α subtypes that bind to the same receptor and induce different interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, regulating various antiviral and immunoregulatory effects. The varying degrees of inflammatory regulations may raise concerns about the possible side effects to enlarge the inflammatory responses, exacerbating the severity of infection. Thus, the analysis of various IFN-α subtype induction during SARS-CoV-2 infection is necessary in exploring the mechanism of COVID-19 pathogenesis. This review summarizes the current understanding of IFN-α in the pathogenesis of respiratory virus diseases and IFN-α based clinical intervention used in SARS-CoV-2 infection and other respiratory virus diseases. Besides, new ideas in selecting suitable IFN-α subtypes or combinations as drug candidates for viral infection treatment will also be discussed.Key Points• IFN-α plays an important role in anti-viral and immunoregulatory effects in COVID-19 patients caused by SARS-CoV-2.• The uncontrolled inflammation and disease severity correlated to the diversity of IFN-α subtype induction.• Selecting suitable IFN-α subtypes or combinations as drug candidates will be beneficial for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Jianhui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Pei Hui
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Timur O Yarovinsky
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Saiaditya Badeti
- Department of Pathology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Kien Pham
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
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8
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Meyts I, Casanova JL. Viral infections in humans and mice with genetic deficiencies of the type I IFN response pathway. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:1039-1061. [PMID: 33729549 PMCID: PMC8900014 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Type I IFNs are so-named because they interfere with viral infection in vertebrate cells. The study of cellular responses to type I IFNs led to the discovery of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which also governs the response to other cytokine families. We review here the outcome of viral infections in mice and humans with engineered and inborn deficiencies, respectively, of (i) IFNAR1 or IFNAR2, selectively disrupting responses to type I IFNs, (ii) STAT1, STAT2, and IRF9, also impairing cellular responses to type II (for STAT1) and/or III (for STAT1, STAT2, IRF9) IFNs, and (iii) JAK1 and TYK2, also impairing cellular responses to cytokines other than IFNs. A picture is emerging of greater redundancy of human type I IFNs for protective immunity to viruses in natural conditions than was initially anticipated. Mouse type I IFNs are essential for protection against a broad range of viruses in experimental conditions. These findings suggest that various type I IFN-independent mechanisms of human cell-intrinsic immunity to viruses have yet to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Meyts
- Laboratory of Inborn Errors of Immunity, Department of Immunology, Microbiology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, EU
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, EU
| | - Jean-Laurent Casanova
- St Giles Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Rockefeller Branch, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM UMR 1163, Necker Hospital for Sick Children, 75015 Paris, France, EU
- University of Paris, Imagine Institute, 75015 Paris, France, EU
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Interferon therapies in small animals. Vet J 2021; 271:105648. [PMID: 33840487 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2021.105648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that play an important role in the immune response of animals and humans. A number of studies reviewed here have evaluated the use of human, canine and feline IFNs as treatments for infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic disease in dogs and cats. Recombinant canine IFN-γ is deemed an efficacious therapy for canine atopic dermatitis. Recombinant feline IFN-ω is effective against canine parvoviral enteritis and has also been recommended for canine atopic dermatitis. Based on limited evidence, recombinant canine IFN-α could be a topical treatment option for dogs with gingivitis and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Conclusive evidence is lacking for other diseases and large randomised controlled trials are needed before IFNs can be recommended for other indications.
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10
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Moore TC, Hasenkrug KJ. B-Cell Control of Regulatory T Cells in Friend Virus Infection. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166583. [PMID: 32598936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
B lymphocytes have well-established effector roles during viral infections, including production of antibodies and functioning as antigen-presenting cells for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. B cells have also been shown to regulate immune responses and induce regulatory T cells (Tregs). In the Friend virus (FV) model, Tregs are known to inhibit effector CD8+ T-cell responses and contribute to virus persistence. Recent work has uncovered a role for B cells in the induction and activation of Tregs during FV infection. In addition to inducing Tregs, B cell antibody production and antigen-presenting cell activity is a target of Treg suppression. This review focuses on the dynamic interactions between B cells and Tregs during FV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Moore
- College of Science and Technology, Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, NE 68005, USA.
| | - Kim J Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA.
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11
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Fox LE, Locke MC, Lenschow DJ. Context Is Key: Delineating the Unique Functions of IFNα and IFNβ in Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:606874. [PMID: 33408718 PMCID: PMC7779635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical effector cytokines of the immune system and were originally known for their important role in protecting against viral infections; however, they have more recently been shown to play protective or detrimental roles in many disease states. Type I IFNs consist of IFNα, IFNβ, IFNϵ, IFNκ, IFNω, and a few others, and they all signal through a shared receptor to exert a wide range of biological activities, including antiviral, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. Though the individual type I IFN subtypes possess overlapping functions, there is growing appreciation that they also have unique properties. In this review, we summarize some of the mechanisms underlying differential expression of and signaling by type I IFNs, and we discuss examples of differential functions of IFNα and IFNβ in models of infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey E. Fox
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Marissa C. Locke
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Deborah J. Lenschow
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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12
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Guo K, Shen G, Kibbie J, Gonzalez T, Dillon SM, Smith HA, Cooper EH, Lavender K, Hasenkrug KJ, Sutter K, Dittmer U, Kroehl M, Kechris K, Wilson CC, Santiago ML. Qualitative Differences Between the IFNα subtypes and IFNβ Influence Chronic Mucosal HIV-1 Pathogenesis. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008986. [PMID: 33064743 PMCID: PMC7592919 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Type I Interferons (IFN-Is) are innate antiviral cytokines that include 12 different IFNα subtypes and IFNβ that signal through the IFN-I receptor (IFNAR), inducing hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) that comprise the 'interferome'. Quantitative differences in IFNAR binding correlate with antiviral activity, but whether IFN-Is exhibit qualitative differences remains controversial. Moreover, the IFN-I response is protective during acute HIV-1 infection, but likely pathogenic during the chronic stages. To gain a deeper understanding of the IFN-I response, we compared the interferomes of IFNα subtypes dominantly-expressed in HIV-1-exposed plasmacytoid dendritic cells (1, 2, 5, 8 and 14) and IFNβ in the earliest cellular targets of HIV-1 infection. Primary gut CD4 T cells from 3 donors were treated for 18 hours ex vivo with individual IFN-Is normalized for IFNAR signaling strength. Of 1,969 IFN-regulated genes, 246 'core ISGs' were induced by all IFN-Is tested. However, many IFN-regulated genes were not shared between the IFNα subtypes despite similar induction of canonical antiviral ISGs such as ISG15, RSAD2 and MX1, formally demonstrating qualitative differences between the IFNα subtypes. Notably, IFNβ induced a broader interferome than the individual IFNα subtypes. Since IFNβ, and not IFNα, is upregulated during chronic HIV-1 infection in the gut, we compared core ISGs and IFNβ-specific ISGs from colon pinch biopsies of HIV-1-uninfected (n = 13) versus age- and gender-matched, antiretroviral-therapy naïve persons with HIV-1 (PWH; n = 19). Core ISGs linked to inflammation, T cell activation and immune exhaustion were elevated in PWH, positively correlated with plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and gut IFNβ levels, and negatively correlated with gut CD4 T cell frequencies. In sharp contrast, IFNβ-specific ISGs linked to protein translation and anti-inflammatory responses were significantly downregulated in PWH, negatively correlated with gut IFNβ and LPS, and positively correlated with plasma IL6 and gut CD4 T cell frequencies. Our findings reveal qualitative differences in interferome induction by diverse IFN-Is and suggest potential mechanisms for how IFNβ may drive HIV-1 pathogenesis in the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Guannan Shen
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Jon Kibbie
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Tania Gonzalez
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Stephanie M. Dillon
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Harry A. Smith
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Emily H. Cooper
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Kerry Lavender
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Kim J. Hasenkrug
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, United States of America
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisberg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisberg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Miranda Kroehl
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Katerina Kechris
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Cara C. Wilson
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Mario L. Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States of America
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13
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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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14
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Dittmer U, Sutter K, Kassiotis G, Zelinskyy G, Bánki Z, Stoiber H, Santiago ML, Hasenkrug KJ. Friend retrovirus studies reveal complex interactions between intrinsic, innate and adaptive immunity. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:435-456. [PMID: 31087035 PMCID: PMC6735856 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 4.4% of the human genome is comprised of endogenous retroviral sequences, a record of an evolutionary battle between man and retroviruses. Much of what we know about viral immunity comes from studies using mouse models. Experiments using the Friend virus (FV) model have been particularly informative in defining highly complex anti-retroviral mechanisms of the intrinsic, innate and adaptive arms of immunity. FV studies have unraveled fundamental principles about how the immune system controls both acute and chronic viral infections. They led to a more complete understanding of retroviral immunity that begins with cellular sensing, production of type I interferons, and the induction of intrinsic restriction factors. Novel mechanisms have been revealed, which demonstrate that these earliest responses affect not only virus replication, but also subsequent innate and adaptive immunity. This review on FV immunity not only surveys the complex host responses to a retroviral infection from acute infection to chronicity, but also highlights the many feedback mechanisms that regulate and counter-regulate the various arms of the immune system. In addition, the discovery of molecular mechanisms of immunity in this model have led to therapeutic interventions with implications for HIV cure and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - George Kassiotis
