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Redondo Betancor G, Hernández Febles M, Zaragozá González R, Granados Monzón R, Quiñones Morales I, de Salazar A, García García F, Pena López MJ. Prevalence and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis delta virus on Gran Canaria Island. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024:S2529-993X(24)00208-9. [PMID: 39389798 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2024.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to know the prevalence and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with chronic infection due to hepatitis D virus (HDV). PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective descriptive study was carried out on patients with HDV infection under follow-up in a hospital in 2023. All patients carrying HBsAg were tested for antibodies against HDV. HDV RNA detection was performed in all antibody-positive samples. The medical records were reviewed. RESULTS Of the 340 patients carrying HBsAg, 24 (7.1%) had anti-HDV antibodies, and 6 (25%) had detectable HDV RNA (chronic infection). The prevalence of chronic hepatitis in HBsAg carriers was 1.8%. All patients had a genotype 1 infection. Half of the patients were of African origin and 29.2% were Spanish. Of the 6 patients with chronic infection, 5 (83.3%) had cirrhosis and 2 (33.3%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Half of the patients had some exacerbation of the disease during follow-up. Of the 18 patients without viremia, 2 (11.1%) presented cirrhosis (one recently diagnosed). The mean follow-up time of patients without viremia was 13.5 years. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of chronic HDV hepatitis in our area is low and in all cases it presents as an advanced disease, with exacerbations during follow-up. Patients without viremia have probably resolved the infection, as viremia was not detected in any moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goretti Redondo Betancor
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Melisa Hernández Febles
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Raquel Zaragozá González
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rafael Granados Monzón
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ildefonso Quiñones Morales
- Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Adolfo de Salazar
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Cecilio, Granada, Spain
| | | | - María José Pena López
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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Sapuk A, Steinhoff L, Huenninghaus K, Willuweit K, Rashidi Alavijeh J, Hild B, Asar L, Schmidt HH, Schramm C. Long-Term Treatment with Bulevirtide in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis D and Advanced Chronic Liver Disease. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 2024:2364031. [PMID: 39081834 PMCID: PMC11288691 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2364031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bulevirtide (BLV) is approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D (CHD). Because only limited long-term experience has been reported, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BLV treatment in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with CHD who received BLV 2 mg/day for >12 months at a tertiary center. Virological response (VR) was defined as a reduction in hepatitis delta virus-ribonucleic acid (HDV-RNA) ≥2 log10 from baseline or HDV-RNA negativity and biochemical response (BR) as gender-specific normalization of transaminases. We identified 14 patients (9 men, 5 women; median age of 48 years; interquartile range (IQR) of 37-55), of whom 12 (86%) had suggested or assumed ACLD according to Baveno VI criteria. The median duration of BLV treatment was 26 months (IQR 17-27). During treatment, the mean HDV-RNA level decreased from log10 5.58 IU/ml to levels between log10 2.19 IU/ml and log10 3.19 IU/ml. HDV-RNA negativity was achieved in up to 63% after 24 months. VR and BR were 86% and 43% after 12 months, 90% and 60% after 18 months, 75% and 75% after 24 months, and 100% and 50% after 30 months, respectively. Two nonpersisting viral breakthroughs were observed after 24 months of treatment. The Child Pugh score and model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores remained stable or improved in 12 patients (86%). Only one patient developed hepatic decompensation after 24 months of treatment with ascites requiring large-volume paracentesis which was not associated with viral breakthrough, portal vein thrombosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment with BLV beyond one year is effective and safe for patients with CHD and ACLD. Liver function remained stable or improved during treatment in the vast majority of patients, and only one case of hepatic decompensation occurred during a median follow-up of 26 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Sapuk
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leonie Steinhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kristin Huenninghaus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katharina Willuweit
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jassin Rashidi Alavijeh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Hild
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lucia Asar
- Institute for VirologyUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hartmut H. Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplantational MedicineUniversity Hospital Essen, and Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Buti M, Wedemeyer H, Aleman S, Chulanov V, Morozov V, Sagalova O, Stepanova T, Gish RG, Lloyd A, Kaushik AM, Suri V, Manuilov D, Osinusi AO, Flaherty JF, Lampertico P. Patient-reported outcomes in chronic hepatitis delta: An exploratory analysis of the Phase III MYR301 trial of bulevirtide. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)02337-7. [PMID: 39009085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Once-daily treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) with bulevirtide is well tolerated and associated with significant reductions in HDV RNA in the blood and in biochemical liver disease activity. This study explored the effects of 48-week bulevirtide treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with CHD. METHODS In an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial, 150 patients with CHD and compensated liver disease were stratified by liver cirrhosis status and randomised 1:1:1 to no treatment (control), bulevirtide 2 mg/day, or bulevirtide 10 mg/day for 48 weeks. HRQoL was evaluated by the following patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments at baseline, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks: EQ-5D-3L, Hepatitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (HQLQ), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). RESULTS Patient characteristics and HRQoL scores were balanced at baseline between the treatment (2 mg, n = 49; 10 mg, n = 50) and control (n = 51) groups. Patients receiving 2-mg bulevirtide reported significant improvements compared with controls on the HQLQ domains of role physical, hepatitis-specific limitations, and hepatitis-specific health distress. Numerically higher scores for general health, hepatitis-specific limitations, and hepatitis-specific health distress domains were reported by patients with cirrhosis who received bulevirtide vs control. FSS scores remained stable across treatment groups throughout. At week 48, patients in the 2-mg group showed greater mean improvement from baseline in health status compared with controls on the EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale. CONCLUSION PROs indicate that 48-week treatment with bulevirtide monotherapy may improve aspects of HRQoL in patients with CHD. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Bulevirtide 2 mg is the only approved treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) in the EU. Patients with CHD have worse quality of life scores than those with chronic hepatitis B. Bulevirtide treatment for 48 weeks reduced HDV RNA and alanine aminotransferase levels and was well tolerated among patients with CHD. For the first time, this study shows that patients who received bulevirtide therapy for 48 weeks reported improvements in physical and hepatitis-related quality of life domains compared to those who did not receive therapy (control group). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT03852719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBER-EHD) del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases, and Endocrinology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Karolinska lnstitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Olga Sagalova
- South Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
| | | | - Robert G Gish
- Robert G. Gish Consultants, LLC, San Diego, CA, USA; Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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4
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Ricco G, Brunetto MR. Reply to: "Increase in HDV replication during steroid therapy - potential implications for testing and treatment strategies". J Hepatol 2024; 81:e51-e53. [PMID: 38582305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ricco
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Reference Center of the Tuscany Region for Chronic Liver Disease and Cancer, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maurizia R Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy; Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Reference Center of the Tuscany Region for Chronic Liver Disease and Cancer, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
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Kushner T, Andrews RR. Addressing hepatitis delta in primary care practices in the US: a narrative review. Curr Med Res Opin 2024; 40:813-820. [PMID: 38487951 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2024.2318004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infection with the hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a unique RNA virus that requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens for its assembly, replication, and transmission, causes severe viral hepatitis. Compared to HBV monoinfection, HDV infection increases the risk of severe liver disease, necessity for liver transplant, and mortality. Global HDV prevalence estimates vary from 5% to 15% among persons with HBV, but screening guidelines for HDV are inconsistent; some recommend risk-based screening, while others recommend universal screening for all people with HBV. Among primary care providers (PCPs) in the US, there is a lack of awareness and/or insufficient adherence to current recommendations for the screening of HDV infection and management of chronic HDV. METHODS Publications were obtained by conducting literature searches between July and August 2022 using the PubMed database and by manual searches of the retrieved literature for additional references. Information was synthesized to highlight HDV screening and management strategies for PCPs. Best practices for PCPs based on current guidelines and comanagement strategies for patients with HBV and HDV infection were summarized. RESULTS We recommend universal screening for HDV in patients positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Confirmed HDV infection should prompt evaluation by a liver specialist, if available, with whom the PCP can comanage the patient. PCPs should counsel patients on the expected course of the disease, lifestyle factors that may influence liver health, need for consistent disease monitoring and follow-up, and risk of disease transmission. Screening is suggested for sexual partners, household contacts, and family members, with HBV immunization recommended for those found to be susceptible. There are currently no US Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for HDV infection; thus, management is limited to treatments for chronic HBV infection plus long-term monitoring of liver health. CONCLUSIONS PCPs can be a valuable point of care for patients to access HDV/HBV screening, HBV immunization, and education, and can comanage patients with HBV and/or HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kushner
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Gherlan GS, Lazar SD, Culinescu A, Smadu D, Vatafu AR, Popescu CP, Florescu SA, Ceausu E, Calistru PI. Results of Response-Guided Therapy with Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2a in Chronic Hepatitis B and D. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:73. [PMID: 38668534 PMCID: PMC11054492 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9040073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pegylated interferon alpha 2a continues to be used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis D. The reported on-treatment virologic response varies between 17 and 47%, with relapses in more than 50% of these patients. No stopping rules have been defined, and the duration of the treatment is not clearly established, but it should be between 48 and 96 weeks. In total, 76 patients with compensated liver disease treated with peg-interferon according to the Romanian National protocol for the treatment of hepatitis D were retrospectively included. The duration of treatment was up to 96 weeks, with the following stopping rules: less than a 2 log HDV RNA decrease by week 24 and less than a 1 log decrease every 6 months afterwards. Six months after stopping the treatment, it can be restarted for unlimited cycles. The inclusion criteria were aged above 18, HBs Ag-positive, HDV RNA detectable, ALT above ULN and/or liver fibrosis at least F1 at liver biopsy, or Fibrotest and/or Fibroscan higher than 7 KPa and/or inflammation at least A1 at liver biopsy or Fibrotest. We monitored our patients for a total period of 4 years (including those that repeated the cycle). After the first 6 months of treatment, 27 patients (35.5%) had a greater than 2 log HDV RNA decrease, 19 of them achieving undetectable HDV RNA. Seventeen patients (22.3%) had undetectable HDV RNA 24 weeks after stopping 96 weeks of treatment, and none relapsed in the following 2 years. Of these 17 patients, 6 were cirrhotic, and 4 had F3. Undetectable HDV RNA at 24 weeks was the only parameter that predicted a long-term suppression of HDV RNA. In 49 patients, the treatment was stopped after 6 months according to protocol, but it was restarted 6 months later. Five of these patients finished a 48-week course of treatment; none achieved undetectable HDV RNA. During the first course of therapy, 45 patients had at least one moderate adverse reaction to treatment. In one patient, the treatment was stopped due to a serious adverse event (osteomyelitis). Treatment doses had to be reduced in 29 patients. The virologic response at week 24 can select the patients who will benefit from continuing the treatment from those who should be changed to another type of medication when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- George S. Gherlan
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Stefan D. Lazar
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Augustina Culinescu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Dana Smadu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Andreea R. Vatafu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Corneliu P. Popescu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Simin A. Florescu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Emanoil Ceausu
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Petre I. Calistru
- Infectious Diseases Department, Universitatea de Medicina si Farmacie ”Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucuresti, Romania (P.I.C.)
