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Hao D, Niu LN. Computational Study on the Wealth Conformations of Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoprotein 2 and Role of Its Glycan Coat. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4811-4821. [PMID: 38861660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Antibody development efforts mainly revolve around HCV envelope glycoprotein 2 (E2), which mediates host cell entry by interacting with several cell surface receptors, including CD81. We still have limited knowledge about the structural ensembles and the dynamic behavior of both the CD81 binding sites and the glycans on E2. Here, multiple microsecond-long, all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, as well as a Markov state model (MSM), were performed to provide an atomistic perspective on the dynamic nature of E2 and its glycans. End-to-end accessibility analyses outline a complete overview of the vulnerabilities of the glycan shield of E2, which may be exploited in therapeutic efforts. Additionally, the Markov state model built from the simulation maps four metastable states for AS412 and three metastable states for the front layer in CD81 binding sites, while binding with HEPC3 would induce a conformation selection for both of them. Overall, this work presents hitherto unseen functional and structural insights into E2 and its glycan coat, providing a new theoretical foundation to control the conformational plasticity of E2 that could be harnessed for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxiao Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
- School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Ankang University, Ankang 725000, China
| | - Li-Na Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
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2
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Clark PJ, Valery PC, Strasser SI, Weltman M, Thompson AJ, Levy M, Leggett B, Zekry A, Rong J, Angus P, George J, Bollipo S, McGarity B, Sievert W, Macquillan G, Tse E, Nicoll A, Wade A, Chu G, Harding D, Cheng W, Farrell G, Roberts SK. Liver Disease and Poor Adherence Limit Hepatitis C Cure: A Real-World Australian Treatment Cohort. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:291-303. [PMID: 35552941 PMCID: PMC9883319 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07483-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In 2016, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for hepatitis C (HCV) became available through Australia's universal health care system, with the aim of HCV elimination. We report real-world effectiveness of DAA HCV treatment in Australia from a clinically well-informed cohort, enriched for cirrhosis and prior HCV treatment. METHODS 3413 patients were recruited from 26 hospital liver clinics across Australia from February 2016 to June 2020. Clinical history and sustained viral response (SVR) were obtained from medical records and data linkage to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Factors associated with SVR were assessed by multivariable logistic regression (MVR). RESULTS At recruitment, 32.2% had cirrhosis (72.9% Child Pugh class B/C), and 19.9% were treatment experienced. Of the 2,939 with data, 93.3% confirmed SVR. 137 patients received second-line therapy. Patients with cirrhosis had lower SVR rate (88.4 vs. 95.8%; p < 0.001). On MVR, failure to achieve SVR was associated with Genotype 3 (adj-OR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.29-0.61), male gender (adj-OR = 0.49, 95%CI 0.31-0.77), fair/poor adherence (adj-OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.28-0.94), cirrhosis (adj-OR = 0.57, 95%CI 0.36-0.88), FIB-4 > 3.25 (adj-OR = 0.52, 95%CI 0.33-0.83) and MELD score ≥ 20 (adj-OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.08-0.80). Consistent results were seen in cirrhotic sub-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Excellent SVR rates were achieved with DAAs in this real-world cohort of patients with chronic HCV infection. More advanced liver disease and clinician impression of poor adherence were associated with HCV treatment failure. Supports to improve liver fibrosis assessment skills for non-specialist DAA prescribers in the community and to optimize patient adherence are likely to enable more effective pursuit of HCV elimination in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Clark
- Department of Gastroenterology, Princess Alexandra and Mater Hospitals, and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Patricia C Valery
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, and Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Martin Weltman
- Hepatology Services, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Miriam Levy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Barbara Leggett
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Amany Zekry
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julian Rong
- Gippsland Gastroenterology, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, VIC, 3844, Australia
| | - Peter Angus
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Unit, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven Bollipo
- Gastroenterology Department, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce McGarity
- Bathurst Liver Clinic Bathurst Hospital, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
| | - William Sievert
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gerry Macquillan
- Liver Transplant Unit Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Edmund Tse
- Department of Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Wade