- Retroviral Immunology, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, Praed St, Paddington, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr. 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Zoltán Bánki
- Division of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Mayrstr. 4b, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heribert Stoiber
- Division of Virology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter-Mayrstr. 4b, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mario L Santiago
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12700E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kim J Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, 903S 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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15
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ER intrabody-mediated inhibition of interferon α secretion by mouse macrophages and dendritic cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215062. [PMID: 30990863 PMCID: PMC6467385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon α (IFNα) counteracts viral infections by activating various IFNα-stimulated genes (ISGs). These genes encode proteins that block viral transport into the host cell and inhibit viral replication, gene transcription and translation. Due to the existence of 14 different, highly homologous isoforms of mouse IFNα, an IFNα knockout mouse has not yet been established by genetic knockout strategies. An scFv intrabody for holding back IFNα isoforms in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and thus counteracting IFNα secretion is reported. The intrabody was constructed from the variable domains of the anti-mouse IFNα rat monoclonal antibody 4EA1 recognizing the 5 isoforms IFNα1, IFNα2, IFNα4, IFNα5, IFNα6. A soluble form of the intrabody had a KD of 39 nM to IFNα4. It could be demonstrated that the anti-IFNα intrabody inhibits clearly recombinant IFNα4 secretion by HEK293T cells. In addition, the secretion of IFNα4 was effectively inhibited in stably transfected intrabody expressing RAW 264.7 macrophages and dendritic D1 cells. Colocalization of the intrabody with IFNα4 and the ER marker calnexin in HEK293T cells indicated complex formation of intrabody and IFNα4 inside the ER. Intracellular binding of intrabody and antigen was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. Complexes of endogenous IFNα and intrabody could be visualized in the ER of Poly (I:C) stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and D1 dendritic cells. Infection of macrophages and dendritic cells with the vesicular stomatitis virus VSV-AV2 is attenuated by IFNα and IFNβ. The intrabody increased virus proliferation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and D1 dendritic cells under IFNβ-neutralizing conditions. To analyze if all IFNα isoforms are recognized by the intrabody was not in the focus of this study. Provided that binding of the intrabody to all isoforms was confirmed, the establishment of transgenic intrabody mice would be promising for studying the function of IFNα during viral infection and autoimmune diseases.
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16
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Xia Y, Schlapschy M, Morath V, Roeder N, Vogt EI, Stadler D, Cheng X, Dittmer U, Sutter K, Heikenwalder M, Skerra A, Protzer U. PASylated interferon α efficiently suppresses hepatitis B virus and induces anti-HBs seroconversion in HBV-transgenic mice. Antiviral Res 2019; 161:134-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Noël N, Jacquelin B, Huot N, Goujard C, Lambotte O, Müller-Trutwin M. Interferon-associated therapies toward HIV control: The back and forth. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2018; 40:99-112. [PMID: 29555233 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces a persistent and incurable infection. However, the combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) has markedly changed the evolution of the infection and transformed a deadly disease into a manageable chronic infection. Withdrawal of cART generally leads though to resumption of the viral replication. The eradication of the virus from its cellular and anatomical reservoirs remains a goal-to-achieve for a cure. In this context, developing novel therapies contributing to this aim are an important field of research. Type I IFN has antiviral activity, which, before the presence of efficient anti-HIV drugs, has led to the testing of IFN-based therapeutic strategies during the early years of the pandemic. A historical overview of the results and its limitations that were put into light are reviewed here. In addition, several lessons could be drawn. For instance, the efficacy of the IFN-I depends on the timing of its administration and the context. Thus, the persistence of an endogenous IFN-signature, such as that generally observed in viremic patients, seems to be associated with a lower efficacy of IFN. Based on the lessons from previous trials, and in the context of cART and research for a cure, type I Interferon has regained interest and novel therapeutic approaches are currently tested in combination with cART, some with disappointing, other with encouraging results with regard to a reduction in the size of the HIV reservoir and/or delays in viral rebound after cessation of cART. Additional strategies are currently developed in addition to improve the antiviral function of the IFN-I, by using for instance other IFN subtypes than IFN-Iα2. In parallel, the development of innovative strategies aimed at counteracting the excessive activation of the IFN-pathways have been continued and their results are reviewed here as well. Altogether, the use of IFN-I in anti-HIV therapies has gone through distinct phases and many lessons could be drawn. Novel combinations are currently be tested that might provide interesting results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Noël
- Institut Pasteur, Unité HIV, Inflammation & Persistence, Paris, France; Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Hopitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM/CEA U1184, Immunologie des Maladies Virales et Autoimmunes, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | | | - Nicolas Huot
- Institut Pasteur, Unité HIV, Inflammation & Persistence, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Goujard
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Hopitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; CESP, INSERM U1018, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Olivier Lambotte
- Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris, Service de Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Hopitaux Universitaires Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM/CEA U1184, Immunologie des Maladies Virales et Autoimmunes, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Faculté de Médecine Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Abstract
Tight regulation of immune responses is not only critical for preventing autoimmune diseases but also for preventing immunopathological damage during infections in which overactive immune responses may be more harmful for the host than the pathogen itself. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in this regulation, which was discovered using the Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model. Subsequent FV studies revealed basic biological information about Tregs, including their suppressive activity on effector cells as well as the molecular mechanisms of virus-induced Treg expansion. Treg suppression not only limits immunopathology but also prevents complete elimination of pathogens contributing to chronic infections. Therefore, Tregs play a complex role in the pathogenesis of persistent retroviral infections. New therapeutic concepts to reactivate effector T-cell responses in chronic viral infections by manipulating Tregs also came from work with the FV model. This knowledge initiated many studies to characterize the role of Tregs in HIV pathogenesis in humans, where a complex picture is emerging. On one hand, Tregs suppress HIV-specific effector T-cell responses and are themselves targets of infection, but on the other hand, Tregs suppress HIV-induced immune hyperactivation and thus slow the infection of conventional CD4+ T cells and limit immunopathology. In this review, the basic findings from the FV mouse model are put into perspective with clinical and basic research from HIV studies. In addition, the few Treg studies performed in the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) monkey model will also be discussed. The review provides a comprehensive picture of the diverse role of Tregs in different retroviral infections and possible therapeutic approaches to treat retroviral chronicity and pathogenesis by manipulating Treg responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a very complex role in retroviral infections, and the balance of beneficial versus detrimental effects from Tregs can change between the acute and chronic phase of infection. Therefore, the development of therapeutics to treat chronic retroviral infections via modulation of Tregs requires detailed information regarding both the positive and negative contributions of Tregs in a particular phase of a specific infection. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms that initiate and control Treg responses in retroviral infections as well as the target cells that are functionally manipulated by Tregs. Basic findings from the Friend retrovirus mouse model that initiated this area of research are put into perspective with clinical and basic research from HIV studies. The targeted manipulation of Treg responses holds a bright future for enhancing immune responses to infections, vaccine responses, and for cure or functional cure of chronic retroviral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim J. Hasenkrug
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Claire A. Chougnet
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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19
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Interferon α subtypes in HIV infection. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2018; 40:13-18. [PMID: 29475588 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN), which are immediately induced after most virus infections, are central for direct antiviral immunity and link innate and adaptive immune responses. However, several viruses have evolved strategies to evade the IFN response by preventing IFN induction or blocking IFN signaling pathways. Thus, therapeutic application of exogenous type I IFN or agonists inducing type I IFN responses are a considerable option for future immunotherapies against chronic viral infections. An important part of the type I IFN family are 12 IFNα subtypes, which all bind the same receptor, but significantly differ in their biological activities. Up to date only one IFNα subtype (IFNα2) is being used in clinical treatment against chronic virus infections, however its therapeutic success rate is rather limited, especially during Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Recent studies addressed the important question if other IFNα subtypes would be more potent against retroviral infections in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Indeed, very potent IFNα subtypes were defined and their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties were characterized. In this review we summarize the recent findings on the role of individual IFNα subtypes during HIV and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus infection. This includes their induction during HIV/SIV infection, their antiretroviral activity and the regulation of immune response against HIV by different IFNα subtypes. The findings might facilitate novel strategies for HIV cure or functional cure studies.
