1
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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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2
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Adaptive Immune Responses, Immune Escape and Immune-Mediated Pathogenesis during HDV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020198. [PMID: 35215790 PMCID: PMC8880046 DOI: 10.3390/v14020198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is the smallest known human virus, yet it causes great harm to patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). As a satellite virus of HBV, HDV requires the surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) for sufficient viral packaging and spread. The special circumstance of co-infection, albeit only one partner depends on the other, raises many virological, immunological, and pathophysiological questions. In the last years, breakthroughs were made in understanding the adaptive immune response, in particular, virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, in self-limited versus persistent HBV/HDV co-infection. Indeed, the mechanisms of CD8+ T cell failure in persistent HBV/HDV co-infection include viral escape and T cell exhaustion, and mimic those in other persistent human viral infections, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and HBV mono-infection. However, compared to these larger viruses, the small HDV has perfectly adapted to evade recognition by CD8+ T cells restricted by common human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles. Furthermore, accelerated progression towards liver cirrhosis in persistent HBV/HDV co-infection was attributed to an increased immune-mediated pathology, either caused by innate pathways initiated by the interferon (IFN) system or triggered by misguided and dysfunctional T cells. These new insights into HDV-specific adaptive immunity will be discussed in this review and put into context with known well-described aspects in HBV, HCV, and HIV infections.
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3
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Castaneda D, Gonzalez AJ, Alomari M, Tandon K, Zervos XB. From hepatitis A to E: A critical review of viral hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1691-1715. [PMID: 33967551 PMCID: PMC8072198 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i16.1691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections affecting the liver have had an important impact on humanity, as they have led to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with acute and chronic infections. Once an unknown etiology, the discovery of the viral agents triggered interest of the scientific community to establish the pathogenesis and diagnostic modalities to identify the affected population. With the rapid scientific and technological advances in the last centuries, controlling and even curing the infections became a possibility, with a large focus on preventive medicine through vaccination. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of hepatitis A, B, C, D and E is required by primary care physicians and gastroenterologists to provide care to these patients. The review article describes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools and current medication regimens, with a focus on upcoming treatment options and the role of liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Castaneda
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | | | - Mohammad Alomari
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
| | - Kanwarpreet Tandon
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, United States
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4
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Prime/boost immunization with DNA and adenoviral vectors protects from hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection after simultaneous infection with HDV and woodchuck hepatitis virus. J Virol 2013; 87:7708-16. [PMID: 23637419 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00645-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) superinfection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers causes severe liver disease and a high rate of chronicity. Therefore, a vaccine protecting HBV carriers from HDV superinfection is needed. To protect from HDV infection an induction of virus-specific T cells is required, as antibodies to the two proteins of HDV, p24 and p27, do not neutralize the HBV-derived envelope of HDV. In mice, HDV-specific CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cell responses were induced by a DNA vaccine expressing HDV p27. In subsequent experiments, seven naive woodchucks were immunized with a DNA prime and adenoviral boost regimen prior to simultaneous woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and HDV infection. Five of seven HDV-immunized woodchucks were protected against HDV infection, while acute self-limiting WHV infection occurred as expected. The two animals with the breakthrough had a shorter HDV viremia than the unvaccinated controls. The DNA prime and adenoviral vector boost vaccination protected woodchucks against HDV infection in the setting of simultaneous infection with WHV and HDV. In future experiments, the efficacy of this protocol to protect from HDV infection in the setting of HDV superinfection will need to be proven.