- Infectious Diseases Department, Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase si Tropicale ”Dr. Victor Babes”, 030303 Bucuresti, Romania
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Buti M, Gonzalez A, Riveiro-Barciela M, Bourliere M. Management of chronic HBV-HDV patients chronic HBV-HDV infection: A review on new management options. United European Gastroenterol J 2024; 12:210-218. [PMID: 38041549 PMCID: PMC10954430 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus was first described by Mario Rizzeto in 1977, and it is considered chronic viral hepatitis with the poorest prognosis. Despite its discovery almost 50 years ago, progress in its diagnosis and treatment has been scarce until recent years. The approval of bulevirtide has shed some light for patients with Chronic Hepatitis D, although important gaps regarding its use in therapy as well as about the epidemiology and diagnosis of the disease need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Buti
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Valld'Hebron, Valld'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Valld'Hebron, Valld'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Bourliere
- Liver Unit, Saint Joseph Hopital, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, Inserm, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Économiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
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Gigi E, Lagopoulos V, Liakos A. Management of autoimmune hepatitis induced by hepatitis delta virus. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:799-805. [PMID: 38516234 PMCID: PMC10950643 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i8.799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 12-72 million people worldwide are co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV). This concurrent infection can lead to several severe outcomes with hepatic disease, such as cirrhosis, fulminant hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, being the most common. Over the past few decades, a correlation between viral hepatitis and autoimmune diseases has been reported. Furthermore, autoantibodies have been detected in the serum of patients co-infected with HBV/HDV, and autoimmune features have been reported. However, to date, very few cases of clinically significant autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been reported in patients with HDV infection, mainly in those who have received treatment with pegylated interferon. Interestingly, there are some patients with HBV infection and AIH in whom HDV infection is unearthed after receiving treatment with immunosuppressants. Consequently, several questions remain unanswered with the challenge to distinguish whether it is autoimmune or "autoimmune-like" hepatitis being the most crucial. Second, it remains uncertain whether autoimmunity is induced by HBV or delta virus. Finally, we investigated whether the cause of AIH lies in the previous treatment of HDV with pegylated interferon. These pressing issues should be elucidated to clarify whether new antiviral treatments for HDV, such as Bulevirtide or immu-nosuppressive drugs, are more appropriate for the management of patients with HDV and AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Gigi
- Hepatology Unit, The Second Internal Medicine Department, Aristotle University Medical School, Hippokrateio General Hospital, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Vasileios Lagopoulos
- Department of Surgical, AHEPA General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Aris Liakos
- Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine Unit, Second Medical Department, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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9
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Gopalakrishna H, Mironova M, Dahari H, Koh C, Heller T. Advances and Challenges in Managing Hepatitis D Virus: Evolving Strategies. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2024; 23:32-44. [PMID: 38533303 PMCID: PMC10965034 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-024-00643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Hepatitis D Virus (HDV), although a small defective virus, poses a substantial public health challenge due to lack of awareness, underrecognized prevalence, and limited treatment options. Universal HDV screening within hepatitis B virus (HBV) cohorts is essential to address this issue. Despite its aggressive nature, effective HDV therapies have remained elusive for over four decades. Recent Findings Advances in understanding HDV's biology and clinical behavior offer potential therapeutic breakthroughs, fostering optimism. As insights grow, effective and targeted therapies are being developed to improve HDV management. Summary This review delves into HDV's intricate structure and biology, highlighting formidable hurdles in antiviral development. It emphasizes the importance of widespread screening, exploring noninvasive diagnostics, and examining current and emerging innovative therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the review explores models for monitoring treatment response. In essence, this review simplifies the complexities of effectively combating HDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish Gopalakrishna
- Liver Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Maria Mironova
- Liver Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Harel Dahari
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Disease Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Translational Hepatology Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, Room 4-5722, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800, USA
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Anastasiou OE, Caruntu FA, Curescu MG, Yalcin K, Akarca US, Gürel S, Zeuzem S, Erhardt A, Lüth S, Papatheodoridis GV, Keskin O, Port K, Radu M, Celen MK, Idilman R, Heidrich B, Mederacke I, von der Leyen H, Kahlhöfer J, von Karpowitz M, Hardtke S, Cornberg M, Yurdaydin C, Wedemeyer H. Five-year follow-up of 96 weeks peginterferon plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in hepatitis D. Liver Int 2024; 44:139-147. [PMID: 37787009 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Until recently, pegylated interferon-alfa-2a (PEG-IFNa) therapy was the only treatment option for patients infected with hepatitis D virus (HDV). Treatment with PEG-IFNa with or without tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for 96 weeks resulted in HDV RNA suppression in 44% of patients at the end of therapy but did not prevent short-term relapses within 24 weeks. The virological and clinical long-term effects after prolonged PEG-IFNa-based treatment of hepatitis D are unknown. METHODS In the HIDIT-II study patients (including 40% with liver cirrhosis) received 180 μg PEG-IFNa weekly plus 300 mg TDF once daily (n = 59) or 180 μg PEG-IFNa weekly plus placebo (n = 61) for 96 weeks. Patients were followed until week 356 (5 years after end of therapy). RESULTS Until the end of follow-up, 16 (13%) patients developed liver-related complications (PEG-IFNa + TDF, n = 5 vs PEG-IFNa + placebo, n = 11; p = .179). Achieving HDV suppression at week 96 was associated with decreased long-term risk for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (p = .04) and hepatic decompensation (p = .009). Including complications irrespective of PEG-IFNa retreatment status, the number of patients developing serious complications was similar with (3/18) and without retreatment with PEG-IFNa (16/102, p > .999) but was associated with a higher chance of HDV-RNA suppression (p = .024, odds ratio 3.9 [1.3-12]). CONCLUSIONS Liver-related clinical events were infrequent and occurred less frequently in patients with virological responses to PEG-IFNa treatment. PEG-IFNa treatment should be recommended to HDV-infected patients until alternative therapies become available. Retreatment with PEG-IFNa should be considered for patients with inadequate response to the first course of treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT00932971.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olympia E Anastasiou
- Institute for Virology, Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | | | - Kendal Yalcin
- Dicle University Medical Faculty, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | - Selim Gürel
- Uludağ University Medical Faculty, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Medical Center, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Erhardt
- Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany
- Petrus Hospital, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Stefan Lüth
- Department of Gastroenterology, Diabetology and Hepatology, University Hospital Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School (Theodor Fontane), Brandenburg, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus - Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and the University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Onur Keskin
- Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Monica Radu
- Institutul de Boli Infectioase, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | | | - Heiko von der Leyen
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Orgenesis, Inc, Germantown, Maryland, USA
| | - Julia Kahlhöfer
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- D-SOLVE Consortium an EU Horizon Europe funded project (No 101057917), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Svenja Hardtke
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- D-SOLVE Consortium an EU Horizon Europe funded project (No 101057917), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Koc University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- D-SOLVE Consortium an EU Horizon Europe funded project (No 101057917), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Sandmann L, Berg T, Deterding K, Fischer N, Hinrichsen H, Petersen J, Tacke F, Cornberg M. Addendum „Antivirale Therapie der chronischen Hepatitis-D-Virusinfektion“ zur S3-Leitlinie „Prophylaxe, Diagnostik und Therapie der Hepatitis-B-Virusinfektion“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:1635-1653. [PMID: 38081179 DOI: 10.1055/a-2181-3046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Sandmann
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- D-SOLVE Consortium, Horizon Europe Project, partner-site Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Berg
- Bereich Hepatologie, Medizinische Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Katja Deterding
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Nadine Fischer
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS), Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Jörg Petersen
- IFI Institut für Interdisziplinäre Medizin an der Asklepios Klinik St Georg, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Frank Tacke
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hepatologie und Gastroenterologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
- Centre for individualised infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Deutschland
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), partner-site Hannover-Braunschweig, Deutschland
- D-SOLVE Consortium, Horizon Europe Project, partner-site Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
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12
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Sandmann L, Berg T, Deterding K, Fischer N, Hinrichsen H, Petersen J, Tacke F, Cornberg M. Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis D Virus Infection - Addendum to the S3 Guideline "Prophylaxis, Diagnosis and Therapy of Hepatitis B Virus Infection" of the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:e715-e732. [PMID: 38081178 DOI: 10.1055/a-2181-3345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Sandmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- D-SOLVE Consortium, Horizon Europe Project, partner-site Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Deterding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Fischer
- German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Petersen
- IFI Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine at Asklepios Klinik St Georg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Centre for individualised infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner-site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- D-SOLVE Consortium, Horizon Europe Project, partner-site Hannover Medical School, Germany
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13
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Asselah T. What is the Path Forward to Treat Hepatitis Delta Virus?: Old Treatments and New Options. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:985-995. [PMID: 37778781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
HDV use the cell enzymes for its own replication, and the HBsAg as an envelope. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs for chronic hepatitis D (CHD). Pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFNα) (direct-antiviral and immune modulator) has been used and recommended by scientific guidelines, although not approved, with moderate efficacy and poor tolerability. There are several drugs in development which target the host: bulevirtide (BLV), lonafarnib (LNF), nucleic acid polymer, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Asselah
- University of Paris-Cité, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'hépatologie AP-HP & INSERM UMR1149, Clichy, France.