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20
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Chartrand K, Lebel MÈ, Tarrab E, Savard P, Leclerc D, Lamarre A. Efficacy of a Virus-Like Nanoparticle As Treatment for a Chronic Viral Infection Is Hindered by IRAK1 Regulation and Antibody Interference. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1885. [PMID: 29354118 PMCID: PMC5758502 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although vaccination has been an effective way of preventing infections ever since the eighteenth century, the generation of therapeutic vaccines and immunotherapies is still a work in progress. A number of challenges impede the development of these therapeutic approaches such as safety issues related to the administration of whole pathogens whether attenuated or inactivated. One safe alternative to classical vaccination methods gaining recognition is the use of nanoparticles, whether synthetic or naturally derived. We have recently demonstrated that the papaya mosaic virus (PapMV)-like nanoparticle can be used as a prophylactic vaccine against various viral and bacterial infections through the induction of protective humoral and cellular immune responses. Moreover, PapMV is also very efficient when used as an immune adjuvant in an immunotherapeutic setting at slowing down the growth of aggressive mouse melanoma tumors in a type I interferon (IFN-I)-dependent manner. In the present study, we were interested in exploiting the capacity of PapMV of inducing robust IFN-I production as treatment for the chronic viral infection model lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) clone 13 (Cl13). Treatment of LCMV Cl13-infected mice with two systemic administrations of PapMV was ineffective, as shown by the lack of changes in viral titers and immune response to LCMV following treatment. Moreover, IFN-α production following PapMV administration was almost completely abolished in LCMV-infected mice. To better isolate the mechanisms at play, we determined the influence of a pretreatment with PapMV on secondary PapMV administration, therefore eliminating potential variables emanating from the infection. Pretreatment with PapMV led to the same outcome as an LCMV infection in that IFN-α production following secondary PapMV immunization was abrogated for up to 50 days while immune activation was also dramatically impaired. We showed that two distinct and overlapping mechanisms were responsible for this outcome. While short-term inhibition was partially the result of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 degradation, a crucial component of the toll-like receptor 7 signaling pathway, long-term inhibition was mainly due to interference by PapMV-specific antibodies. Thus, we identified a possible pitfall in the use of virus-like particles for the systemic treatment of chronic viral infections and discuss mitigating alternatives to circumvent these potential problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Chartrand
- Immunovirology Laboratory, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Lebel
- Immunovirology Laboratory, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Esther Tarrab
- Immunovirology Laboratory, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Savard
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denis Leclerc
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alain Lamarre
- Immunovirology Laboratory, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Dose of Retroviral Infection Determines Induction of Antiviral NK Cell Responses. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01122-17. [PMID: 28904191 PMCID: PMC5660477 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01122-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and recognize virus-infected cells as well as tumor cells. Conflicting data about the beneficial or even detrimental role of NK cells in different infectious diseases have been described previously. While the type of pathogen strongly influences NK cell functionality, less is known about how the infection dose influences the quality of a NK cell response against retroviruses. In this study, we used the well-established Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model to investigate the impact of virus dose on the induction of antiviral NK cell functions. High-dose virus inoculation increased initial virus replication compared to that with medium- or low-dose viral challenge and significantly improved NK cell activation. Antiviral NK cell activity, including in vivo cytotoxicity toward infected target cells, was also enhanced by high-dose virus infection. NK cell activation following high-dose viral challenge was likely mediated by activated dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages and the NK cell-stimulating cytokines interleukin 15 (IL-15) and IL-18. Neutralization of these cytokines decreased NK cell functions and increased viral loads, whereas IL-15 and IL-18 therapy improved NK cell activity. Here we demonstrate that virus dose positively correlates with antiviral NK cell activity and function, which are at least partly driven by IL-15 and IL-18. Our results suggest that NK cell activity may be therapeutically enhanced by administering IL-15 and IL-18 in virus infections that inadequately activate NK cells. IMPORTANCE In infections with retroviruses, like HIV and FV infection of mice, NK cells clearly mediate antiviral activities, but they are usually not sufficient to prevent severe pathology. Here we show that the initial infection dose impacts the induction of an antiviral NK cell response during an acute retroviral infection, which had not investigated before. High-dose infection resulted in a strong NK cell functionality, whereas no antiviral activities were detected after low- or medium-dose infection. Interestingly, DCs and macrophages were highly activated after high-dose FV challenge, which corresponded with increased levels of NK cell-stimulating cytokines IL-15 and IL-18. IL-15 and IL-18 neutralization decreased NK cell functions, whereas IL-15 and IL-18 therapy improved NK cell activity. Here we show the importance of cytokines for NK cell activation in retroviral infections; our findings suggest that immunotherapy combining the well-tolerated cytokines IL-15 and IL-18 might be an interesting approach for antiretroviral treatment.