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5
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Huang YH, Wu JC, Peng WL, Huo TI, Shih HH, Lan KH, Su CW, Lee SD. Generation of cytotoxicity against hepatitis delta virus genotypes and quasispecies by epitope modification. J Hepatol 2009; 50:779-88. [PMID: 19243853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2008] [Revised: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 11/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Quasispecies are likely responsible for virus escape from host immune surveillance. The aim of this study was to enhance the immune response against varied sequences within the HDV quasispecies in an attempt to control chronic delta hepatitis. METHODS The HLA-A2 restricted peptides spanning aa 43-51 of HDAg and three variant peptides bearing single amino acid substitutions were synthesized. Their immunogenicity and capacity to induce effective CTL responses were studied in HHD-2 mice. RESULTS Native HDV epitope produced limited cytotoxic immune response. Two modified HDV peptides (HDV 43-51 1Y; tyrosine substitution in positive 1, and 43-51 3A; alanine substitution in position 3) could enhance not only the binding affinity with HLA-A2.1 molecules but also the immunogenicity. Ex vivo interferon-gamma ELISPOT and CTL assays revealed that the two modified epitopes-induced CTLs had a higher functional avidity and produced stronger cytotoxicity to lyse constitutively HDAg-expressing Hep-G2 cells. Interestingly, the spectrums of the T cell receptor (TCR) cross-reactivity are broadened and response to multiple HDV variants by the enhanced epitopes immunization. CONCLUSIONS The modified HDV peptides can enhance the immunogenicity and the induced CTLs can cross-react with multiple HDV variants. Combination with the two enhanced epitopes might be a potential immunotherapeutic agent to control HDV quasispecies in HLA-A2 chronic hepatitis D patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, Taipei 112, Taiwan.
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6
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Kinetics of WHV-HDV replication in acute fatal course of woodchuck hepatitis. Arch Virol 2008; 153:2069-76. [PMID: 18985276 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-008-0236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate, by developing one-step real-time PCR, the outcome of superinfection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) genotype I in woodchucks that were chronic carriers of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and did not show relevant signs of liver damage. Three woodchucks (Marmota monax) chronically infected with WHV were superinfected with a woodchuck HDV inoculum. The evolution of the WHV and HDV infections was monitored by quantifying HDV-RNA, WHV-DNA, and HDV-WHV antigens and antibodies. WHV and HDV sequencing was also performed and liver markers were evaluated. Liver damage was assessed using the Ishak method. All woodchucks showed a high HDV viral load, antigenemia and short survival after superinfection. Histopathological examination of autoptic liver samples showed massive liver necrosis compatible with an acute fatal course of hepatitis. The WHV sequencing showed that the virus population was not substituted by the WHV inoculum. The HDV sequencing performed during superinfection and at autopsy indicated amino acid changes in immune dominant regions of the HDV antigen. The strong correlation between acute infection with HDV genotype I and rapid and fatal liver failure indicates that HDV can be an important factor in the prognosis of HDV-WHV-superinfected woodchucks.
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7
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Abstract
The Eastern woodchuck, Marmota monax, has been a useful model system for the study of the natural history of hepadnavirus infection and for the development and preclinical testing of antiviral therapies. The model has also been used for hepatitis delta virus (HDV). In this chapter several new applications of the woodchuck model of HDV infection are presented and discussed. The development of a woodchuck HDV inoculum derived from a molecular clone has facilitated the analysis of viral genetic changes occurring during acute and chronic infection. This analysis has provided insights into one of the more important aspects of the natural history of HDV infection-whether a superinfection becomes chronic. These results could renew interest in further vaccine development. An effective therapy for chronic HDV infection remains an important clinical goal for this agent, particularly because of the severity of the disease and the inability of current hepadnaviral therapies to ameliorate it. The recent application of the woodchuck model of chronic HDV infection to therapeutic development has yielded promising results which indicate that targeting the hepadnavirus surface protein may be a successful therapeutic strategy for HDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Casey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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8
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Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection may occur as coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or as superinfection of a chronically HBV-infected patient. A strong antibody response is mounted, which persists for many years; however, it is not able to modulate the course of infection. In most cases the superinfection takes a chronic course. In patients with inactive disease (HDV PCR negative) an oligospecific T-helper cell immune response and a cytotoxic T-cell response were found, which were absent in patients with persistent viremia. The role of the cellular immune response in liver injury during acute infection has not been investigated. Vaccination strategies tested in the woodchuck model induced specific B- and T-cell responses but failed to protect from HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fiedler
- Institute of Virology, University Clinic Essen, Germany
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9
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Casey JL, Tennant BC, Gerin JL. Genetic changes in hepatitis delta virus from acutely and chronically infected woodchucks. J Virol 2006; 80:6469-77. [PMID: 16775334 PMCID: PMC1488942 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00245-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A woodchuck-derived hepatitis delta virus (HDV) inoculum was created by transfection of a genotype I HDV cDNA clone directly into the liver of a woodchuck that was chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus. All woodchucks receiving this inoculum became positive for HDV RNA in serum, and 67% became chronically infected, similar to the rate of chronic HDV infection in humans. Analysis of HDV sequences obtained at 73 weeks postinfection indicated that changes had occurred at a rate of 0.5% per year; many of these modifications were consistent with editing by host RNA adenosine deaminase. The appearance of sequence changes, which were not evenly distributed on the genome, was correlated with the course of HDV infection. A limited number of modifications occurred in the consensus sequence of the viral genome that altered the sequence of the hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg). All chronically infected animals examined exhibited these changes 73 weeks following infection, but at earlier times, only one of the HDV carriers exhibited consensus sequence substitutions. On the other hand, sequence modifications in animals that eventually recovered from HDV infection were apparent after 27 weeks. The data are consistent with a model in which HDV sequence changes are selected by host immune responses. Chronic HDV infection in woodchucks may result from a delayed and weak immune response that is limited to a small number of epitopes on HDAg.