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14
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Umukoro E, Alukal JJ, Pak K, Gutierrez J. State of the Art: Test all for Anti-Hepatitis D Virus and Reflex to Hepatitis D Virus RNA Polymerase Chain Reaction Quantification. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:937-954. [PMID: 37778778 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of HDV exposure is based on clinical assays of anti-hepatitis D antibody and current infection with hepatitis D RNA PCR. The role of hepatitis D antigen testing is not yet defined. RT-qPCR is the gold standard for measuring HDV RNA viral load, which is used to assess response to the treatment of HDV infection. Gaps in testing include poor sensitivity of antigen testing and quantitative HDV RNA accuracy can be affected by the genotypic variability of the virus and variation in laboratory techniques. There is also a limitation in HDV testing due to access, cost, and limited knowledge of testing indications. Droplet digital PCR promises to be a more accurate method to quantify HDV RNA. Also, the recent development of a rapid HDV detection test could prove useful in resource-limited areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph J Alukal
- University of California, School of Medicine, 3390 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
| | - Kevin Pak
- Naval Medical Center, 34800 Bob Wilson Drive, San Diego, CA 92134, USA
| | - Julio Gutierrez
- Center for Organ Transplant, Scripps Clinic, Scripps MD Anderson Center, Scripps Green Hospital, 10666 N. Torrey Pines Road (N-200), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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15
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Ghany MG, Buti M, Lampertico P, Lee HM. Guidance on treatment endpoints and study design for clinical trials aiming to achieve cure in chronic hepatitis B and D: Report from the 2022 AASLD-EASL HBV-HDV Treatment Endpoints Conference. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1254-1269. [PMID: 37377088 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Representatives from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient advocacy groups convened under the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in June 2022 with the primary goal of achieving consensus on chronic HBV and HDV treatment endpoints to guide clinical trials aiming to "cure" HBV and HDV. Conference participants reached an agreement on some key points. The preferred primary endpoint for phase II/III trials evaluating finite treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a "functional" cure, defined as sustained HBsAg loss and HBV DNA less than the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) 24 weeks off-treatment. An alternate endpoint would be "partial cure" defined as sustained HBsAg level <100 IU/mL and HBV DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and CIBEREHD del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy; CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Milan, Italy
| | - Hannah M Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Stravitz Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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16
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Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) only infects patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) due to its reliance on HBV surface proteins to form its envelope. With shared routes of transmission, HDV coinfection is estimated to occur in 15% of patients with HIV and HBV. However, HDV is often underdiagnosed and may be missed particularly in people living with HIV (PLWH) who are already on antiretroviral therapy with anti-HBV activity and coincidental HBV suppression. At the same time, HDV causes the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis and leads to faster progression of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, increased recognition and effective treatment are paramount, and as novel treatment options approach global markets, the study of their efficacy in PLWH should be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra W Yen
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Vicente Soriano
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- Public Health Regional Laboratory, Hospital Isabel Zendal, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kenneth E Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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17
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Rong Y, Ju X, Sun P, Wang Y. Comparative effectiveness of seven interventions for chronic hepatitis D: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:726. [PMID: 37880598 PMCID: PMC10601284 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08718-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of seven major interventions [Bulevirtide (BLV), Interferon (IFN), Nucleoside analogs (NAs), BLV + IFN, BLV + NAs, IFN + NAs, and Placebo] to treat chronic hepatitis D. METHODS We followed PRISMA-NMA guidelines, searched databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web Of Science) for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and applied STATA17.0 software to execute the meta-analysis. RESULTS We included 14 randomized controlled trials (814 patients) comparing seven different interventions. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that: ① Sustained virological response (after 24 weeks of follow-up): Four intervention groups (BLV + IFN, IFN alone, IFN + NAs, and NAs alone) were effective (relative risk (RR) = 13.30, 95% confidence interval (Cl) [1.68,105.32], RR = 12.13, 95% Cl [1.46,101.04], RR = 5.05, 95% Cl [1.68,15.19], RR = 5.03, 95% Cl [1.66,15.20]), with no statistically significant differences between the four groups. The top three in probability rankings were: BLV + NAs, BLV + IFN, and BLV alone (surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) = 86.8%, 80.3%, and 48.4%; ② Sustained biochemical response (after 24 weeks of follow-up): BLV + IFN and IFN were superior to BLV (RR = 14.71, 95% Cl [1.14,189.07], RR = 16.67, 95% Cl [1.39,199.52]). The top three were BLV alone, BLV + NAs, and BLV + IFN (SUCRA = 86.9%,81.2%, and 64.3%). ③ Histological response: NAs were superior to BLV (RR = 2.08, 95% Cl [1.10,3.93]), whereas the difference between other treatment regimens was not statistically significant, and the top three in the probability ranking were BLV alone, BLV + NAs, and BLV + IFN (SUCRA = 75.6%, 75.6%, and 61.8%). CONCLUSIONS IFN, IFN + BLV, and IFN + NAs were effective in clearing HDV RNA and normalizing alanine aminotransferase levels; however, IFN and IFN + NAs had a high rate of viral relapse at 24 weeks post-treatment follow-up. There was no additional benefit of adding NAs to IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis D; however, the combination of IFN + BLV significantly improved short-term HDV RNA clearance, which showed strong synergistic effects. The seven regimens included in the study did not contribute significantly to liver histological improvement. Therefore, the IFN + BLV combination has the most potential as a treatment option to improve the long-term prognosis or even cure chronic hepatitis D. TRIAL REGISTRATION This systematic evaluation and meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number: CRD42022314544.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangdan Rong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, China
| | - Xuegui Ju
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, China.
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18
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Abdul Majeed N, Zehnder B, Koh C, Heller T, Urban S. Hepatitis delta: Epidemiology to recent advances in therapeutic agents. Hepatology 2023; 78:1306-1321. [PMID: 36738087 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) was first described in 1977 and is dependent on the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for its entry into cells and on the human host for replication. Due to the envelopment with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope, early phases of HDV entry resemble HBV infection. Unlike HBV, HDV activates innate immune responses. The global prevalence of HDV is estimated to be about 5% of HBsAg positive individuals. However, recent studies have described a wide range of prevalence between 12 to 72 million individuals. Infection can occur as super-infection or co-infection. The diagnosis of active HDV infection involves screening with anti HDV antibodies followed by quantitative PCR testing for HDV RNA in those who are HBsAg positive. The diagnostic studies have evolved over the years improving the validity and reliability of the tests performed. HDV infection is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis and the HDV genotype may influence the disease course. There are eight major HDV genotypes with prevalence varying by geographic region. HDV treatment has been challenging as HDV strongly depends on the host cell for replication and provides few, if any viral targets. Better understanding of HDV virology has led to the development of several therapeutic agents currently being studied in different phase II and III clinical trials. There is increasing promise of effective therapies that will ameliorate the course of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehna Abdul Majeed
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benno Zehnder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Hollnberger J, Liu Y, Xu S, Chang S, Martin R, Manhas S, Aeschbacher T, Han B, Yazdi T, May L, Han D, Shornikov A, Flaherty J, Manuilov D, Suri V, Asselah T, Lampertico P, Wedemeyer H, Aleman S, Richards C, Mateo R, Maiorova E, Cihlar T, Mo H, Urban S. No virologic resistance to bulevirtide monotherapy detected in patients through 24 weeks treatment in phase II and III clinical trials for chronic hepatitis delta. J Hepatol 2023; 79:657-665. [PMID: 37120031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bulevirtide (BLV) is a HDV/HBV entry inhibitor that is associated with virologic response (responders, HDV-RNA undetectable or ≥2 log10 IU/ml decrease from baseline) in >50% of patients after a 24-week treatment. However, some patients only achieve a <1 log10 IU/ml decline in HDV-RNA after the 24-week treatment (non-responders). Here, we report a viral resistance analysis in participants receiving BLV monotherapy who were non-responders or experienced virologic breakthrough (VB, i.e., two consecutive increases in HDV-RNA of ≥1 log10 IU/ml from nadir or two consecutive HDV-RNA detectable results if previously undetectable) from the phase II MYR202 and phase III MYR301 study. METHODS Deep-sequencing of the BLV-corresponding region in HBV PreS1 and of the HDV HDAg gene, as well as in vitro phenotypic testing, were performed for the participant with VB (n = 1) and non-responders (n = 20) at baseline (BL) and Week 24 (WK24). RESULTS No amino acid exchanges associated with reduced susceptibility to BLV within the BLV-corresponding region or within HDAg were identified in isolates from any of the 21 participants at BL or at WK24. Although variants (HBV n = 1; HDV n = 13) were detected at BL in some non-responders or in the participant with VB, none were associated with reduced sensitivity to BLV in vitro. Furthermore, the same variant was detected in virologic responders. A comprehensive phenotypic analysis demonstrated that the BLV EC50 values from 116 BL samples were similar across non-responders, partial responders (HDV RNA decline ≥1 but <2 log10 IU/ml), and responders regardless of the presence of HBV and/or HDV polymorphisms. CONCLUSIONS No amino acid substitutions associated with reduced sensitivity to BLV monotherapy were detected at BL or WK24 in non-responders or the participant with VB after 24-week BLV treatment. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This is the first study investigating the development of resistance in patients treated with BLV. Excluding resistance to BLV as an explanation for an insufficient decrease in HDV-RNA levels during BLV therapy is an important finding for patients, clinicians, and researchers. It demonstrates that BLV has a high barrier to resistance, indicating it is safe and suitable for long-term treatment, although long-term surveillance for resistance should be performed. Our results hint at other still unknown mechanisms as an explanation for the persistence of serum HDV-RNA during inhibition of viral entry. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBERS NCT03546621 and NCT03852719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Hollnberger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yang Liu
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA.