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Barrett BS, Harper MS, Jones ST, Guo K, Heilman KJ, Kedl RM, Hasenkrug KJ, Santiago ML. Type I interferon signaling is required for the APOBEC3/Rfv3-dependent neutralizing antibody response but not innate retrovirus restriction. Retrovirology 2017; 14:25. [PMID: 28415995 PMCID: PMC5392950 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-017-0349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background APOBEC3/Rfv3 restricts acute Friend retrovirus (FV) infection and promotes virus-specific neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses. Classical Rfv3 studies utilized FV stocks containing lactate-dehydrogenase elevating virus (LDV), a potent type I interferon inducer. Previously, we showed that APOBEC3 is required for the anti-FV activity of exogenous IFN-alpha treatment. Thus, type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) signaling may be required for the APOBEC3/Rfv3 response. Results To test if the APOBEC3/Rfv3 response is dependent on type I IFN signaling, we infected IFNAR knockout versus IFNAR/APOBEC3 double-knockout mice with FV/LDV or LDV-free FV, and evaluated acute FV infection and subsequent NAb titers. We show that LDV co-infection and type I IFN signaling are not required for innate APOBEC3-mediated restriction. By contrast, removal of LDV and/or type I IFN signaling abrogated the APOBEC3-dependent NAb response. Conclusions APOBEC3 can restrict retroviruses in a type I IFN-independent manner in vivo. By contrast, the ability of APOBEC3 to promote NAb responses is type I IFN-dependent. These findings reveal novel insights on the interplay between type I IFNs and APOBEC3 in vivo that may have implications for augmenting antiretroviral NAb responses. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-017-0349-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S Barrett
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael S Harper
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sean T Jones
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kejun Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Karl J Heilman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ross M Kedl
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Mario L Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, Mail Stop B-168, 12700 E 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Different antiviral effects of IFNα subtypes in a mouse model of HBV infection. Sci Rep 2017; 7:334. [PMID: 28336921 PMCID: PMC5428457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFNα) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. There are 13 different IFNα subtypes in humans, but only the subtype IFNα2 is used for clinical treatment. The antiviral activities of all other IFNα subtypes against HBV have not been studied. To obtain basic knowledge about the direct antiviral as well as the immunomodulatory effects of IFNα subtypes, we used the HBV hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model. Application of most IFNα subtype proteins inhibited HBV replication in vivo, with IFNα4 and IFNα5 being the most effective subtypes. Decreased viral loads after therapeutic application of IFNα4 and IFNα5 correlated with expanded effector cell populations of NK cells and T cells in both liver and spleen. Hydrodynamic injection of plasmids encoding for the effective IFNα subtypes (pIFNα) was even more potent against HBV than injecting IFNα proteins. The combination of pIFNα4 and pIFNα5 showed a synergistic antiviral effect on HBV replication, with a strong increase in NK cell and T cell activity. The results demonstrate distinct anti-HBV effects of different IFNα subtypes against HBV in the mouse model, which may be relevant for new therapeutic approaches.
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Li BJ, He Y, Zhang Y, Guo YH, Zhou Y, Zhang PX, Wang W, Zhao JR, Li JG, Zuo WZ, Fan C, Jia ZS. Interferon-α-induced CD100 on naïve CD8 + T cells enhances antiviral responses to hepatitis C infection through CD72 signal transduction. J Int Med Res 2017; 45:89-100. [PMID: 28222623 PMCID: PMC5536608 DOI: 10.1177/0300060516676136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We investigated the effects of CD100 on naïve CD8+ T cells during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after interferon-α (IFN-α) therapy to clarify the mechanism underlying the effect of IFN-α in enhancing the antiviral response. Methods The CD100 molecules on subsets of CD8+ T cells were analysed with flow cytometry. The effects of CD100-overexpressing naïve CD8+ T cells were determined with ELISAs and an MTT cytotoxicity assay. The role of CD100-CD72 signal transduction was analysed with a neutralization and transwell assays. Results HCV infection reduced CD100 expression on CD8+ T cells, whereas IFN-α treatment significantly increased CD100 expression on naïve CD8+ T cells. The increased CD100 interacted with the CD72 receptor and enhanced PBMC cytokine secretion (IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α) and cytotoxicity. Conclusions IFN-α-induced CD100 on naïve CD8+ T cells promotes PBMC cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity through CD100-CD72 signalling during HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Jie Li
- 2 First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yu He
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Hong Guo
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pei Xin Zhang
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wang
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Ru Zhao
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Ge Li
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Ze Zuo
- 2 First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chao Fan
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhan Sheng Jia
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Center of Liver Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Li SX, Barrett BS, Guo K, Santiago ML. Tetherin/BST-2: Restriction Factor or Immunomodulator? Curr HIV Res 2016; 14:235-46. [PMID: 26957198 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x14999160224102752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses are critical for the control of HIV-1 infection and their importance was highlighted by the existence of viral proteins, particularly Vpu and Nef, that antagonize these responses. Pandemic HIV-1 Vpu counteracts Tetherin/BST-2, a host factor that could prevent the release of HIV-1 virions by tethering virions on the cell surface, but a link between Tetherin and HIV-1 CMI responses has not yet been demonstrated in vivo. In vitro, the virological and immunological impact of Tetherin-mediated accumulation of virions ranged from enhanced or diminished cell-to-cell spread to enhanced recognition by virus-specific antibodies for natural killer cellmediated lysis. However, Tetherin-restricted virions could be internalized through an endocytosis motif in the Tetherin cytoplasmic tail. METHODS Given the uncertainties on which in vitro results manifest in vivo and the dearth of knowledge on how Tetherin influences retroviral immunity, in vivo retrovirus infections in mice encoding wild-type, null and endocytosis-defective Tetherin were performed. Here, we review and highlight the results from these in vivo studies. RESULTS Current data suggests that endocytosis-defective Tetherin functions as a potent innate restriction factor. By contrast, endocytosis-competent Tetherin, the form found in most mammals including humans and the form counteracted by HIV-1 Vpu, was linked to stronger CMI responses in mice. CONCLUSION We propose that the main role of endocytosis-competent Tetherin is not to directly restrict retroviral replication, but to promote a more effective CMI response against retroviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mario L Santiago
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver, Mail Stop B-168, 12700 E 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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Littwitz-Salomon E, Dittmer U, Sutter K. Insufficient natural killer cell responses against retroviruses: how to improve NK cell killing of retrovirus-infected cells. Retrovirology 2016; 13:77. [PMID: 27821119 PMCID: PMC5100108 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-016-0311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system and protect against cancers and a variety of viruses including retroviruses by killing transformed or infected cells. They express activating and inhibitory receptors on their cell surface and often become activated after recognizing virus-infected cells. They have diverse antiviral effector functions like the release of cytotoxic granules, cytokine production and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The importance of NK cell activity in retroviral infections became evident due to the discovery of several viral strategies to escape recognition and elimination by NK cells. Mutational sequence polymorphisms as well as modulation of surface receptors and their ligands are mechanisms of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 to evade NK cell-mediated immune pressure. In Friend retrovirus infected mice the virus can manipulate molecular or cellular immune factors that in turn suppress the NK cell response. In this model NK cells lack cytokines for optimal activation and can be functionally suppressed by regulatory T cells. However, these inhibitory pathways can be overcome therapeutically to achieve full activation of NK cell responses and ultimately control dissemination of retroviral infection. One effective approach is to modulate the crosstalk between NK cells and dendritic cells, which produce NK cell-stimulating cytokines like type I interferons (IFN), IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 upon retrovirus sensing or infection. Therapeutic administration of IFNα directly increases NK cell killing of retrovirus-infected cells. In addition, IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes that direct IL-2 to NK cells have been shown to significantly improve control of retroviral infection by NK cells in vivo. In this review, we describe novel approaches to improve NK cell effector functions in retroviral infections. Immunotherapies that target NK cells of patients suffering from viral infections might be a promising treatment option for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Littwitz-Salomon
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany.