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MESH Headings
- Acute Disease
- Adenosine Deaminase/immunology
- Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism
- Animals
- Epitopes/genetics
- Epitopes/immunology
- Genetic Variation/genetics
- Genetic Variation/immunology
- Genome, Viral/genetics
- Genome, Viral/immunology
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/genetics
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/immunology
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/metabolism
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/blood
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/veterinary
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/genetics
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/immunology
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/metabolism
- Humans
- Marmota/immunology
- Marmota/virology
- RNA Editing/genetics
- RNA Editing/immunology
- RNA, Viral/blood
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/immunology
- RNA-Binding Proteins
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Casey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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10
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Abstract
The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is an approved system for the production of viral antigens with vaccine potential for humans and animals and has been used for production of subunit vaccines against parasitic diseases as well. Many candidate subunit vaccines have been expressed in this system and immunization commonly led to protective immunity against pathogen challenge. The first vaccines produced in insect cells for animal use are now on the market. This chapter deals with the tailoring of the baculovirus-insect cell expression system for vaccine production in terms of expression levels, integrity and immunogenicity of recombinant proteins, and baculovirus genome stability. Various expression strategies are discussed including chimeric, virus-like particles, baculovirus display of foreign antigens on budded virions or in occlusion bodies, and specialized baculovirus vectors with mammalian promoters that express the antigen in the immunized individual. A historical overview shows the wide variety of viral (glyco)proteins that have successfully been expressed in this system for vaccine purposes. The potential of this expression system for antiparasite vaccines is illustrated. The combination of subunit vaccines and marker tests, both based on antigens expressed in insect cells, provides a powerful tool to combat disease and to monitor infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique M van Oers
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Binnenhaven 11 6709 PD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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11
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Huang YH, Tao MH, Hu CP, Syu WJ, Wu JC. Identification of novel HLA-A*0201-restricted CD8+ T-cell epitopes on hepatitis delta virus. J Gen Virol 2004; 85:3089-3098. [PMID: 15448372 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.80183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) superinfection causes a poor prognosis in hepatitis B virus-infected patients and effective therapy is lacking. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis; however, the CD8+ T-cell epitopes of HDV have never been defined. Potential HLA-A*0201-restricted HDV peptides were selected from the SYFPEITHI database and screened by T2 cell-stabilization assay. HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice on a C57BL/6 background were injected intramuscularly with an HDV DNA vaccine. Splenocytes were stained directly ex vivo with HLA-A*0201-peptide tetramers after immunization. Epitope-specific CTL responses were confirmed by cytotoxic assays. HLA-A2, chronically infected HDV patients were also enrolled, to assess the existence of HDV-specific CD8+ T cells, based on findings in animals. Following HDV DNA vaccination, nearly 0.9 % of the total splenic CD8+ T cells were specific for peptides HDV 26-34 and HDV 43-51 in HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice, which was significantly higher than the number found in non-transgenic mice or in transgenic mice that had been immunized with control plasmid. HDV 26-34- and 43-51-specific CTL lines were able to produce CTL responses to each peptide. Interestingly, HDV 26-34- and HDV 43-51-specific CD8+ T cells were also detectable in two chronically infected HDV patients in the absence of active HDV replication. In conclusion, HDV 26-34 and 43-51 are novel HLA-A*0201-restricted CTL epitopes on genotype I HDV. HDV 26-34- and 43-51-specific CTLs have been detected in chronic hepatitis delta patients without active disease. Evoking CTL responses to HDV may be an alternative approach to controlling HDV viraemia in patients with chronic hepatitis delta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, Taipei 112, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Division of Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedical Science, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Po Hu
- Department of Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wan-Jr Syu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Shih-Pai Road, Sec. 2, Taipei 112, Taiwan, Republic of China
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12