| | - Simin Xu
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Silvia Chang
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Ross Martin
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | - Bin Han
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | | | - Lindsey May
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Dong Han
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vithika Suri
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Department of Hepatologi, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Université de Paris-Cité, INSERM UMR 1149, Clichy, France
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy; "A.M. e A. Migliavacca" Center for the Study of Liver Disease, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Soo Aleman
- Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Tomas Cihlar
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Hongmei Mo
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, California, USA
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany.
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20
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Sandmann L, Wedemeyer H. Interferon-based treatment of chronic hepatitis D. Liver Int 2023; 43 Suppl 1:69-79. [PMID: 36002390 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection has been based on the administration of interferon-alfa for more than three decades. First studies to treat HDV-infected patients with type 1 interferons were already performed in the 1980s. Several smaller trials and case series were reported thereafter. During the mid 2000s the use of pegylated interferons for hepatitis D was established. Since then, additional trials were performed in different countries exploring strategies to personalize treatment including extended treatment durations. The overall findings were that about one-quarter to one-third of patients benefit from interferon treatment with persistent suppression of HDV replication. However, only few patients achieve also functional cure of hepatitis B with HBsAg loss. Importantly, several studies indicate that successful interferon treatment is associated with improved clinical long-term outcomes. Still, only a proportion of patients with hepatitis D can be treated with interferons. Even though alternative treatments are currently developed, it is likely that pegylated interferon-alfa will still have an important role in the management of hepatitis D - either alone or in combination. Therefore, better biomarkers are needed to select patients with a high likelihood to benefit from interferon-based treatments. In this review we are discussing basic principles of mode of action of interferon alpha against HDV, summarize previous data on interferon treatment of hepatitis D and give an outlook on potential combinations with novel drugs currently in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Sandmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Resist, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- Clinician Scientist Program PRACTIS, Supported by the German Research Foundation DFG, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Excellence Cluster Resist, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 900, Hannover, Germany
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21
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Roca Suarez AA, Batbold E, Bartosch B, Dashdorj N, Testoni B, Zoulim F. Emerging anti-HDV drugs and HBV cure strategies with anti-HDV activity. Liver Int 2023; 43 Suppl 1:87-95. [PMID: 37017060 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite RNA virus that requires the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication. HDV/HBV co-infection is often associated with a faster disease progression of chronic hepatitis in comparison to HBV mono-infection. Therefore, the development of novel antiviral therapies targeting HDV represents a high priority and an urgent medical need. In this review, we summarize the ongoing efforts to evaluate promising HDV-specific drugs, such as lonafarnib (LNF), pegylated interferon lambda (PEG-IFN-λ) and their use as a combination therapy. Furthermore, we review the most recent developments in the area of anti-HBV drugs with potential effects against HDV, including therapeutic agents targeting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expression, secretion and function. Finally, we consider the important insights that have emerged from the development of these potential antiviral strategies, as well as the intriguing questions that remain to be elucidated in this rapidly changing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando A Roca Suarez
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | | | - Birke Bartosch
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | | | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), Lyon, France
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22
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Abbas Z, Abbas M. An Insight Into the Factors Affecting the Prevalence and Natural History of Hepatitis D. Cureus 2023; 15:e43362. [PMID: 37593072 PMCID: PMC10427805 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies and recent metanalyses addressing hepatitis D have reported a wide variation in the prevalence of the disease. Between 4.5% to 15% of all hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients are thought to harbor the hepatitis D virus. The emergent variation in prevalence can be attributed to several factors. Unsurprisingly, published literature shows that the prevalence of the disease is higher in areas where aggregate viral hepatitis infections are endemic and amongst groups with high-risk practices facilitating the horizontal transfer. Meanwhile, the natural history of the disease is influenced by the genotype of the virus, the hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA levels, HBV-HDV codominance, HBsAg titers, HBV genotype, nutritional status, HIV co-infection, and prior treatment. Together these factors contribute to the accelerated development of fibrosis and the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Superinfection with genotype 1 results in rapid progression to cirrhosis with lower rates of remission. Genotype 3 follows an aggressive course but shows a good response to interferon therapy. Other genotypes have better outcomes. The course of the disease leading to these outcomes can be tracked by HDV-specific models integrating clinical surrogate markers and epidemiological factors such as age, region, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase, albumin, platelets and cholinesterase, and liver stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigham Abbas
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Minaam Abbas
- Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, GBR
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23
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Pan C, Gish R, Jacobson IM, Hu KQ, Wedemeyer H, Martin P. Diagnosis and Management of Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:3237-3248. [PMID: 37338616 PMCID: PMC10374831 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) depends on hepatitis B virus (HBV) to enter and exit hepatocytes and to replicate. Despite this dependency, HDV can cause severe liver disease. HDV accelerates liver fibrosis, increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, and hastens hepatic decompensation compared to chronic HBV monoinfection. The Chronic Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) formed an expert panel to publish updated guidelines on the testing, diagnosis, and management of hepatitis delta virus. The panel group performed network data review on the transmission, epidemiology, natural history, and disease sequelae of acute and chronic HDV infection. Based on current available evidence, we provide recommendations for screening, testing, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis D infection and review upcoming novel agents that may expand treatment options. The CLDF recommends universal HDV screening for all patients who are Hepatitis B surface antigen-positive. Initial screening should be with an assay to detect antibodies generated against HDV (anti-HDV). Patients who are positive for anti-HDV IgG antibodies should then undergo quantitative HDV RNA testing. We also provide an algorithm that describes CLDF recommendations on the screening, diagnosis, testing, and initial management of Hepatitis D infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Pan
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NYU Langone Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Robert Gish
- Robert G. Gish Consultants, LLC, 6022 La Jolla Mesa Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037-7814 USA
- Medical Director Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA USA
| | - Ira M. Jacobson
- NYU Langone Gastroenterology Associates, 240 East 38Th Street, 23Rd Floor, New York, NY 10016 USA
| | - Ke-Qin Hu
- University of California, Irvine, 101 The City Dr S, Building 22C, Room 1503, Orange, CA 92868 USA
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Paul Martin
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1500 NW 12 AVE., E Tower #1101, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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24
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Metin O, Zeybel M, Yurdaydin C. Treatment endpoints for chronic hepatitis D. Liver Int 2023; 43 Suppl 1:60-68. [PMID: 36196680 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Management of chronic hepatitis D (CHD) has entered a new era. In this new era, the virus entry inhibitor bulevirtide has received conditional approval as a treatment for compensated CHD. Three phase 3 studies with two new compounds are ongoing for the treatment of CHD. In this context, surrogate markers of treatment efficacy have been well defined for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (7) and chronic hepatitis C (8) but not for CHD. The aim of this review is to give a perspective on treatment endpoints in CHD. For this, we took guidance from CHB studies and tried to make suggestions which differed according to finite versus prolonged treatment durations and also took into account the different characteristics of the new compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Metin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Prof. Cemil Taşçioğlu City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Müjdat Zeybel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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25
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Pearlman B. Hepatitis Delta Infection: A Clinical Review. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:293-304. [PMID: 37473778 PMCID: PMC10620035 DOI: 10.1055/a-2133-8614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
First discovered over 40 years ago, the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a unique RNA virus, requiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens for its assembly, replication, and transmission. HBV and HDV can be acquired at the same time (coinfection) or HDV infection can occur in persons with chronic HBV (superinfection). Screening guidelines for HDV are inconsistent. While some guidelines recommend universal screening for all people with HBV, others recommend risk-based screening. Estimates of the global HDV prevalence range from 4.5 to 14.6% among persons with HBV; thus, there may be up to 72 million individuals with HDV worldwide. HDV is the most severe form of viral hepatitis. Compared to HBV monoinfection, HDV coinfection increases the risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic decompensation, mortality, and necessity for liver transplant. Despite the severity of HDV, there are few treatment options. Pegylated interferon (off-label use) has long been the only available treatment, although bulevirtide is conditionally approved in some European countries. There are many potential treatments in development, but as yet, there are few effective and safe therapies for HDV infection. In conclusion, given the severity of HDV disease and the paucity of treatments, there is a great unmet need for HDV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Pearlman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, Medical College of Georgia, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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26
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Brunetto MR, Ricco G, Negro F, Wedemeyer H, Yurdaydin C, Asselah T, Papatheodoridis G, Gheorghe L, Agarwal K, Farci P, Buti M. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on hepatitis delta virus. J Hepatol 2023; 79:433-460. [PMID: 37364791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires the hepatitis B virus to complete its life cycle and cause liver damage in humans. HDV is responsible for rare acute and chronic liver diseases and is considered the most aggressive hepatitis virus. Acute infection can cause acute liver failure, while persistent infection typically causes a severe form of chronic hepatitis which is associated with rapid and frequent progression to cirrhosis and its end-stage complications, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Major diagnostic and therapeutic innovations prompted the EASL Governing Board to commission specific Clinical Practice Guidelines on the identification, virologic and clinical characterisation, prognostic assessment, and appropriate clinical and therapeutic management of HDV-infected individuals.