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Interferon Alpha Subtype-Specific Suppression of HIV-1 Infection In Vivo. J Virol 2016; 90:6001-6013. [PMID: 27099312 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00451-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Although all 12 subtypes of human interferon alpha (IFN-α) bind the same receptor, recent results have demonstrated that they elicit unique host responses and display distinct efficacies in the control of different viral infections. The IFN-α2 subtype is currently in HIV-1 clinical trials, but it has not consistently reduced viral loads in HIV-1 patients and is not the most effective subtype against HIV-1 in vitro We now demonstrate in humanized mice that, when delivered at the same high clinical dose, the human IFN-α14 subtype has very potent anti-HIV-1 activity whereas IFN-α2 does not. In both postexposure prophylaxis and treatment of acute infections, IFN-α14, but not IFN-α2, significantly suppressed HIV-1 replication and proviral loads. Furthermore, HIV-1-induced immune hyperactivation, which is a prognosticator of disease progression, was reduced by IFN-α14 but not IFN-α2. Whereas ineffective IFN-α2 therapy was associated with CD8(+) T cell activation, successful IFN-α14 therapy was associated with increased intrinsic and innate immunity, including significantly higher induction of tetherin and MX2, increased APOBEC3G signature mutations in HIV-1 proviral DNA, and higher frequencies of TRAIL(+) NK cells. These results identify IFN-α14 as a potent new therapeutic that operates via mechanisms distinct from those of antiretroviral drugs. The ability of IFN-α14 to reduce both viremia and proviral loads in vivo suggests that it has strong potential as a component of a cure strategy for HIV-1 infections. The broad implication of these results is that the antiviral efficacy of each individual IFN-α subtype should be evaluated against the specific virus being treated. IMPORTANCE The naturally occurring antiviral protein IFN-α2 is used to treat hepatitis viruses but has proven rather ineffective against HIV in comparison to triple therapy with the antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Although ARVs suppress the replication of HIV, they fail to completely clear infections. Since IFN-α acts by different mechanism than ARVs and has been shown to reduce HIV proviral loads, clinical trials are under way to test whether IFN-α2 combined with ARVs might eradicate HIV-1 infections. IFN-α is actually a family of 12 distinct proteins, and each IFN-α subtype has different efficacies toward different viruses. Here, we use mice that contain a human immune system, so they can be infected with HIV. With this model, we demonstrate that while IFN-α2 is only weakly effective against HIV, IFN-α14 is extremely potent. This discovery identifies IFN-α14 as a more powerful IFN-α subtype for use in combination therapy trials aimed toward an HIV cure.
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Todt D, François C, Anggakusuma, Behrendt P, Engelmann M, Knegendorf L, Vieyres G, Wedemeyer H, Hartmann R, Pietschmann T, Duverlie G, Steinmann E. Antiviral Activities of Different Interferon Types and Subtypes against Hepatitis E Virus Replication. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2132-9. [PMID: 26787701 PMCID: PMC4808167 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02427-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans and a member of the genusOrthohepevirusin the familyHepeviridae HEV infections are the common cause of acute hepatitis but can also take chronic courses. Ribavirin is the treatment of choice for most patients, and type I interferon (IFN) has been evaluated in a few infected transplant patientsin vivo In this study, the antiviral effects of different exogenously administered interferons were investigated by using state-of-the-art subgenomic replicon and full-length HEV genome cell culture models. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenomic replicons based on the genotype 2a JFH1 isolate served as the reference. The experiments revealed that HEV RNA replication was inhibited by the application of all types of IFN, including IFN-α (type I), IFN-γ (type II), and IFN-λ3 (type III), but to a far lesser extent than HCV replication. Simultaneous determination of interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression levels for all IFN types demonstrated efficient downregulation by HEV. Furthermore, different IFN-α subtypes were also able to block viral replication in combination with ribavirin. The IFN-α subtypes 2a and 2b exerted the strongest antiviral activity against HEV. In conclusion, these data demonstrate for the first time moderate anti-HEV activities of types II and III IFNs and different IFN-α subtypes. As HEV employed a potent anti-interferon mechanism by restricting ISG expression, exogenous application of IFNs as immunotherapy should be carefully assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Todt
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Catherine François
- EA4294, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Anggakusuma
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Engelmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Leonard Knegendorf
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Gabrielle Vieyres
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rune Hartmann
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
| | - Gilles Duverlie
- EA4294, Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire et Universite de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute for Experimental Virology, Twincore Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Hannover, Germany
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Efficacy of Antiviral Drugs against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Vet Sci 2015; 2:456-476. [PMID: 29061953 PMCID: PMC5644647 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci2040456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is one of the most common infectious agents affecting cats worldwide .FIV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) share many properties: both are lifelong persistent lentiviruses that are similar genetically and morphologically and both viruses propagate in T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and neural cells. Experimentally infected cats have measurable immune suppression, which sometimes progresses to an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A transient initial state of infection is followed by a long latent stage with low virus replication and absence of clinical signs. In the terminal stage, both viruses can cause severe immunosuppression. Thus, FIV infection in cats has become an important natural model for studying HIV infection in humans, especially for evaluation of antiviral compounds. Of particular importance for chemotherapeutic studies is the close similarity between the reverse transcriptase (RT) of FIV and HIV, which results in high in vitro susceptibility of FIV to many RT-targeted antiviral compounds used in the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of studies on antiviral treatment of FIV, focusing on commercially available compounds for human or animal use.
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Hartmann K. Efficacy of antiviral chemotherapy for retrovirus-infected cats: What does the current literature tell us? J Feline Med Surg 2015; 17:925-39. [PMID: 26486979 PMCID: PMC10816252 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x15610676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
GLOBAL IMPORTANCE The two feline retroviruses, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV), are global and widespread, but differ in their potential to cause disease. VIRAL INFECTION - FIV FIV, a lentivirus that shares many properties with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can cause an acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which predisposes cats to other infections, stomatitis, neurological disorders and tumours. Although secondary infections are common, specific opportunistic infections or acquired immunodeficiency virus-defining infections, such as those that occur with HIV, are not commonly reported in FIV-infected cats. In most naturally infected cats, FIV does not cause a severe clinical syndrome; with appropriate care, FIV-infected cats can live many years before succumbing to conditions unrelated to their FIV infection. Thus, overall survival time is not necessarily shorter than in uninfected cats, and quality of life is usually high over many years or lifelong. VIRAL INFECTION - FELV FeLV, an oncornavirus, is more pathogenic than FIV. Historically, it was considered to account for more disease-related deaths and clinical syndromes in cats than any other infectious agent. Recently, the prevalence and importance of FeLV have been decreasing, mainly because of testing and eradication programmes and the use of FeLV vaccines. Progressive FeLV infection can cause tumours, bone marrow suppression and immunosuppression, as well as neurological and other disorders, and leads to a decrease in life expectancy. However, with appropriate care, many FeLV-infected cats can also live several years with a good quality of life. PRACTICAL RELEVANCE A decision regarding treatment or euthanasia should never be based solely on the presence or absence of a retrovirus infection. Antiviral chemotherapy is of increasing interest in veterinary medicine, but is still not used commonly. EVIDENCE BASE This article reviews the current literature on antiviral chemotherapy in retrovirus-infected cats, focusing on drugs that are currently available on the market and, thus, could potentially be used in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Veterinärstrasse 13, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Akhmetzyanova I, Drabczyk M, Neff CP, Gibbert K, Dietze KK, Werner T, Liu J, Chen L, Lang KS, Palmer BE, Dittmer U, Zelinskyy G. PD-L1 Expression on Retrovirus-Infected Cells Mediates Immune Escape from CD8+ T Cell Killing. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005224. [PMID: 26484769 PMCID: PMC4617866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD8+ T Lymphocytes (CTL) efficiently control acute virus infections but can become exhausted when a chronic infection develops. Signaling of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 is an important mechanism for the development of virus-specific CD8+ T cell dysfunction. However, it has recently been shown that during the initial phase of infection virus-specific CD8+ T cells express high levels of PD-1, but are fully competent in producing cytokines and killing virus-infected target cells. To better understand the role of the PD-1 signaling pathway in CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity during acute viral infections we analyzed the expression of the ligand on retrovirus-infected cells targeted by CTLs. We observed increased levels of PD-L1 expression after infection of cells with the murine Friend retrovirus (FV) or with HIV. In FV infected mice, virus-specific CTLs efficiently eliminated infected target cells that expressed low levels of PD-L1 or that were deficient for PD-L1 but the population of PD-L1high cells escaped elimination and formed a reservoir for chronic FV replication. Infected cells with high PD-L1 expression mediated a negative feedback on CD8+ T cells and inhibited their expansion and cytotoxic functions. These findings provide evidence for a novel immune escape mechanism during acute retroviral infection based on PD-L1 expression levels on virus infected target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilseyar Akhmetzyanova
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Drabczyk
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - C. Preston Neff
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kathrin Gibbert
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kirsten K. Dietze
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tanja Werner
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tonji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Lieping Chen
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Karl S. Lang
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Brent E. Palmer
- University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gennadiy Zelinskyy
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Larrubia JR, Moreno-Cubero E, Miquel J, Sanz-de-Villalobos E. Hepatitis C virus-specific cytotoxic T cell response restoration after treatment-induced hepatitis C virus control. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:3480-3491. [PMID: 25834312 PMCID: PMC4375569 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i12.3480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response plays a major role in viral control during spontaneous infection resolution. These cells develop an exhausted and pro-apoptotic status during chronic onset, being unable to get rid of HCV. The role of this response in contributing to sustained viral response (SVR) after anti-HCV is controversial. Recent studies show that after successful interferon-based anti-HCV treatment, HCV traces are still detectable and this correlates with a peak of HCV-specific CTL response activation, probably responsible for maintaining SVR by subsequent complete HCV clearing. Moreover, SVR patients’ serum is still able to induce HCV infection in naïve chimpanzees, suggesting that the infection could be under the control of the immune system after a successful treatment, being transmissible in absence of this adaptive response. At least theoretically, treatment-induced viral load decrease could allow an effective HCV-specific CTL response reestablishment. This effect has been recently described with anti-HCV interferon-free regimes, based on direct-acting antivirals. Nevertheless, this is to some extent controversial with interferon-based therapies, due to the detrimental immunoregulatory α-interferon effect on T cells. Moreover, HCV-specific CTL response features during anti-HCV treatment could be a predictive factor of SVR that could have clinical implications in patient management. In this review, the recent knowledge about the role of HCV-specific CTL response in the development of SVR after anti-HCV treatment is discussed.