- Barwon Health Liver Clinic University Hospital, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoff Chu
- Orange Liver Clinic, Orange Hospital, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Damian Harding
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Lyell McEwin Hospital, Vale, SA, Australia
| | - Wendy Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Geoff Farrell
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology Unit Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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3
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El-Sayed MH, Indolfi G. Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Children: A Challenge for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination. Semin Liver Dis 2020; 40:213-224. [PMID: 32526785 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1708812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global public health threat. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) brings the prospect of curing the 71 million people living with the disease, dramatically changing the landscape of hepatitis C. The World Health Organization developed a roadmap for the elimination and cure of hepatitis C by 2030 with a clear goal with measurable targets. However, there is a lack of a well-defined strategy to tackle the hepatitis C virus (HCV) problem in children and adolescents vis-à-vis the adult population. Hepatitis C in children and adolescents can be addressed as part of a national policy for elimination in the whole population, namely macroelimination, or could be fragmented into a microelimination approach targeting the high-risk population groups. Children born to HCV-infected mothers, adolescents who are injecting drugs, migrants, and those suffering from inherited blood diseases are important target populations. After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the use of DAAs in children aged 3 years and above, evidence from clinical trials and real-world experience was accumulated using brand and generic medicines, with sustained virological response rates exceeding 95%. The evidence created should guide policies on the management of hepatitis C in children and adolescents. There are many challenges in managing HCV in this left-behind marginalized population. The lack of awareness and epidemiological data, consent age, prohibitive prices of medicines, and absence of policies on access to diagnostics, treatment, and linkage to care are among the many barriers to service delivery that should be addressed to achieve the elimination goal by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal H El-Sayed
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Research Center, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Giuseppe Indolfi
- Pediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital and Department NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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4
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Flyak AI, Ruiz S, Colbert MD, Luong T, Crowe JE, Bailey JR, Bjorkman PJ. HCV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies Use a CDRH3 Disulfide Motif to Recognize an E2 Glycoprotein Site that Can Be Targeted for Vaccine Design. Cell Host Microbe 2019; 24:703-716.e3. [PMID: 30439340 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine efforts are hampered by the extensive genetic diversity of HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2. Structures of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) (e.g., HEPC3, HEPC74) isolated from individuals who spontaneously cleared HCV infection facilitate immunogen design to elicit antibodies against multiple HCV variants. However, challenges in expressing HCV glycoproteins previously limited bNAb-HCV structures to complexes with truncated E2 cores. Here we describe crystal structures of full-length E2 ectodomain complexes with HEPC3 and HEPC74, revealing lock-and-key antibody-antigen interactions, E2 regions (including a target of immunogen design) that were truncated or disordered in E2 cores, and an antibody CDRH3 disulfide motif that exhibits common interactions with a conserved epitope despite different bNAb-E2 binding orientations. The structures display unusual features relevant to common genetic signatures of HCV bNAbs and demonstrate extraordinary plasticity in antibody-antigen interactions. In addition, E2 variants that bind HEPC3/HEPC74-like germline precursors may represent candidate vaccine immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Flyak
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Stormy Ruiz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Michelle D Colbert
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tiffany Luong
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - James E Crowe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Pamela J Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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5