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27
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Maasoumy B, Lampertico P. Hepatitis Delta: Ready for primetime? Liver Int 2023; 43 Suppl 1:1-4. [PMID: 37658668 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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28
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Kamal H, Aleman S. Natural history of untreated HDV patients: Always a progressive disease? Liver Int 2023; 43 Suppl 1:5-21. [PMID: 36308026 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
A severe course has been described in early studies on chronic hepatitis D (CHD), with faster pace towards liver cirrhosis with subsequent high liver-related morbidity and mortality in the majority of patients. Earlier studies have included risk groups as people using intravenous drugs (PWID) or those with multiple co-morbidities. During the last decade, the epidemiological landscape of CHD has changed with domestic cases decreasing while increasing cases of CHD consisting of younger persons immigrating from endemic regions to low-endemic regions. Recently, further insights into the spectrum of the disease with an indolent disease course in a substantial proportion of persons with CHD have been gained. At diagnosis, ≥30%-50% had already established liver cirrhosis. Older age, liver cirrhosis, co-infection with HIV and lack of interferon (IFN) therapy are the main predictors of worse clinical outcome. The newly introduced and upcoming antivirals against CHD are highly anticipated, considering the historically low virological response rates to antiviral therapy. Further knowledge is needed to fully comprehend the natural course and the spectrum of this severe form of viral hepatitis. This is also to be able to evaluate the long-term effects of the new antivirals on disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habiba Kamal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Wedemeyer H, Aleman S, Brunetto MR, Blank A, Andreone P, Bogomolov P, Chulanov V, Mamonova N, Geyvandova N, Morozov V, Sagalova O, Stepanova T, Berger A, Manuilov D, Suri V, An Q, Da B, Flaherty J, Osinusi A, Liu Y, Merle U, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Zeuzem S, Ciesek S, Cornberg M, Lampertico P. A Phase 3, Randomized Trial of Bulevirtide in Chronic Hepatitis D. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:22-32. [PMID: 37345876 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2213429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coinfection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) accelerates the progression of liver disease associated with chronic hepatitis B. Bulevirtide inhibits the entry of HDV into hepatocytes. METHODS In this ongoing phase 3 trial, patients with chronic hepatitis D, with or without compensated cirrhosis, were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to receive bulevirtide subcutaneously at 2 mg per day (2-mg group) or 10 mg per day (10-mg group) for 144 weeks or to receive no treatment for 48 weeks followed by bulevirtide subcutaneously at 10 mg per day for 96 weeks (control group). Patients will complete 96 weeks of additional follow-up after the end of treatment. The primary end point was a combined response at week 48 of an undetectable HDV RNA level, or a level that decreased by at least 2 log10 IU per milliliter from baseline, and normalization of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. The key secondary end point was an undetectable HDV RNA level at week 48, in a comparison between the 2-mg group and the 10-mg group. RESULTS A total of 49 patients were assigned to the 2-mg group, 50 to the 10-mg group, and 51 to the control group. A primary end-point response occurred in 45% of patients in the 2-mg group, 48% in the 10-mg group, and 2% in the control group (P<0.001 for the comparison of each dose group with the control group). The HDV RNA level at week 48 was undetectable in 12% of patients in the 2-mg group and in 20% in the 10-mg group (P = 0.41). The ALT level normalized in 12% of patients in the control group, 51% in the 2-mg group (difference from control, 39 percentage points [95% confidence interval {CI}, 20 to 56]), and 56% in the 10-mg group (difference from control, 44 percentage points [95% CI, 26 to 60]). Loss of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) or an HBsAg level that decreased by at least 1 log10 IU per milliliter did not occur in the bulevirtide groups by week 48. Headache, pruritus, fatigue, eosinophilia, injection-site reactions, upper abdominal pain, arthralgia, and asthenia were more common in the 2-mg and 10-mg groups combined than in the control group. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred. Dose-dependent increases in bile acid levels were noted in the 2-mg and 10-mg groups. CONCLUSIONS After 48 weeks of bulevirtide treatment, HDV RNA and ALT levels were reduced in patients with chronic hepatitis D. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; MYR 301 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03852719.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Wedemeyer
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Soo Aleman
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Antje Blank
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Pietro Andreone
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Pavel Bogomolov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Nina Mamonova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Natalia Geyvandova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Viacheslav Morozov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Olga Sagalova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Tatyana Stepanova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Annemarie Berger
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Dmitry Manuilov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Vithika Suri
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Qi An
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Ben Da
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - John Flaherty
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Anu Osinusi
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Yang Liu
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Uta Merle
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Markus Cornberg
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
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Schlaak JF. Current Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis B, C and D. J Pers Med 2023; 13:964. [PMID: 37373953 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of chronic viral hepatitis cases are induced via infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or hepatitis D virus (HDV). These patients are at increased risk for progressive liver disease leading to cirrhosis as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV infection is well controlled by the currently available nucleosides as well as nucleotides, and the development of cirrhosis can be prevented. Additionally, it has been shown that HBV-induced liver fibrosis can regress during successful antiviral treatment; however, a "functional cure", i.e., loss of HBsAg, is a rare event when these drugs are used. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies are aiming at the selective suppression of HBsAg levels in combination with immunostimulation. The development of directly acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized HCV therapy, as almost all patients can be cured via this treatment. Additionally, DAA therapy has few, if any, side effects, and is generally well tolerated by patients. HDV remains the most challenging type of chronic viral hepatitis. Although novel therapeutic options have recently been approved, response rates are still less favorable compared to HBV and HCV. This review discusses current and future options for the treatment of chronic HBV, HCV, and HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg F Schlaak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ameos Hospital Oberhausen, Wilhelmstr. 34, 46145 Oberhausen, Germany
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Mangia A, Squillante MM, Fraticelli F, Cavorsi MC, Paroni G, Zaffarano L, Piazzolla AV. HDV RNA Levels and Progression of Hepatitis Delta Infection: A 14 Year Follow Up Experience in Italy. Cells 2023; 12:1413. [PMID: 37408247 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of outcome predictors is one of the unmet needs in chronic HDV infection. Until recently, no reliable quantitative assays for HDV RNA were available. AIMS To evaluate the impact of baseline viremia on natural history of HDV infection in a cohort of patients whose serum samples were stored at their first visit 15 years ago. METHODS Quantitative HBsAg, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBV DNA, HDV RNA, genotypes, and liver disease severity were assessed at baseline. Patients who were no longer on active follow-up were recalled and re-evaluated in August 2022. RESULTS The majority of patients were male (64.9%); the median age was 50.1 years; and all patients were Italian, with only three born in Romania. All were HBeAg negative with HBV genotype D infection. Patients were subdivided three groups: 23 were in active follow-up (Group 1), 21 were recalled due to no longer being in follow-up (Group 2), and 11 died (Group 3). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 28 subjects at the first visit; 39.3% of diagnosed patients were in Group 3, 32.1% were in Group 1 and 28.6% were in Group 2 (p = 0.001). Baseline HBV DNA IU/mL Log10 were 1.6 (1.0-5.9) in Group 1, 1.3 (1.0-4.5) in Group 2, and 4.1 (1.5-4.5) in Group 3; median baseline HDV RNA Log10 levels were 4.1 (0.7-6.7) in Group 1, 3.2 (0.7-6.2) in Group 2, and 5.2 (0.7-6.7) in Group 3, resulting significantly higher rates among patients in Group 3 compared to the other groups (p = 0.038). Eighteen patients in Group 2, as compared to 7 in Group 1, had undetectable HDV RNA at the follow-up evaluation (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS HDV chronic infection is a heterogeneous disease. It may not only progress but also improve over time in patients, who eventually become HDV RNA-undetectable. HDV RNA levels may help identify the subgroup of patients with less progressive liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Fraticelli
- Liver Unit, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Cavorsi
- Liver Unit, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giulia Paroni
- Blood Bank, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Lucia Zaffarano
- Blood Bank, IRCCS Fondazione "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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Keskin O, Yurdaydin C. Emerging drugs for hepatitis D. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37096555 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2205639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Until recently, its treatment consisted of pegylated interferon alfa (pegIFN) use. AREAS COVERED Current and new drugs for treating CHD. Virus entry inhibitor bulevirtide has received conditional approval by the European Medicines Agency. Prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib and pegIFN lambda are in phase 3 and nucleic acid polymers in phase 2 of drug development. EXPERT OPINION Bulevirtide appears to be safe. Its antiviral efficacy increases with treatment duration. Combining bulevirtide with pegIFN has the highest antiviral efficacy short-term. The prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib prevents hepatitis D virus assembly. It is associated with dose dependent gastrointestinal toxicity and is better used with ritonavir which increases liver lonafarnib concentrations. Lonafarnib also possesses immune modulatory properties which explains some post-treatment beneficial flare cases. Combining lonafarnib/ritonavir with pegIFN has superior antiviral efficacy. Nucleic acid polymers are amphipathic oligonucleotides whose effect appears to be a consequence of phosphorothioate modification of internucleotide linkages. These compounds led to HBsAg clearance in a sizeable proportion of patients. PegIFN lambda is associated with less IFN typical side effects. In a phase 2 study it led to 6 months off treatment viral response in one third of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Keskin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Koc University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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Brancaccio G, Shanyinde M, Puoti M, Gaeta GB, Monforte AD, Vergori A, Rusconi S, Mazzarelli A, Castagna A, Antinori A, Cozzi-Lepri A. Hepatitis delta coinfection in persons with HIV: misdiagnosis and disease burden in Italy. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:181-189. [PMID: 35249472 PMCID: PMC9970224 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2047551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) causes severe liver disease. Due to similarities in transmission routes, persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at risk of HDV infection. This analysis investigates the prevalence and the long-term clinical outcome of people with HDV in a large cohort of PLWH. We retrieved HBsAg ± anti-HDV positive PLWH enrolled from 1997 to 2015 in the multicentre, prospective ICONA study. The primary endpoint was a composite clinical outcome (CCO = having experienced ≥1 of the following: Fib4 score >3.25; diagnosis of cirrhosis; decompensation; hepatocellular carcinoma or liver-related death). Kaplan-Meier curves and unweighted and weighted Cox regression models were used for data analysis. Less than half of HBsAg positive patients had been tested for anti-HDV in clinical practice. After testing stored sera, among 617 HBV/HIV cases, 115 (19%) were anti-HDV positive; 405 (65%) HBV monoinfected; 99 (16%) undeterminate. The prevalence declined over the observation period. HDV patients were more often males, intravenous drug users, HCV coinfected. After a median of 26 months, 55/115 (48%) developed CCO among HDV+; 98/403 (24%) among HBV monoinfected; 18/99 (18%) in HDV unknown (p < 0.001). After controlling for geographical region, alcohol consumption, CD4 count, anti-HCV status and IFN-based therapies, the association with HDV retained statistical significance [HR = 1.67 (1.15, 2.95; p = 0.025)]. HDV infection among PLWH is underdiagnosed, although HDV entails an high risk of liver disease progression. Because effective drugs to treat HDV are now available, it is even more crucial to identify PLWH at an early stage of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Milensu Shanyinde