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Cha L, Berry CM, Nolan D, Castley A, Fernandez S, French MA. Interferon-alpha, immune activation and immune dysfunction in treated HIV infection. Clin Transl Immunology 2014; 3:e10. [PMID: 25505958 PMCID: PMC4232062 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2014.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 12/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) exert anti-viral effects through the induction of numerous IFN-stimulated genes and an immunomodulatory effect on innate and adaptive immune responses. This is beneficial in controlling virus infections but prolonged IFN-α activity in persistent virus infections, such as HIV infection, may contribute to immune activation and have a detrimental effect on the function of monocytes and T and B lymphocytes. Activation of monocytes, associated with increased IFN-α activity, contributes to atherosclerotic vascular disease, brain disease and other ‘age-related diseases' in HIV patients treated with long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). In HIV patients receiving ART, the anti-viral effects of IFN-α therapy have the potential to contribute to eradication of HIV infection while IFN-α inhibitor therapy is under investigation for the treatment of immune activation. The management of HIV patients receiving ART will be improved by understanding more about the opposing effects of IFN-α on HIV infection and disease and by developing methods to assess IFN-α activity in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Cha
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia , Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cassandra M Berry
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University , Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Nolan
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital , Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Allison Castley
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University , Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia ; Department of Clinical Immunology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital , Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sonia Fernandez
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia , Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Martyn A French
- School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia , Crawley, Western Australia, Australia ; Department of Clinical Immunology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital , Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Gibbert K, Schlaak JF, Yang D, Dittmer U. IFN-α subtypes: distinct biological activities in anti-viral therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 168:1048-58. [PMID: 23072338 PMCID: PMC3594665 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During most viral infections, the immediate host response is characterized by an induction of type I IFN. These cytokines have various biological activities, including anti-viral, anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory effects. After induction, they bind to their IFN-α/β receptor, which leads to downstream signalling resulting in the expression of numerous different IFN-stimulated genes. These genes encode anti-viral proteins that directly inhibit viral replication as well as modulate immune function. Thus, the induction of type I IFN is a very powerful tool for the host to fight virus infections. Many viruses evade this response by various strategies like the direct suppression of IFN induction or inhibition of the IFN signalling pathway. Therefore, the therapeutic application of exogenous type I IFN or molecules that induce strong IFN responses should be of great potential for future immunotherapies against viral infections. Type I IFN is currently used as a treatment in chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, but as yet is not widely utilized for other viral infections. One reason for this restricted clinical use is that type I IFN belongs to a multigene family that includes 13 different IFN-α subtypes and IFN-β, whose individual anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties have so far not been investigated in detail to improve IFN therapy against viral infections in humans. In this review, we summarize the recent achievements in defining the distinct biological functions of type I IFN subtypes in cell culture and in animal models of viral infection as well as their clinical usage in chronic hepatitis virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Gibbert
- Department of Virology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Harper MS, Barrett BS, Smith DS, Li SX, Gibbert K, Dittmer U, Hasenkrug KJ, Santiago ML. IFN-α treatment inhibits acute Friend retrovirus replication primarily through the antiviral effector molecule Apobec3. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:1583-90. [PMID: 23315078 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic administration of IFN-α in clinical trials significantly reduced HIV-1 plasma viral load and human T-lymphotropic virus type I proviral load in infected patients. The mechanism may involve the concerted action of multiple antiretroviral effectors collectively known as "restriction factors," which could vary in relative importance according to the magnitude of transcriptional induction. However, direct genetic approaches to identify the relevant IFN-α restriction factors will not be feasible in humans in vivo. Meanwhile, mice encode an analogous set of restriction factor genes and could be used to obtain insights on how IFN-α could inhibit retroviruses in vivo. As expected, IFN-α treatment of mice significantly upregulated the transcription of multiple restriction factors including Tetherin/BST2, SAMHD1, Viperin, ISG15, OAS1, and IFITM3. However, a dominant antiretroviral factor, Apobec3, was only minimally induced. To determine whether Apobec3 was necessary for direct IFN-α antiretroviral action in vivo, wild-type and Apobec3-deficient mice were infected with Friend retrovirus, then treated with IFN-α. Treatment of infected wild-type mice with IFN-α significantly reduced acute plasma viral load 28-fold, splenic proviral load 5-fold, bone marrow proviral load 14-fold, and infected bone marrow cells 7-fold, but no inhibition was observed in Apobec3-deficient mice. These findings reveal that IFN-α inhibits acute Friend retrovirus infection primarily through the antiviral effector Apobec3 in vivo, demonstrate that transcriptional induction levels did not predict the mechanism of IFN-α-mediated control, and highlight the potential of the human APOBEC3 proteins as therapeutic targets against pathogenic retrovirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Harper
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Gibbert K. IFN-α Inhibition Assay in vitro. Bio Protoc 2013. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Gibbert K. Measurement of IFN-α Subtype Concentrations (Virus-free, Cell-based Bioassay). Bio Protoc 2013. [DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Gil S, Leal RO, Duarte A, McGahie D, Sepúlveda N, Siborro I, Cravo J, Cartaxeiro C, Tavares LM. Relevance of feline interferon omega for clinical improvement and reduction of concurrent viral excretion in retrovirus infected cats from a rescue shelter. Res Vet Sci 2012; 94:753-63. [PMID: 23122808 PMCID: PMC7111785 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2012.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Feline Immnunodeficiency (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FeLV) viruses are common infectious agents in stray cats and shelter environments. Recombinant feline interferon-ω (rFeIFNω) has shown an antiviral action not only against FIV and FeLV but also against herpesvirus (FHV-1) and calicivirus (FCV). Sixteen naturally infected FIV/FeLV cats were followed during rFeIFNω therapy in order to monitor clinical signs and to correlate with excretion of concomitant viruses (FCV, FHV-1, feline coronavirus (FCoV) and parvovirus (FPV)). Cats were submitted to clinical evaluations and concomitant virus excretion assessement. Comparing D0–D65, 10/16 cats improved clinical scores. Of the 10 cats positive for FHV-1 on D0, 4 were negative and 6 reduced viral loads. Of the 11 FCoV positive cats, 9 reduced viral loads. The 13 FCV positive cats and the FPV positive cat were negative on D65. In conclusion, rFeIFNω improves clinical signs and reduces concurrent viral excretion in naturally infected retroviral cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Gil