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Huang P, Liu M, Zang F, Yao Y, Yue M, Wang J, Fan H, Zhuo L, Wu J, Xia X, Feng Y, Yu R. The development of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV-infected patients treated with DAA: A comprehensive analysis. Carcinogenesis 2019; 39:1497-1505. [PMID: PMID: 30602007 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been proven that hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication after interferon-based treatment can reduce the risk of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, there were some arguments about whether the treatment of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) boosts the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We systematically review this crucial topic by combining all the relevant articles to calculate the pooled HCC density after DAA treatment. Studies reporting the recurrence or occurrence in chronic hepatitis C patients who received DAA regimen were selected from three retrieval library screening. Data on baseline and outcomes were extracted independently by three observers. Primary outcomes were incidence density of HCC. Pooled estimates of HCC occurrence and recurrence rate per 100 person-years (py) were undertaken by random-effects meta-analysis. Sixteen studies with 61334 patients, embracing 20 cohorts, were enrolled in this study and divided into two groups (HCC occurrence and HCC recurrence). In the pooled analysis, HCC developed at a rate of 3.5/100 py [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4, 5.3] among patients without a history of HCC compared with 17.4/100 py (95% CI: 7.8, 39.0) among patients existed. Furthermore, HCC occurrence rate following DAA-induced sustained virological response (SVR) was 2.1/100 py (95% CI: 1.4, 3.4); however, the rate in patients without SVR was 9.1/100 py (95% CI: 5.4, 15.3). HCV cured after DAA therapy could induce a reduction of 78% in the risk of HCC occurrence compared with non-responders. There is no strong evidence for an increased risk of HCC occurrence or recurrence in patients treated by DAA. There was a significant decline in the incidence of HCC occurrence after SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinan Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Yue
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Basic and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haozhi Fan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyun Zhuo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Rongbin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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6
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Ray RB, Ray R. Hepatitis C Virus Manipulates Humans as its Favorite Host for a Long-Term Relationship. Hepatology 2019; 69:889-900. [PMID: 30102776 PMCID: PMC6351149 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection-associated liver disease is a global health problem. HCV often causes silent disease, and eventually progresses to end-stage liver disease. HCV infects hepatocytes; however, initial manifestation of liver disease is mostly displayed in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), causing fibrosis/cirrhosis, and is believed to occur from inflammation in the liver. It remains unclear why HCV is not spontaneously cleared from infected liver in the majority of individuals and develops chronic infection with progressive liver disease. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) show excellent results in controlling viremia, although beneficial consequence in advanced liver disease remains to be understood. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge that has contributed to our understanding of the role of HCV in inflammation, immune evasion, metabolic disorders, liver pathogeneses, and efforts in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, USA,Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - Ranjit Ray
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
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7
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Abstract
Hepatitis C infection has affected 189 million people globally and more than 4 million in the US. Owing to remarkable advances in the therapeutic sphere, essentially all infected patients can be expected to achieve cure. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate the risk of complications from hepatitis C and to reduce the spread of the virus to others. To achieve this, a streamlined cascade of care from diagnosis to treatment may be enacted. Although great strides have been made, under-diagnosis and under-treatment remain major hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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8
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Wang X, Yan Y, Gan T, Yang X, Li D, Zhou D, Sun Q, Huang Z, Zhong J. A trivalent HCV vaccine elicits broad and synergistic polyclonal antibody response in mice and rhesus monkey. Gut 2019; 68:140-149. [PMID: 29180585 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-314870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the development of highly effective direct-acting antivirals, a prophylactic vaccine is needed for eradicating HCV. A major hurdle of HCV vaccine development is to induce immunity against HCV with high genome diversity. We previously demonstrated that a soluble E2 (sE2) expressed from insect cells induces broadly neutralising antibodies (NAbs) and prevents HCV infection. The objective of this study is to develop a multivalent HCV vaccine to increase the antigenic coverage. DESIGN We designed a trivalent vaccine containing sE2 from genotype 1a, 1b and 3a. Mice and rhesus macaques were immunised with monovalent or trivalent sE2 vaccine, and sera or purified immunoglobulin were assessed for neutralisation against a panel of cell culture-derived virion (HCVcc) of genotype 1-7 in cell culture. Splenocytes from the vaccinated macaques were assessed for HCV-specific T cell response. RESULTS We showed that the trivalent vaccine elicited pangenotypic NAbs in mice, which neutralised HCVcc of all the seven genotypes more potently than the monovalent vaccine. Further analyses demonstrated that each sE2 component of this trivalent vaccine elicited unique spectrum of NAbs which acted synergistically to inhibit HCV infection. Finally, the trivalent vaccine triggered stronger and more uniform multigenotypic neutralising antibody response than the monovalent vaccine in rhesus macaques. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we developed a trivalent HCV vaccine that induces broad and synergistic-acting neutralising antibodies in mice and non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Wang