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Infectious Diseases, Hospital Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni B Gaeta
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Vergori
- Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Rusconi
- UOC Malattie Infettive, Ospedale Civile di Legnano, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzarelli
- Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Antinori
- Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
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Burm R, Van Houtte F, Verhoye L, Mesalam AA, Ciesek S, Roingeard P, Wedemeyer H, Leroux-Roels G, Meuleman P. A human monoclonal antibody against HBsAg for the prevention and treatment of chronic HBV and HDV infection. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100646. [PMID: 36748051 PMCID: PMC9898450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Elimination of chronic HBV/HDV infection remains a major global health challenge. Targeting excessive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) release may provide an interesting window of opportunity to break immune tolerance and to achieve a functional cure using additional antivirals. Methods We evaluated a HBsAg-specific human monoclonal antibody, as part of either a prophylactic or therapeutic strategy, against HBV/HDV infection in cell culture models and in human-liver chimeric mice. To assess prophylactic efficacy, mice were passively immunized prior to infection with HBV or HBV/HDV (coinfection and superinfection setting). Therapeutic efficacy was assessed in HBV and HBV/HDV-coinfected mice receiving 4 weeks of treatment. Viral parameters (HBV DNA, HDV RNA and HBsAg) were assessed in mouse plasma. Results The antibody could effectively prevent HBV/HDV infection in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of ∼3.5 ng/ml. Passive immunization showed complete protection of mice from both HBV and HBV/HDV coinfection. Moreover, HDV superinfection was either completely prevented or at least attenuated in HBV-infected mice. Finally, antibody treatment in mice with established HBV/HDV infection resulted in a significant decline in viremia and a concomitant drop in on-treatment HBsAg, with a moderate viral rebound following treatment cessation. Conclusion We present data on a valuable antibody candidate that could complement other antivirals in strategies aimed at achieving functional cure of chronic HBV and HDV infection. Impact and implications Patients chronically infected with HBV may eventually develop liver cancer and are at great risk of being superinfected with HDV, which worsens and accelerates disease progression. Unfortunately, current treatments can rarely eliminate both viruses from chronically infected patients. In this study, we present data on a novel antibody that is able to prevent chronic HBV/HDV infection in a mouse model with a humanized liver. Moreover, antibody treatment of HBV/HDV-infected mice strongly diminishes viral loads during therapy. This antibody is a valuable candidate for further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Burm
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Atef Mesalam
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Cairo 12622, Egypt
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, External Partner Site, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Theodor Stern Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- INSERM U966, Université François Rabelais and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Geert Leroux-Roels
- Center for Vaccinology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University and University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Blaney H, Khalid M, Heller T, Koh C. Epidemiology, presentation, and therapeutic approaches for hepatitis D infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:127-142. [PMID: 36519386 PMCID: PMC9905306 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2159379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection remains an important global public health problem, with a changing epidemiological landscape over the past decade along with widespread implementation of hepatitis B vaccination and human migration. The landscape of HDV treatments has been changing, with therapies that have been under development for the last decade now in late stage clinical trials. The anticipated availability of these new therapies will hopefully replace the current therapies which are minimally effective. AREAS COVERED This narrative review discusses the clinical course, screening and diagnosis, transmission risk factors, epidemiology, current and investigational therapies, and liver transplantation in HDV. Literature review was performed using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov and includes relevant articles from 1977 to 2022. EXPERT OPINION HDV infection is an important global public health issue with a true prevalence that is still unknown. The distribution of HDV infection has changed globally with the availability of HBV vaccination and patterns of human migration. As HDV infection is associated with accelerated disease courses and poor outcomes, the global community needs to agree upon a uniform HDV screening strategy to understand the truth of global prevalence such that new therapies can target appropriate individuals as they become available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Blaney
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mian Khalid
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Nicolini LA, Menzaghi B, Ricci E, Pontali E, Cenderello G, Orofino G, Cascio A, Pellicanò GF, Valsecchi L, Molteni C, Vichi F, Bonfanti P, Di Biagio A. Prevalence of HDV infection in people living with HIV: Data from a multicenter Italian cohort. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1086012. [PMID: 36778739 PMCID: PMC9911436 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1086012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The development of novel antiviral agents active against Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) might change the natural history of chronic infection, reducing the risk for end-stage liver disease. People living with HIV (PWH) are at risk for bloodborne pathogens infection, but limited data on epidemiology of HDV infection is available in this setting. The aim of this study was to investigate HDV prevalence and attitude toward HDV testing and treatment in infectious diseases centers. Methods A cross sectional survey was performed among centers participating in the CISAI (Coordinamento Italiano per lo Studio dell'Allergia in Infezione da HIV) Group. The survey addressed anti-HDV prevalence and HDV-RNA detectability rates in PWH as well as perceived obstacles to treatment. Results Overall, responses from ten sites were collected. Among participating centers, 316 PWH with HBV chronic infection are currently followed. Of them, 15.2% had positive anti-HDV antibodies, while 13.9% were not tested yet. Overall, 17% of anti-HDV positive PWH tested at least once for HDV-RNA had active HDV infection, and 71% of them had advanced liver disease. Most infectious diseases centers intend to treat locally HDV infection with upcoming anti-HDV drugs, but some concerns exist regarding treatment schedule. Discussion HDV testing needs to be implemented in PWH. At present, few patients followed in the CISAI centers seem to be candidate to receive new direct active anti-HDV agents, but repeated HDV-RNA measures could change this proportion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ambra Nicolini
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy,*Correspondence: Laura Ambra Nicolini,
| | - Barbara Menzaghi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, ASST Della Valle Olona—Busto Arsizio (VA), Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Pontali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Orofino
- Division I of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASL Città di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Antonio Cascio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Francesco Pellicanò
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and the Developmental Age “G. Barresi”, The University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Laura Valsecchi
- 1st Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Molteni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, A. Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - Francesca Vichi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, SOC 1 USLCENTRO Firenze, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonfanti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy,University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy,Department of Health Science (Dissal), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Soriano V, Moreno-Torres V, Treviño A, Corral O, de Mendoza C. Bulevirtide in the Treatment of Hepatitis Delta: Drug Discovery, Clinical Development and Place in Therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:155-166. [PMID: 36712949 PMCID: PMC9875571 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s379964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been ten years since the identification of NTCP as the cell surface receptor for HBV and HDV entry into hepatocytes. The search for molecules interfering with the binding of NTCP and HBV/HDV led to design bulevirtide (BLV). This large polypeptide mimics a region of the pre-S1 HBsAg and blocks viral entry by inhibitory competition. BLV was initially tested in cell cultures, animal models and more recently in Phase I-III human trials (called 'MYRS'). As monotherapy or in combination with peginterferon, BLV is well tolerated and exhibits potent antiviral activity. Plasma viremia significantly declines and/or becomes undetectable in more than 75% of patients treated for >24 weeks. However, serum HBsAg concentrations remain unchanged. No selection of BLV resistance in HBV/HDV has been reported in vivo to date. BLV is administered subcutaneously once daily at doses between 2 and 10 mg. BLV received conditional approval in Europe in 2020 to treat chronic hepatitis delta. The advent of peginterferon lambda or new specific anti-HDV antivirals (lonafarnib, etc.) will open the door for combination therapies with BLV. Since there is no stable reservoir for HDV-RNA within infected hepatocytes, viral clearance might be achieved using antivirals for a minimum timeframe. This is what happens in hepatitis C combining several antivirals, curing nearly all patients treated for 3 months. Clearance of HDV-RNA genomes may occur despite HBV persistence as cccDNA or chromosome integrated HBV-DNA within hepatocytes. This is supported by cases of HDV elimination using BLV despite persistence of serum HBsAg. Another path for HDV cure will derive from achieving HBsAg clearance, the goal of new promising anti-HBV gene therapies (bepirovirsen, etc.). In summary, the advent of BLV has triggered a renovated interest for antiviral therapy in hepatitis delta. We envision combination therapies that will lead to HDV cure in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Soriano
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain,Correspondence: Vicente Soriano, UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Calle García Martín 21, Pozuelo de Alarcón 28224, Madrid, Spain, Tel +34 659687981, Email
| | - Victor Moreno-Torres
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain,Puerta de Hierro University Hospital & Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Treviño
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Octavio Corral
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- Puerta de Hierro University Hospital & Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