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal (CIISA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Technical University of Lisbon (TULisbon), Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Berry CM, Hertzog PJ, Mangan NE. Interferons as biomarkers and effectors: lessons learned from animal models. Biomark Med 2012; 6:159-76. [PMID: 22448790 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.12.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) comprise type I, II and III families with multiple subtypes. Via transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), IFNs can exert multiple biological effects on the cell. In infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases, the IFNs and their ISG sets can be potentially utilized as biomarkers of disease outcome. Animal models allow investigations into disease pathogenesis and gene knockout models have proved cause and effect relationships of molecules related to the IFN response. Sets of IFN subtypes and their ISG products provide immunological signature patterns for different viral and other diseases. In this article, we give an overview of IFNs in several virus infection models and autoimmune diseases of medical relevance. Lessons learned from animal models inform us of IFN system parameters as indicators of disease outcome and whether clinical research is warranted. Moreover, validated IFN biomarkers for prognosis enhance our understanding of therapeutic and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Berry
- Centre for Innate Immunity & Infectious Diseases, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Gibbert K, Joedicke JJ, Meryk A, Trilling M, Francois S, Duppach J, Kraft A, Lang KS, Dittmer U. Interferon-alpha subtype 11 activates NK cells and enables control of retroviral infection. PLoS Pathog 2012; 8:e1002868. [PMID: 22912583 PMCID: PMC3415439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1002868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response mediated by cells such as natural killer (NK) cells is critical for the rapid containment of virus replication and spread during acute infection. Here, we show that subtype 11 of the type I interferon (IFN) family greatly potentiates the antiviral activity of NK cells during retroviral infection. Treatment of mice with IFN-α11 during Friend retrovirus infection (FV) significantly reduced viral loads and resulted in long-term protection from virus-induced leukemia. The effect of IFN-α11 on NK cells was direct and signaled through the type I IFN receptor. Furthermore, IFN-α11-mediated activation of NK cells enabled cytolytic killing of FV-infected target cells via the exocytosis pathway. Depletion and adoptive transfer experiments illustrated that NK cells played a major role in successful IFN-α11 therapy. Additional experiments with Mouse Cytomegalovirus infections demonstrated that the therapeutic effect of IFN-α11 is not restricted to retroviruses. The type I IFN subtypes 2 and 5, which bind the same receptor as IFN-α11, did not elicit similar antiviral effects. These results demonstrate a unique and subtype-specific activation of NK cells by IFN-α11. The innate immune response mediated by cells such as natural killer (NK) cells can contribute to immunity against viral infections. NK cells can kill virus-infected cells and thus inhibit virus replication and spread during acute infection. However, in infections with retroviruses, like HIV, these cells are not sufficient to prevent pathology. Here, we describe a new strategy to augment natural killer cell responses during virus infections by using a subtype of the type I interferon family as antiviral drug. This therapy strongly activated NK cells and enabled them to control retrovirus as well as herpes virus infections in mice. The new approach might have great potential for the treatment of many infectious and tumor diseases in which natural killer cells play a significant role in immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gibbert
- Institute for Virology of the University Hospital in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Bayer W, Lietz R, Ontikatze T, Johrden L, Tenbusch M, Nabi G, Schimmer S, Groitl P, Wolf H, Berry CM, Uberla K, Dittmer U, Wildner O. Improved vaccine protection against retrovirus infection after co-administration of adenoviral vectors encoding viral antigens and type I interferon subtypes. Retrovirology 2011; 8:75. [PMID: 21943056 PMCID: PMC3193818 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-8-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type I interferons (IFNs) exhibit direct antiviral effects, but also distinct immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we analyzed type I IFN subtypes for their effect on prophylactic adenovirus-based anti-retroviral vaccination of mice against Friend retrovirus (FV) or HIV. RESULTS Mice were vaccinated with adenoviral vectors encoding FV Env and Gag proteins alone or in combination with vectors encoding IFNα1, IFNα2, IFNα4, IFNα5, IFNα6, IFNα9 or IFNβ. Only the co-administration of adenoviral vectors encoding IFNα2, IFNα4, IFNα6 and IFNα9 resulted in strongly improved immune protection of vaccinated mice from subsequent FV challenge infection with high control over FV-induced splenomegaly and reduced viral loads. The level of protection correlated with augmented virus-specific CD4(+) T cell responses and enhanced antibody titers. Similar results were obtained when mice were vaccinated against HIV with adenoviral vectors encoding HIV Env and Gag-Pol in combination with various type I IFN encoding vectors. Here mainly CD4(+) T cell responses were enhanced by IFNα subtypes. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that certain IFNα subtypes have the potential to improve the protective effect of adenovirus-based vaccines against retroviruses. This correlated with augmented virus-specific CD4(+) T cell and antibody responses. Thus, co-expression of select type I IFNs may be a valuable tool for the development of anti-retroviral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Bayer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany.
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Audigé A, Hofer U, Dittmer U, van den Broek M, Speck RF. Evaluation of the immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of the cytokine combination IFN-α and IL-7 in the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and Friend retrovirus mouse infection models. Viral Immunol 2011; 24:375-85. [PMID: 21929334 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2011.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Existing therapies for chronic viral infections are still suboptimal or have considerable side effects, so new therapeutic strategies need to be developed. One option is to boost the host's immune response with cytokines. We have recently shown in an acute ex vivo HIV infection model that co-administration of interferon (IFN)-α and interleukin (IL)-7 allows us to combine the potent anti-HIV activity of IFN-α with the beneficial effects of IL-7 on T-cell survival and function. Here we evaluated the effect of combining IFN-α and IL-7 on viral replication in vivo in the chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and acute Friend retrovirus (FV) infection models. In the chronic LCMV model, cytokine treatment was started during the early replication phase (i.e., on day 7 post-infection [pi]). Under the experimental conditions used, exogenous IFN-α inhibited FV replication, but had no effect on viral replication in the LCMV model. There was no therapeutic benefit of IL-7 either alone or in combination with IFN-α in either of the two infection models. In the LCMV model, dose-dependent effects of the cytokine combination on T-cell phenotype/function were observed. It is possible that these effects would translate into antiviral activity in re-challenged mice. It is also possible that another type of IFN-α/β or induction of endogenous IFN-α/β alone or in combination with IL-7 would have antiviral activity in the LCMV model. Furthermore, we cannot exclude that some effect on viral titers would have been seen at later time points not investigated here (i.e., beyond day 34 pi). Finally, IFN-α/IL-7 may inhibit the replication of other viruses. Thus it might be worth testing these cytokines in other in vivo models of chronic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Audigé
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Abstract
Type-I interferons (IFNs) are cytokines that have non-specific antiviral activity, participating mostly in innate defense mechanisms. Their administration has been proposed to treat several viral and immunomediated diseases as an immunomodulatory therapy. Due to its availability, recombinant human interferon-alpha (rHuIFN-α) has been studied in relation to feline retrovirosis, both in vitro and in vivo. However, IFNs are species-specific and antibodies have been shown to develop in response to the high rHuIFN-α doses necessary for an effective therapy. A recombinant feline IFN has been developed, which has been characterized as interferon-omega (rFeIFN-ω), designed to overcome these problems. Nonetheless, very few studies have been undertaken to evaluate its efficacy in cats naturally infected with FIV or FeLV. In an initial study, we here demonstrated that rFeIFN-ω can dramatically improve the clinical condition of infected cats, and induce improvement of hematologic parameters. Minor changes or no change was observed for hypergammaglobulinemia, CD4/CD8 ratio, proviral load, viremia and RT activity, suggesting that the overall effect of IFN was on innate immunity. More studies are needed in order to better understand its in vivo mechanisms.