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D'Ugo E, Paroli M, Palmieri G, Giuseppetti R, Argentini C, Tritarelli E, Bruni R, Barnaba V, Houghton M, Rapicetta M. Immunization of woodchucks with adjuvanted sHDAg (p24): immune response and outcome following challenge. Vaccine 2004; 22:457-66. [PMID: 14670328 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The immunogenicity and the protection induced by an hepatitis delta virus (HDV) vaccine consisting of the small nucleoprotein (HDAg) (p24) and adjuvanted with MF59 or Freund's adjuvant (FA) were evaluated in woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and challenged with hepatitis delta virus. Humoral and T-cell-mediated responses to HDAg were measured. Anti-HD antibodies appeared earlier in the FA/p24 animals. After challenge, all MF59/p24 vaccinated animals showed a response to HDAg-derived peptides, compared to two of the five FA/p24 animals and one of the control animals. Serum HDV-RNA peak values and persistence were considerably reduced in immunized animals, in comparison to controls. Furthermore, HDV-RNA was absent in autopsy liver tissues of 50% of the MF59/p24 animals, whereas high levels were present in all of the FA/p24 animals and controls. Histological liver analysis performed before and after challenge revealed the presence of acute hepatitis-like lesions only in the controls. Overall, the results suggest that the MF59/p24 vaccine better controls the infection in terms of viral replication and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio D'Ugo
- Laboratory of Virology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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13
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Huang YH, Wu JC, Hsu SC, Syu WJ. Varied immunity generated in mice by DNA vaccines with large and small hepatitis delta antigens. J Virol 2004; 77:12980-5. [PMID: 14645554 PMCID: PMC296071 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.77.24.12980-12985.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) DNA vaccine can induce anti-HDV antibodies has been debatable. The role of the isoprenylated motif of hepatitis delta antigens (HDAg) in the generation of immune responses following DNA-based immunization has never been studied. Plasmids p2577L, encoding large HDAg (L-HDAg), p2577S, expressing small HDAg (S-HDAg), and p25L-211S, encoding a mutant form of L-HDAg with a cysteine-to-serine mutation at codon 211, were constructed in this study. Mice were intramuscularly injected with the plasmids. The anti-HDV antibody titers, T-cell proliferation responses, T-helper responses, and HDV-specific, gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-producing CD8(+) T cells were analyzed. Animals immunized with p2577S showed a strong anti-HDV antibody response. Conversely, only a low titer of anti-HDV antibodies was detected in mice immunized with p2577L. Epitope mapping revealed that the anti-HDV antibodies generated by p2577L vaccination hardly reacted with epitope amino acids 174 to 194, located at the C terminus of S-HDAg. All of the HDAg-encoding plasmids could induce significant T-cell proliferation responses and generate Th1 responses and HDV-specific, IFN-gamma-producing CD8(+) T cells. In conclusion, HDAg-specific antibodies definitely exist following DNA vaccination. The magnitudes of the humoral immune responses generated by L-HDAg- and S-HDAg-encoding DNA vaccines are different. The isoprenylated motif can mask epitope amino acids 174 to 195 of HDAg but does not interfere with cellular immunity following DNA-based immunization. These findings are important for the choice of a candidate HDV DNA vaccine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Institute
of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and
Immunology, School of Medicine, National
Yang-Ming University, Division of Gastroenterology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General
Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of
China
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Institute
of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and
Immunology, School of Medicine, National
Yang-Ming University, Division of Gastroenterology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General
Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of
China
- Corresponding
author. Mailing address: Institute of Clinical Medicine, National
Yang-Ming University, and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of
Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 201 Shih-Pai Rd., Sec. 2,
Taipei 112, Taiwan. Phone: 886-2-28712121, ext. 3218. Fax:
886-2-28749437. E-mail:
| | - Sheng-Chieh Hsu
- Institute
of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and
Immunology, School of Medicine, National
Yang-Ming University, Division of Gastroenterology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General
Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of
China
| | - Wan-Jr Syu
- Institute
of Clinical Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and
Immunology, School of Medicine, National
Yang-Ming University, Division of Gastroenterology,
Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General
Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of
China
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Karayiannis
- Department of Medicine A, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College, London W2 1NY, UK.