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Anolli MP, Degasperi E, Allweiss L, Sangiovanni A, Maggioni M, Scholtes C, Oberhardt V, Neumann-Haefelin C, Dandri M, Zoulim F, Lampertico P. A 3-Year Course Of Bulevirtide Monotherapy May Cure Hdv Infection In Cirrhotics. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(22)03475-4. [PMID: 36931396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Bulevirtide has been recently conditionally approved by the European Medicines Agency for the treatment of Chronic Hepatitis Delta, but the ideal duration of therapy is unknown. Here we describe the first case of cure of Hepatitis Delta following 3 years of Bulevirtide monotherapy in a patient with compensated cirrhosis and esophageal varices. During the 72-week off-Bulevirtide follow-up, virological and biochemical responses were maintained. In the off-therapy liver biopsy, intrahepatic HDV RNA and Hepatitis D antigen were undetectable, <1% hepatocytes were Hepatitis B surface antigen positive while hepatitis B core antigen was negative. Grading and staging improved compared to pre-treatment biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paola Anolli
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Degasperi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lena Allweiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems site, Germany
| | - Angelo Sangiovanni
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Maggioni
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pathology Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Caroline Scholtes
- Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), Lyon, France; INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de Lyon (CRCL)
| | - Valerie Oberhardt
- Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems site, Germany
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL) and Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL1), Lyon, France; INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de Lyon (CRCL)
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy; CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Magvan B, Kloeble AA, Ptok J, Hoffmann D, Habermann D, Gantumur A, Paluschinski M, Enebish G, Balz V, Fischer JC, Chimeddorj B, Walker A, Timm J. Sequence diversity of hepatitis D virus in Mongolia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1108543. [PMID: 37035318 PMCID: PMC10077969 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1108543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) is a defective, single-stranded RNA virusoid encoding for a single protein, the Hepatitis Delta Antigen (HDAg), which requires the hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope protein (HBsAg) for its transmission. Currently, hepatitis D is the most aggressive form of viral hepatitis and treatment options are limited. Worldwide 12 million people are chronically infected with HDV being at high risk for progression to cirrhosis and development of liver cancer. Objectives Although it is well established that Mongolia is the country with the highest prevalence of HDV infections, the information on the molecular epidemiology and factors contributing to HDV sequence diversity are largely unclear. The aim of the study was to characterize the sequence diversity of HDV in rural areas from Mongolia and to determine the extent of HLA class I-associated selection pressure. Patients and methods From the HepMongolia cohort from rural areas in Mongolia, 451 HBsAg-positive individuals were selected and anti-HDV, HDV-RNA and the sequence of the large HDAg was determined. For all individuals the HLA class I locus was genotyped. Residues under selection pressure in the presence of individual HLA class I types were identified with the recently published analysis tool HAMdetector. Results Of 431 HBsAg positive patients, 281 were anti-HDV positive (65%), and HDV-RNA could be detected in 207 of 281 (74%) of patients. The complete large HDAg was successfully sequenced from 131 samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Mongolian HDV isolates belong to genotype 1, however, they separate into several different clusters without clear regional association. In turn, from phylogeny there is strong evidence for recent local transmission events. Importantly, we found multiple residues with strong support for HLA class I-associated selection pressure consistent with a functional CD8+ T cell response directed against HDV. Conclusion HDV isolates from Mongolia are highly diverse. The molecular epidemiology suggests circulation of multiple subtypes and provides evidence for ongoing recent transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Battur Magvan
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Anne Alina Kloeble
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes Ptok
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Habermann
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anuujin Gantumur
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Gerelmaa Enebish
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Vera Balz
- Institute for Transplant Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes C. Fischer
- Institute for Transplant Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Battogtokh Chimeddorj
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Prevention and Control, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Andreas Walker
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Walker,
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Jörg Timm,
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Khalfi P, Kennedy PT, Majzoub K, Asselah T. Hepatitis D virus: Improving virological knowledge to develop new treatments. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105461. [PMID: 36396025 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a satellite of hepatitis B virus (HBV), possesses the smallest viral genome known to infect animals. HDV needs HBV surface protein for secretion and entry into target liver cells. However, HBV is dispensable for HDV genome amplification, as it relies almost exclusively on cellular host factors for replication. HBV/HDV co-infections affect over 12 million people worldwide and constitute the most severe form of viral hepatitis. Co-infected individuals are at higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared to HBV mono-infected patients. Bulevirtide, an entry inhibitor, was conditionally approved in July 2020 in the European Union for adult patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) and compensated liver disease. There are several drugs in development, including lonafarnib and interferon lambda, with different modes of action. In this review, we detail our current fundamental knowledge of HDV lifecycle and review antiviral treatments under development against this virus, outlining their respective mechanisms-of-action. Finally, we describe the antiviral effect these compounds are showing in ongoing clinical trials, discussing their promise and potential pitfalls for managing HDV infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Khalfi
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Montpellier 34293 cedex 5, France
| | - Patrick T Kennedy
- The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Karim Majzoub
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Montpellier 34293 cedex 5, France.
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Université de Paris, Cité CRI, INSERM UMR 1149, Department of Hepatology, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
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Gillich N, Zhang Z, Binder M, Urban S, Bartenschlager R. Effect of variants in LGP2 on MDA5-mediated activation of interferon response and suppression of hepatitis D virus replication. J Hepatol 2023; 78:78-89. [PMID: 36152765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), including RIG-I, melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5), and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2), sense viral RNA to induce the antiviral interferon (IFN) response. LGP2, unable to activate the IFN response itself, modulates RIG-I and MDA5 signalling. HDV, a small RNA virus causing the most severe form of viral hepatitis, is sensed by MDA5. The mechanism underlying IFN induction and its effect on HDV replication is unclear. Here, we aimed to unveil the role of LGP2 and clinically relevant variants thereof in these processes. METHODS RLRs were depleted in HDV susceptible HepaRGNTCP cells and primary human hepatocytes. Cells were reconstituted to express different LGP2 versions. HDV and IFN markers were quantified in a time-resolved manner. Interaction studies among LGP2, MDA5, and RNA were performed by pull-down assays. RESULTS LGP2 is essential for the MDA5-mediated IFN response induced upon HDV infection. This induction requires both RNA binding and ATPase activities of LGP2. The IFN response only moderately reduced HDV replication in resting cells but profoundly suppressed cell division-mediated HDV spread. An LGP2 variant (Q425R), predominating in Africans who develop less severe chronic hepatitis D, mediated detectably higher basal and faster HDV-induced IFN response as well as stronger HDV suppression. Mechanistically, LGP2 RNA binding was a prerequisite for the formation of stable MDA5-RNA complexes. MDA5 binding to RNA was enhanced by the Q425R LGP2 variant. CONCLUSIONS LGP2 is essential to mount an antiviral IFN response induced by HDV and stabilises MDA5-RNA interaction required for downstream signalling. The natural Q425R LGP2 is a gain-of-function variant and might contribute to an attenuated course of hepatitis D. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS HDV is the causative pathogen of chronic hepatitis D, a severe form of viral hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Upon infection, the human immune system senses HDV and mounts an antiviral interferon (IFN) response. Here, we demonstrate that the immune sensor LGP2 cooperates with MDA5 to mount an IFN response that represses HDV replication. We mapped LGP2 determinants required for IFN system activation and characterised several natural genetic variants of LGP2. One of them reported to predominate in sub-Saharan Africans can accelerate HDV-induced IFN responses, arguing that genetic determinants, possibly including LGP2, might contribute to slower disease progression in this population. Our results will hopefully prompt further studies on genetic variations in LGP2 and other components of the innate immune sensing system, including assessments of their possible impact on the course of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Gillich
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marco Binder
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response," Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Asselah T. Beyond bulevirtide: Alternative therapeutic options for the management of hepatitis delta virus. J Viral Hepat 2022; 30 Suppl 1:33-38. [PMID: 36529713 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a small RNA virus which needs Hepatitis B Surface Antigen for its envelope, for entry into hepatocytes and secretion. HDV chronic infection affects around 12 million people worldwide. HDV infection is believed to be the most severe form of viral hepatitis, with a high risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Pegylated interferons has been used and recommended by guidelines, although not approved, with low efficacy and poor tolerability. Bulevirtide (entry inhibitor) has been recently conditionally approved by the European Medicines Agency. These treatments have many advantages, but they have also limitations since there are non-responders to these previous therapies. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs. In this article, we review antiviral treatments under development for HDV chronic infection (except bulevirtide reviewed in a specific article), including those in the HBV cure programme, outlining their respective mechanisms-of-action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Asselah
- Université de Paris-Cité, Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, CRI, INSERM UMR 1149, Clichy, France
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New Therapies and Management Options for Hepatitis D. Am J Gastroenterol 2022:00000434-990000000-00583. [PMID: 36705332 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Lampertico P, Roulot D, Wedemeyer H. Bulevirtide with or without pegIFNα for patients with compensated chronic hepatitis delta: From clinical trials to real-world studies. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1422-1430. [PMID: 35752223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis D (CHD) is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, characterised by the greatest increase in risk of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Pegylated-interferon-α (pegIFNα), the only off-label therapeutic option, has been available for the last 30 years but is associated with suboptimal response rates and poor tolerability. Among the new treatment strategies under clinical evaluation, the entry inhibitor bulevirtide (BLV) is the only one that has received conditional approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA); approval was granted in July 2020 for the treatment of adult patients with compensated CHD at a dose of 2 mg daily. Phase II studies and the week 24 interim analysis of a phase III study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of this treatment as a monotherapy or combined with pegIFNα. This favourable profile has been confirmed by recent real-world studies performed in Europe. As a long-term monotherapy, BLV has been successfully used to treat patients with advanced compensated cirrhosis. These encouraging yet preliminary findings must be viewed with caution as many critical issues related to this new antiviral strategy are still poorly understood, as summarised in this review. While waiting for new anti-HBV and anti-HDV drugs to become available for combination studies, BLV treatment is currently the only available anti-HDV therapeutic option that might improve the long-term prognosis of difficult-to-manage patients with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Lampertico