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45
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Rönnblom L, Alm GV, Eloranta ML. The type I interferon system in the development of lupus. Semin Immunol 2011; 23:113-21. [PMID: 21292501 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2011.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The type I interferon (IFN) system induces inhibition of viral replication, but can also activate the innate and adaptive immune system. An important role of the type I IFN system in autoimmune diseases, including lupus, is suggested by the observation that these disorders display a prominent over-expression of type I IFN regulated genes. The development of autoimmune diseases in some individuals treated with IFN-α directly supports a pivotal role for this cytokine in breaking tolerance and inducing autoimmune reactions. A genetic setup that promotes type I IFN production and/or response and the presence of endogenous inducers of IFN-α production have been described in patients with lupus. Several known environmental risk factors for development of lupus or disease flares may contribute to the ongoing type I IFN production. In the present review we will describe the possible role of the type I IFN system in the lupus disease process. The possible connection between the type I IFN system and some environmental and genetic risk factors for lupus is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Rönnblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Rheumatology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Sinkovics JG. Antileukemia and antitumor effects of the graft-versus-host disease: a new immunovirological approach. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2010; 57:253-347. [PMID: 21183421 DOI: 10.1556/amicr.57.2010.4.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In leukemic mice, the native host's explicit and well-defined immune reactions to the leukemia virus (a strong exogenous antigen) and to leukemia cells (pretending in their native hosts to be protected "self" elements) are extinguished and replaced in GvHD (graft-versus-host disease) by those of the immunocompetent donor cells. In many cases, the GvHD-inducer donors display genetically encoded resistance to the leukemia virus. In human patients only antileukemia and anti-tumor cell immune reactions are mobilized; thus, patients are deprived of immune reactions to a strong exogenous antigen (the elusive human leukemia-sarcoma retroviruses). The innate and adaptive immune systems of mice have to sustain the immunosuppressive effects of leukemia-inducing retroviruses. Human patients due to the lack of leukemiainducing retroviral pathogens (if they exist, they have not as yet been discovered), escape such immunological downgrading. After studying leukemogenic retroviruses in murine and feline (and other mammalian) hosts, it is very difficult to dismiss retroviral etiology for human leukemias and sarcomas. Since no characterized and thus recognized leukemogenic-sarcomagenic retroviral agents are being isolated from the vast majority of human leukemias-sarcomas, the treatment for these conditions in mice and in human patients vastly differ. It is immunological and biological modalities (alpha interferons; vaccines; adoptive lymphocyte therapy) that dominate the treatment of murine leukemias, whereas combination chemotherapy remains the main remission-inducing agent in human leukemias-lymphomas and sarcomas (as humanized monoclonal antibodies and immunotoxins move in). Yet, in this apparently different backgrounds in Mus and Homo, GvHD, as a treatment modality, appears to work well in both hosts, by replacing the hosts' anti-leukemia and anti-tumor immune faculties with those of the donor. The clinical application of GvHD in the treatment of human leukemias-lymphomas and malignant solid tumors remains a force worthy of pursuit, refinement and strengthening. Graft engineering and modifications of the inner immunological environment of the recipient host by the activation or administration of tumor memory T cells, selected Treg cells and natural killer (NKT) cell classes and cytokines, and the improved pharmacotherapy of GvHD without reducing its antitumor efficacy, will raise the value of GvHD to the higher ranks of the effective antitumor immunotherapeutical measures. Clinical interventions of HCT/HSCT (hematopoietic cell/stem cell transplants) are now applicable to an extended spectrum of malignant diseases in human patients, being available to elderly patients, who receive non-myeloablative conditioning, are re-enforced by post-transplant donor lymphocyte (NK cell and immune T cell) infusions and post-transplant vaccinations, and the donor cells may derive from engineered grafts, or from cord blood with reduced GvHD, but increased GvL/GvT-inducing capabilities (graft-versus leukemia/tumor). Post-transplant T cell transfusions are possible only if selected leukemia antigen-specific T cell clones are available. In verbatim quotation: "Ultimately, advances in separation of GvT from GvHD will further enhance the potential of allogeneic HCT as a curative treatment for hematological malignancies" (Rezvani, A.R. and Storb, R.F., Journal of Autoimmunity 30:172-179, 2008 (see in the text)). It may be added: for cure, a combination of the GvL/T effects with new targeted therapeutic modalities, as elaborated on in this article, will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Sinkovics
- The University of South Florida College of Medicine, St. Joseph Hospital's Cancer Institute, Affiliated with the H. L. Moffitt Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33607-6307, USA.
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Gibbert K, Dietze KK, Zelinskyy G, Lang KS, Barchet W, Kirschning CJ, Dittmer U. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid treatment of Friend retrovirus-infected mice improves functional properties of virus-specific T cells and prevents virus-induced disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:6179-89. [PMID: 20943997 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The induction of type I IFN is the most immediate host response to viral infections. Type I IFN has a direct antiviral activity mediated by antiviral enzymes, but it also modulates the function of cells of the adaptive immune system. Many viruses can suppress type I IFN production, and in retroviral infections, the initial type I IFN is weak. Thus, one strategy of immunotherapy in viral infection is the exogenous induction of type I IFN during acute viral infection by TLR ligands. Along these lines, the TLR3/MDA5 ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] has already been used to treat viral infections. However, the immunological mechanisms underlying this successful therapy have not been defined until now. In this study, the Friend retrovirus (FV) mouse model was used to investigate the mode of action of poly(I:C) in antiretroviral immunotherapy. Postexposure, poly(I:C) treatment of FV-infected mice resulted in a significant reduction in viral loads and protection from virus-induced leukemia. This effect was IFN dependent because type I IFN receptor-deficient mice could not be protected by poly(I:C). The poly(I:C)-induced IFN response resulted in the expression of antiviral enzymes, which suppressed FV replication. Also, the virus-specific T cell response was augmented. Interestingly, it did not enhance the number of virus-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, but rather the functional properties of these cells, such as cytokine production and cytotoxic activity. The results demonstrate a direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effect of poly(I:C) and, therefore, suggests its potential for clinical treatment of retroviral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gibbert
- Institute for Virology, University Clinics in Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Easlick J, Szubin R, Lantz S, Baumgarth N, Abel K. The early interferon alpha subtype response in infant macaques infected orally with SIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2010; 55:14-28. [PMID: 20616742 PMCID: PMC2927738 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181e696ca] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Type I interferons play an important role in the early defense against viral and other pathogens. These innate responses are also critically important in shaping the subsequent adaptive response. Thus, a more thorough knowledge of innate response types and mechanisms will improve our understanding of pathogenesis and guide the development of new therapeutics. Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) is used clinically in the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C infections. The majority of IFA-alpha therapy is based on a single IFN-alpha subtype, IFN-alpha2. However, IFN-alpha comprises a family of multiple subtypes. The biologic functions of the distinct subtypes and how they relate to disease are poorly understood. The current study developed the tools to distinguish and measure multiple IFN-alpha subtypes on the mRNA level in rhesus macaques that are used widely as an important animal model for human diseases. We were able to identify and measure nine distinct rhesus IFN-alpha subtypes. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that in response to oral pathogenic SIV infection, several IFN-alpha subtypes are rapidly induced in lymphoid but not at oral and gastrointestinal mucosal surfaces. Although each IFN-alpha subtype was induced at distinct levels, their relative expression patterns were identical in all lymphoid tissues examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Easlick
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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