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15
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Mauch C, Grimm C, Meckel S, Wands JR, Blum HE, Roggendorf M, Geissler M. Induction of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against hepatitis delta virus antigens which protect against tumor formation in mice. Vaccine 2001; 20:170-80. [PMID: 11567762 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00252-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The cellular immune response is a crucial defense mechanism against hepatotropic viruses and in chronic viral hepatitis prevention. Moreover, hepatitis delta virus (HDV) immunogenicity may be an important component in the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Therefore, we evaluated the immunogenicity of the small (HDAg) or large delta antigen (LHDAg) to be used as a DNA-based vaccine. We immunized different mouse haplotypes, determined cellular immune responses, and tested protection of animals against tumor formation using syngeneic tumor cells stably expressing the delta antigens. Both LHDAg and HDAg primed CD4+ and CD8+ T cell immunity against both forms of delta antigens. CD8+ T cell frequencies were about 1% and antigen-specific CD8+ T cells remained detectable directly ex vivo for at least 35 days post-injection. No anti-delta antibody responses could be detected despite multiple detection systems and varied immunization approaches. We observed protection against syngeneic tumor formation and growth in mice immunized with DNA plasmids encoding secreted or intracellular forms of HDAg and LHDAg but not with recombinant HDAg establishing the generation of significant cellular immunity in vivo. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were required for antitumoral activity as determined by in vivo T cell depletion experiments. The results indicate that DNA-based immunization with genes encoding LHDAg and HDAg induces strong T cell responses and, therefore, is an attractive approach for the construction of therapeutic and prophylactic T cell vaccines against HDV.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/analysis
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Line
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Defective Viruses/immunology
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Female
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Haplotypes
- Hepatitis Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/immunology
- Hepatitis delta Antigens
- Immunity, Cellular
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Mast-Cell Sarcoma/immunology
- Mast-Cell Sarcoma/pathology
- Mast-Cell Sarcoma/prevention & control
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred DBA
- Muscle, Skeletal/cytology
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Transfection
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/transplantation
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mauch
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
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16
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Fiedler M, Lu M, Siegel F, Whipple J, Roggendorf M. Immunization of woodchucks (Marmota monax) with hepatitis delta virus DNA vaccine. Vaccine 2001; 19:4618-26. [PMID: 11535309 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the DNA immunization approach in order to induce a protective immune response against hepatitis delta virus (HDV) superinfection of chronically woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infected woodchucks. The animals were immunized with an expression vector encoding HDAg by gene gun. T cell and humoral immune responses induced by this protocol were determined and compared with those induced by HDAg immunization using a CpG oligonucleotide as an adjuvant. After immunization the woodchucks were challenged with 10(6) genome equivalents of HDV. The protein immunization with HDAg induced good humoral and T helper cell responses in the woodchucks, but did not protect them from HDV superinfection. The DNA immunized woodchucks were also not protected from HDV superinfection, however, the course of infection was modified: HDV viremia occurred later, the typical fluctuation of the HDV RNA titer with several peaks was absent, and antibodies to HDV were not detectable.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/blood
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Biolistics
- Carrier State/immunology
- DNA, Viral/administration & dosage
- DNA, Viral/blood
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- Defective Viruses/immunology
- Defective Viruses/physiology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Genetic Vectors/immunology
- Genome, Viral
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/immunology
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/isolation & purification
- Hepatitis D/immunology
- Hepatitis D/prevention & control
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis D, Chronic/virology
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/genetics
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/immunology
- Hepatitis Delta Virus/physiology
- Immunity, Cellular
- Marmota/immunology
- RNA, Viral/biosynthesis
- RNA, Viral/blood
- Superinfection
- T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
- Time Factors
- Transfection
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Viral Hepatitis Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Hepatitis Vaccines/immunology
- Viremia/etiology
- Virus Replication
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fiedler