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Milan, Italy; CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Dominique Roulot
- AP-HP, Avicenne Hospital, Liver Unit, Sorbonne Paris Nord University, Bobigny, France; Inserm U955, Team 18, Paris-Est University, Créteil, France
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany; Excellence Cluster RESIST, Hannover Medical School, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
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45
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Mak LY, Beasley I, Kennedy PTF. Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Elite Athletes: Approaches to Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:123. [PMID: 36192563 PMCID: PMC9530082 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Elite athletes who participate in contact sports are at risk of bleeding injuries, leading to transmission of blood-borne viruses including hepatitis type B, C and D (HBV, HCV and HDV) capable of causing chronic liver disease, liver failure and liver cancer. In view of the significant advances in the viral hepatitis field over the past decade, more structured approaches should be in place to screen for and manage viral hepatitis in elite athletes. HBV status should be assessed in all elite athletes, and those infected should receive nucleos(t)ide analogues for viral suppression, while uninfected individuals should receive HBV vaccination. The all-oral direct acting antivirals for HCV are highly effective and safe, thus the remaining challenge with hepatitis C is case identification and linkage to care. HDV is only found in HBV-infected individuals, which is characterized by rapid disease progression and higher rates of cirrhosis and liver cancer in infected subjects. Pegylated interferon was the mainstay of treatment for HDV infection until bulevirtide, a viral entry inhibitor, was recently approved by the European Union (EMA) and FDA in America, while multiple novel therapies are already in clinical trials as part of the HBV cure program. Overall, awareness of chronic viral hepatitis in athletes should be improved. Prevention remains the cornerstone of the management of viral hepatitis in sport coupled with rigorous disease assessment in infected individuals, and antiviral therapy where indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Department of Immunobiology, Barts Liver Centre, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ian Beasley
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary College, London, UK
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Department of Immunobiology, Barts Liver Centre, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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46
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Zhang Z, Ni Y, Lempp FA, Walter L, Mutz P, Bartenschlager R, Urban S. Hepatitis D virus-induced interferon response and administered interferons control cell division-mediated virus spread. J Hepatol 2022; 77:957-966. [PMID: 35636579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Besides HBV-dependent de novo infection, cell division-mediated spread contributes to HDV persistence and dampens the effect of antivirals that abrogate de novo infection. Nonetheless, the combination of these antivirals with interferons (IFNs) showed strong synergism in recent clinical trials, implying a complementary mode-of-action of IFNs. Therefore, we investigated the effect of IFN response on cell division-mediated HDV spread. METHODS Cells infected with HDV were passaged to undergo cell division. The effect of the IFN response was evaluated by blocking HDV-induced IFN activation, by applying different IFN treatment regimens, and by adjusting HDV infection doses. RESULTS Cell division-mediated HDV spread was highly efficient following infection of HuH7NTCP cells (defective in IFN production), but profoundly restricted in infected IFN-competent HepaRGNTCP cells. Treatment with IFN-α/-λ1 inhibited HDV spread in dividing HuH7NTCP cells, but exhibited a marginal effect on HDV replication in resting cells. Blocking the HDV-induced IFN response with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib or knocking down MDA5 augmented HDV spread in dividing HepaRGNTCP cells. The virus-induced IFN response also destabilized HDV RNA in dividing cells. Moreover, the effect of exogenous IFNs on cell division-mediated HDV spread was more pronounced at low multiplicities of infection with weak virus-induced IFN responses. CONCLUSIONS Both HDV-induced IFN response and exogenous IFN treatment suppress cell division-mediated HDV spread, presumably through acceleration of HDV RNA decay. Our findings demonstrate a novel mode-of-action of IFN, explain the more pronounced effect of IFN therapy in patients with lower HDV serum RNA levels, and provide insights for the development of combination therapies. LAY SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis D is a major health problem. The causative pathogen hepatitis D virus (HDV) can propagate through viral particle-mediated infection and the division of infected cells. Although viral particle-dependent infection can be blocked by recently developed drugs, therapies addressing the cell division route have not been reported. Taking advantage of relevant cell culture models, we demonstrate that the widely used immune modulator interferon can efficiently suppress HDV spread through cell division. This work unveils a new function of interferon and sheds light on potentially curative combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yi Ni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian A Lempp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Walter
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pascal Mutz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany; Division of Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Lucifora J, Verrier ER, Baumert TF. Inhibiting cell-to-cell transmission to reach HDV cure: The importance of IFN-α. J Hepatol 2022; 77:903-905. [PMID: 35952820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lucifora
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France.
| | - Eloi R Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France; Institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU), Pole Hépato-digestif, Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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48
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Asif B, Koh C. Hepatitis D virus (HDV): investigational therapeutic agents in clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:905-920. [PMID: 34482769 PMCID: PMC11391510 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1977795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is a global disease leading to rapidly progressive liver disease with increased liver-related mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therapies are minimally effective; however, an increased understanding of the HDV lifecycle has provided new potential drug targets. Thus, there is a growing number of investigational therapeutics under exploration for HDV with the potential for successful viral eradication. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the clinical impact of HDV infection and offers an in-depth look at the HDV life cycle. The authors examine current and new drug targets and the investigational therapies in clinical trials. The search strategy was based on PubMed database and clinicaltrials.gov which highlight the most up-to-date aspects of investigational therapies for chronic HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Asif
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
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Burm R, Maravelia P, Ahlen G, Ciesek S, Caro Perez N, Pasetto A, Urban S, Van Houtte F, Verhoye L, Wedemeyer H, Johansson M, Frelin L, Sällberg M, Meuleman P. Novel prime-boost immune-based therapy inhibiting both hepatitis B and D virus infections. Gut 2022; 72:1186-1195. [PMID: 35977815 PMCID: PMC10176361 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic HBV/HDV infections are a major cause of liver cancer. Current treatments can only rarely eliminate HBV and HDV. Our previously developed preS1-HDAg immunotherapy could induce neutralising antibodies to HBV in vivo and raise HBV/HDV-specific T-cells. Here, we further investigate if a heterologous prime-boost strategy can circumvent T-cell tolerance and preclude HDV superinfection in vivo. DESIGN A DNA prime-protein boost strategy was evaluated for immunogenicity in mice and rabbits. Its ability to circumvent T-cell tolerance was assessed in immunocompetent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-transgenic mice. Neutralisation of HBV and HDV was evaluated both in vitro and in immunodeficient human-liver chimeric mice upon adoptive transfer. RESULTS The prime-boost strategy elicits robust HBV/HDV-specific T-cells and preS1-antibodies that can effectively prevent HBV and HDV (co-)infection in vitro and in vivo. In a mouse model representing the chronic HBsAg carrier state, active immunisation primes high levels of preS1-antibodies and HDAg-specific T-cells. Moreover, transfer of vaccine-induced antibodies completely protects HBV-infected human-liver chimeric mice from HDV superinfection. CONCLUSION The herein described preS1-HDAg immunotherapy is shown to be immunogenic and vaccine-induced antibodies are highly effective at preventing HBV and HDV (super)infection both in vitro and in vivo. Our vaccine can complement current and future therapies for the control of chronic HBV and HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rani Burm
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Panagiota Maravelia
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gustaf Ahlen
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Medical Virology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, DZIF, External partner site, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Noelia Caro Perez
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Pasetto
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Freya Van Houtte
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lieven Verhoye
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Magnus Johansson
- School of Medical Sciences, Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Lars Frelin
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matti Sällberg
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases (LLID), Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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50
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Da BL. Clinical trials in hepatitis D virus: Measuring success. Hepatology 2022; 77:2147-2157. [PMID: 35969089 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis D infection results in the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis but currently lacks effective treatment options. Therapy with pegylated interferon alpha is recommended for finite treatment duration by major liver societies. Still, it is plagued by low rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) and frequent relapses even if SVR is achieved. Recently, a wave of investigational therapies has come under evaluation, including bulevirtide, lonafarnib, pegylated interferon lambda, and REP-2139 creating excitement with this viral infection. However, there has been significant variability in the endpoints used to evaluate these therapeutics. One of the recently introduced endpoints is characterized by a decline in HDV RNA by 2 logs, with or without achieving an undetectable serum hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA, as a marker of virologic response. Furthermore, this measure has been combined with alanine aminotransferase normalization, also known as a biochemical response, to formulate the primary endpoint of several late-stage studies. Per recent guidance by the US Food and Drug Administration, these should be surrogate endpoints that will ultimately portend long-term clinical benefits. These clinical benefits may include reducing the risk of progression to cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and mortality. However, the optimal way to measure success in HDV clinical trials remains unknown and will continue to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben L Da
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Sandra Atlas Bass Center for Liver Diseases and Transplantation, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
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