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Gan
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Yang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Vaccine Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Vaccine Research Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Suzhou Non-human Primate Facility, Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Unit of Vaccinology and Antiviral Strategies, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhong
- Unit of Viral Hepatitis, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Reinharz V, Dahari H, Barash D. Numerical schemes for solving and optimizing multiscale models with age of hepatitis C virus dynamics. Math Biosci 2018; 300:1-13. [PMID: 29550297 PMCID: PMC5992100 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Age-structured PDE models have been developed to study viral infection and treatment. However, they are notoriously difficult to solve. Here, we investigate the numerical solutions of an age-based multiscale model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) dynamics during antiviral therapy and compare them with an analytical approximation, namely its long-term approximation. First, starting from a simple yet flexible numerical solution that also considers an integral approximated over previous iterations, we show that the long-term approximation is an underestimate of the PDE model solution as expected since some infection events are being ignored. We then argue for the importance of having a numerical solution that takes into account previous iterations for the associated integral, making problematic the use of canned solvers. Second, we demonstrate that the governing differential equations are stiff and the stability of the numerical scheme should be considered. Third, we show that considerable gain in efficiency can be achieved by using adaptive stepsize methods over fixed stepsize methods for simulating realistic scenarios when solving multiscale models numerically. Finally, we compare between several numerical schemes for the solution of the equations and demonstrate the use of a numerical optimization scheme for the parameter estimation performed directly from the equations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Reinharz
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Harel Dahari
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Danny Barash
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
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10
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Sung PS, Lee EB, Park DJ, Lozada A, Jang JW, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Interferon-free treatment for hepatitis C virus infection induces normalization of extrahepatic type I interferon signaling. Clin Mol Hepatol 2018. [PMID: 29526079 PMCID: PMC6166108 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2017.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicates in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), leading to the production of type I interferons (IFNs). It is well known that the gene expression profile of PBMC is similar to that of the liver. The present study explored the dynamic gene expression profile of PBMCs collected from HCV-infected patients undergoing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Methods A prospective cohort comprising 27 patients under DAA therapy was formed. Expression level of IFN-β and its downstream interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured in PBMCs before and after DAA treatment. Furthermore, immunoblotting was performed to identify the signaling molecules involved in the expression of ISGs. Results The pretreatment expression level of interferon-induced protein 44 (IFI44) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) correlated with the pretreatment expression level of IFN-β. After DAA treatment, a significant decrease in the expression levels of IFN-β, IFI44, and CXCL10 was observed in the PBMCs. Furthermore, the pretreatment expression level of IFN-β and ISGs correlated with the level of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation, and DAA treatment abrogated STAT1 phosphorylation. Conclusions Pretreatment activation of IFN-β response is rapidly normalized after DAA treatment. The present study suggests that the decreased type I IFN response by the clearance of HCV might contribute to DAA-induced alleviation of extrahepatic manifestation of chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Soo Sung
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Byul Lee
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Jun Park
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Angelo Lozada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Makati Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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11