- Institute of Virology, University Clinic Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, D-45122, Essen, Germany
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17
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Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus with similarities to unusual subviral pathogens of higher plants. It requires hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication/transmission, and HBV-infected humans are the only established host. HDV causes both severe acute hepatitis and rapidly progressive chronic disease in some individuals. The HDV life cycle involves remarkable features, such as ribozyme- mediated autocatalytic processes, Pol II-directed RNA synthesis from a single-stranded circular RNA template, and RNA editing. Much of our understanding of the nature of this pathogen derives from experimental studies in the chimpanzee model of HBV infection. The hepadnavirus-infected eastern woodchuck also is capable of supporting HDV replication and offers opportunities for the development of control strategies that might be applicable to human type D hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Gerin
- Division of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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18
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Huang YH, Wu JC, Tao MH, Syu WJ, Hsu SC, Chi WK, Chang FY, Lee SD. DNA-Based immunization produces Th1 immune responses to hepatitis delta virus in a mouse model. Hepatology 2000; 32:104-10. [PMID: 10869296 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2000.8348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) superinfection is one of the major causes of fulminant hepatitis in endemic areas of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Currently, there is no effective treatment or vaccine against HDV superinfection. DNA-based immunization is a promising antiviral strategy to prevent or treat persistent viral infections. In this study, we investigated the immunological effects of DNA vaccines against HDV in BALB/c mice. Plasmid (pD) encoding large hepatitis D antigen (L-HDAg), or plasmid (pS/pD) coexpressing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and L-HDAg, were injected into mice intramuscularly. The seroconversion rate, anti-HBs levels, anti-HDV titers, T-cell proliferation responses, and T-helper (Th)-release cytokine profiles were analyzed. Mice immunized with plasmids, pS/pD or pD, produced low, but significant, titers of anti-HDV antibodies. In contrast, pS/pD induced much stronger anti-HBs titers in the immunized animals. Interestingly, splenic lymphocytes derived from pS/pD-inoculated mice demonstrated significant proliferation responses to recombinant HBsAg and HDAg, and resulted in a Th1-like immune response as suggested by the production of interferon gamma (INF-gamma) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), but not IL-4. The splenic lymphocyte derived from the pD-inoculated mice showed a similar Th1 response to the stimulation of HDAg, but not to HBsAg. In conclusion, our results suggest that DNA vaccines against HDV can induce significant cellular immune responses with a Th1 preference. HBV and HDV coimmunization can be performed by DNA vaccines. These results are promising for the future development of prophylactic and therapeutic HDV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
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19
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Abstract
Infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a satellite virus of hepatitis B virus (HBV), is associated with severe and sometimes fulminant hepatitis. The traditional methods for the diagnosis of HDV infection, such as detection of serum anti-HD antibodies, are sufficient for the clinical diagnosis of delta infection. However, such techniques lack the sensitivity and specificity required to more accurately characterize the nature of HDV infection and to assess the efficacy of therapies. Recent improvements in molecular techniques, such as HDV RNA hybridization and RT-PCR, have provided increased diagnostic precision and a more thorough understanding of the natural course of HDV infection. These advances have enhanced the clinician's ability to accurately evaluate the stage of HDV infection, response to therapy, and occurrence of reinfection after orthotopic liver transplant. This review focuses on the recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of HDV and in the laboratory diagnosis of HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Modahl
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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20
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Abstract
The hepatitis D virus (HDV) relies on the helper hepatitis B virus (HBV) for the provision of its envelope, which consists of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The RNA genome of HDV is a circular rod-like structure due to its extensive intramolecular base-pairing. HDV-RNA has ribozyme activity which includes autocatalytic cleavage and self-ligation properties, essential in virus replication via the rolling circle mechanism. Replication of the RNA is thought to be effected by cellular RNA polymerase II. Hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) is the only protein encoded by HDV-RNA and its long and short forms have a regulatory role in the replication and morphogenesis of the virus. Superinfected HBV carriers who become chronically infected with HDV are at increased risk of developing cirrhosis. Attempts to treat such carriers with interferon have not been particularly successful. In recent years the epidemiology of HDV has changed primarily due to the impact of HBV vaccination in preventing an increase in the pool of susceptible individuals. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Karayiannis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St. Mary's, South Wharf Road, London W2 1NY, UK