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Solbak SMØ, Abdurakhmanov E, Vedeler A, Danielson UH. Characterization of interactions between hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase, annexin A2 and RNA - effects on NS5B catalysis and allosteric inhibition. Virol J 2017; 14:236. [PMID: 29228983 PMCID: PMC5725786 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0904-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) provide efficient hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy and clearance for a majority of patients, but are not available or effective for all patients. They risk developing HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), for which the mechanism remains obscure and therapy is missing. Annexin A2 (AnxA2) has been reported to co-precipitate with the non-structural (NS) HCV proteins NS5B and NS3/NS4A, indicating a role in HCC tumorigenesis and effect on DAA therapy. Methods Surface plasmon resonance biosensor technology was used to characterize direct interactions between AnxA2 and HCV NS5B, NS3/NS4 and RNA, and the subsequent effects on catalysis and inhibition. Results No direct interaction between AnxA2 and NS3/NS4A was detected, while AnxA2 formed a slowly dissociating, high affinity (KD = 30 nM), complex with NS5B, decreasing its catalytic activity and affinity for the allosteric inhibitor filibuvir. The RNA binding of the two proteins was independent and AnxA2 and NS5B interacted with different RNAs in ternary complexes of AnxA2:NS5B:RNA, indicating specific preferences. Conclusions The complex interplay revealed between NS5B, AnxA2, RNA and filibuvir, suggests that AnxA2 may have an important role for the progression and treatment of HCV infections and the development of HCC, which should be considered also when designing new allosteric inhibitors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-017-0904-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Anni Vedeler
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - U Helena Danielson
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kondili LA, Gaeta GB, Brunetto MR, Di Leo A, Iannone A, Santantonio TA, Giammario A, Raimondo G, Filomia R, Coppola C, Amoruso DC, Blanc P, Del Pin B, Chemello L, Cavalletto L, Morisco F, Donnarumma L, Rumi MG, Gasbarrini A, Siciliano M, Massari M, Corsini R, Coco B, Madonia S, Cannizzaro M, Zignego AL, Monti M, Russo FP, Zanetto A, Persico M, Masarone M, Villa E, Bernabucci V, Taliani G, Biliotti E, Chessa L, Pasetto MC, Andreone P, Margotti M, Brancaccio G, Ieluzzi D, Borgia G, Zappulo E, Calvaruso V, Petta S, Falzano L, Quaranta MG, Weimer LE, Rosato S, Vella S, Giannini EG. Incidence of DAA failure and the clinical impact of retreatment in real-life patients treated in the advanced stage of liver disease: Interim evaluations from the PITER network. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185728. [PMID: 28977040 PMCID: PMC5627924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available on the virological and clinical outcomes of advanced liver disease patients retreated after first-line DAA failure. AIM To evaluate DAA failure incidence and the retreatment clinical impact in patients treated in the advanced liver disease stage. METHODS Data on HCV genotype, liver disease severity, and first and second line DAA regimens were prospectively collected in consecutive patients who reached the 12-week post-treatment and retreatment evaluations from January 2015 to December 2016 in 23 of the PITER network centers. RESULTS Among 3,830 patients with advanced fibrosis (F3) or cirrhosis, 139 (3.6%) failed to achieve SVR. Genotype 3, bilirubin levels >1.5mg/dl, platelet count <120,000/mm3 and the sofosbuvir+ribavirin regimen were independent predictors of failure by logistic regression analysis. The failure rate was 7.6% for patients treated with regimens that are no longer recommended or considered suboptimal (sofosbuvir+ribavirin or simeprevir+sofosbuvir±ribavirin), whereas 1.4% for regimens containing sofosbuvir combined with daclatasvir or ledipasvir or other DAAs. Of the patients who failed to achieve SVR, 72 (51.8%) were retreated with a second DAA regimen, specifically 38 (52.7%) with sofosbuvir+daclatasvir, 27 (37.5%) with sofosbuvir+ledipasvir, and 7 (9.7%) with other DAAs ±ribavirin. Among these, 69 (96%) patients achieved SVR12 and 3 (4%) failed. During a median time of 6 months (range: 5-14 months) between failure and the second DAA therapy, the Child-Pugh class worsened in 12 (16.7%) patients: from A to B in 10 patients (19.6%) and from B to C in 2 patients (10.5%), whereas it did not change in the remaining 60 patients. Following the retreatment SVR12 (median time of 6 months; range: 3-12 months), the Child-Pugh class improved in 17 (23.6%) patients: from B to A in 14 (19.4%) patients, from C to A in 1 patient (1.4%) and from C to B in 2 (2.9%) patients; it remained unchanged in 53 patients (73.6%) and worsened in 2 (2.8%) patients. Of patients who were retreated, 3 (4%) had undergone OLT before retreatment (all reached SVR12 following retreatment) and 2 (2.8%) underwent OLT after having achieved retreatment SVR12. Two (70%) of the 3 patients who failed to achieve SVR12 after retreatment, and 2 (2.8%) of the 69 patients who achieved retreatment SVR12 died from liver failure (Child-Pugh class deteriorated from B to C) or HCC complications. CONCLUSIONS Failure rate following the first DAA regimen in patients with advanced disease is similar to or lower than that reported in clinical trials, although the majority of patients were treated with suboptimal regimens. Interim findings showed that worsening of liver function after failure, in terms of Child Pugh class deterioration, was improved by successful retreatment in about one third of retreated patients within a short follow-up period; however, in some advanced liver disease patients, clinical outcomes (Child Pugh class, HCC development, liver failure and death) were independent of viral eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Massari
- Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Reinharz V, Churkin A, Dahari H, Barash D. A Robust and Efficient Numerical Method for RNA-Mediated Viral Dynamics. FRONTIERS IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS 2017; 3:20. [PMID: 30854378 PMCID: PMC6404971 DOI: 10.3389/fams.2017.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The multiscale model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) dynamics, which includes intracellular viral RNA (vRNA) replication, has been formulated in recent years in order to provide a new conceptual framework for understanding the mechanism of action of a variety of agents for the treatment of HCV. We present a robust and efficient numerical method that belongs to the family of adaptive stepsize methods and is implicit, a Rosenbrock type method that is highly suited to solve this problem. We provide a Graphical User Interface that applies this method and is useful for simulating viral dynamics during treatment with anti-HCV agents that act against HCV on the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Reinharz
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Alexander Churkin
- Department of Software Engineering, Sami Shamoon College of Engineering, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Harel Dahari
- Program for Experimental and Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Danny Barash
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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Soriano V, Fernandez-Montero JV, de Mendoza C, Benitez-Gutierrez L, Peña JM, Arias A, Barreiro P. Treatment of hepatitis C with new fixed dose combinations. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2017. [PMID: 28644739 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2017.1346609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has revolutionized the hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutic landscape providing cure rates over 90%. However, a subset of patients remains at higher risk for treatment failure, including those infected with: i) genotype 3 and cirrhosis; ii) resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) occurring either as natural polymorphisms or selected after prior DAA failure; and iii) poor drug adherence associated with social disabilities (homeless, psychiatric illnesses, injection drug use, alcoholism, etc.). Whereas discovery of new DAA with increased antiviral activity across all genotypes and over RAS may enhance efficacy, development of fixed dose combinations (FDC) may be the best way to improve drug adherence in difficult-to-treat HCV populations. Areas covered: Three FDC regimens are in the last steps of clinical development for treating hepatitis C. Two distinct nucleotide analogues that inhibit the HCV polymerase, sofosbuvir and uprifosbuvir, are part of the FDC from Gilead and Merck, respectively. The AbbVie dual FDC does not include a polymerase inhibitor. All three new FDC include second-generation NS3 protease inhibitors and NS5A inhibitors active across all HCV genotypes and over common RAS. Expert opinion: Hepatitis C cure rates over 95% are expected with all three next-coming DAA, even in the most difficult-to-treat and/or cure patient populations. These regimens would be particularly needed for the growing number of prior DAA failures. Co-formulations and 8-week shorter treatment lengths will help to overcome drug adherence challenges in certain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Soriano
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital & Autonomous University , Madrid , Spain
| | - José V Fernandez-Montero
- b Department of Infectious Diseases , University Hospital Crosshouse , Kilmarnock , Scotland , United Kingdom
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Puerta de Hierro Research Institute , Majadahonda , Spain
| | - Laura Benitez-Gutierrez
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Puerta de Hierro Research Institute , Majadahonda , Spain
| | - José M Peña
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital & Autonomous University , Madrid , Spain
| | - Ana Arias
- c Department of Internal Medicine , Puerta de Hierro Research Institute , Majadahonda , Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- a Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital & Autonomous University , Madrid , Spain
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Torres-Cornejo A, Lauer GM. Hurdles to the Development of Effective HBV Immunotherapies and HCV Vaccines. Pathog Immun 2017; 2:102-125. [PMID: 28664194 PMCID: PMC5486412 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v2i1.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections with HBV and HCV continue to be major public health problems, with hundreds of millions of people infected worldwide; this is despite the availability of both an effective prophylactic HBV vaccine for more than 3 decades and potent direct antivirals for HBV and, more recently, HCV infection. Consequently, development of HBV immunotherapies and prophylactic HCV vaccines remains extremely urgent, but limited funding and significant gaps in our understanding of the correlates of immune protection pose serious hurdles for the development of novel immune-based interventions. Here we discuss immunological questions related to HBV and HCV, some shared and some pertinent to only 1 of the viruses, that should be addressed for the rational design of HBV immunotherapies and HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Torres-Cornejo
- Gastrointestinal Unit and Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Georg M. Lauer
- Gastrointestinal Unit and Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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