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21
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Wu HL, Chen PJ, Mu JJ, Chi WK, Kao TL, Hwang LH, Chen DS. Assembly of hepatitis delta virus-like empty particles in yeast. Virology 1997; 236:374-81. [PMID: 9325245 DOI: 10.1006/viro.1997.8743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Large delta antigen (L-HDAg) of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and small-form hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of helper hepatitis B virus have previously been shown to be the minimum components for the assembly of HDV-like particles in mammalian cells. Extending from this finding, we coexpressed L-HDAg and small HBsAg in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to study their assembly in yeast cells. The assembly of virus particles from L-HDAg and HBsAg in yeast was demonstrated by their coexistence in the same isopycnic fractions and by the coimmunoprecipitation of L-HDAg with HBsAg using an antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs). Furthermore, after purification by affinity chromatography with anti-HBs, HDV-like particles with size and morphology similar to those derived from mammalian cells could be visualized by electron microscopy. Mice immunized with yeast-derived HDV-like particles simultaneously acquired antibodies against HBsAg and HDAg, indicating that both viral proteins are antigenic. The results indicated that S. cerevisiae could serve as a host for the assembly of HDV-like empty particles. This system may be useful in investigating cellular processes involved in HDV assembly and in producing ample amount of HDV-like particles for structural and immunological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Wu
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei
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22
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Nisini R, Paroli M, Accapezzato D, Bonino F, Rosina F, Santantonio T, Sallusto F, Amoroso A, Houghton M, Barnaba V. Human CD4+ T-cell response to hepatitis delta virus: identification of multiple epitopes and characterization of T-helper cytokine profiles. J Virol 1997; 71:2241-51. [PMID: 9032359 PMCID: PMC191332 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.71.3.2241-2251.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The T-cell-mediated immune response plays a crucial role in defense against hepatotropic viruses as well as in the pathogenesis of viral chronic hepatitides. However, very little is known about the role of specific T cells during hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in humans. In this study, the T-cell response to HDV in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with HDV superinfection was investigated at different levels. Analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in response to a recombinant form of large hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) revealed that 8 of 30 patients studied (27%) specifically responded to HDAg. By employing synthetic peptides spanning the entire HDAg sequence, we found that T-cell recognition was directed against different antigenic determinants, with patient-to-patient variation in the pattern of response to peptides. Interestingly, all responders had signs of inactive HDV-induced disease, while none of the patients with active disease and none of the control subjects showed any significant proliferation. More accurate information about the specific T-cell response was obtained at the clonal level. A panel of HDAg-specific CD4+ T-cell clones from three HDV-infected individuals and fine-specificity analysis revealed that the clones tested individually recognized four epitopes corresponding to amino acids (aa) 26 to 41, 50 to 65, 66 to 81, or 106 to 121 of HDAg sequence. The study of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction revealed that peptides 50 to 65 and 106 to 121 were presented to specific T cells in association with multiple class II molecules. In addition, peptide 26 to 41 was efficiently generated after processing of HDAg through the endogenous processing pathway. Cytokine secretion analysis showed that all the CD4+ T-cell clones assayed were able to produce high levels of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), belonging either to T helper-1 (Th1) or Th0 subsets and that some of them were cytotoxic in a specific assay. This study provides the first evidence that detection of a specific T-cell response to HDAg in the peripheral blood of individuals with hepatitis delta is related to the decrease of HDV-induced disease activity. The HDAg epitopes identified here and particularly those recognized by CD4+ T cells in association with multiple major histocompatibility complex class II molecules may be potentially exploited for the preparation of a vaccine for prophylaxis and therapy of HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Nisini
- Division of Medicine, D.A.S.R.S., Pomezia, Italy
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Lemon
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7030, USA
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