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Brüggemann Y, Klöhn M, Wedemeyer H, Steinmann E. Hepatitis E virus: from innate sensing to adaptive immune responses. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:710-725. [PMID: 39039260 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-024-00950-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. In immunocompetent individuals, the majority of HEV infections remain asymptomatic and lead to spontaneous clearance of the virus, and only a minority of individuals with infection (5-16%) experience symptoms of acute viral hepatitis. However, HEV infections can cause up to 30% mortality in pregnant women, become chronic in immunocompromised patients and cause extrahepatic manifestations. A growing body of evidence suggests that the host immune response to infection with different HEV genotypes is a critical determinant of distinct HEV infection outcomes. In this Review, we summarize key components of the innate and adaptive immune responses to HEV, including the underlying immunological mechanisms of HEV associated with acute and chronic liver failure and interactions between T cell and B cell responses. In addition, we discuss the current status of vaccines against HEV and raise outstanding questions regarding the immune responses induced by HEV and treatment of the disease, highlighting areas for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
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Antonopoulou N, Schinas G, Kotsiri Z, Tsachouridou O, Protopapas K, Petrakis V, Petrakis EC, Papageorgiou D, Tzimotoudis D, Metallidis S, Papadopoulos A, Marangos M, Barbounakis E, Kofteridis DP, Panagopoulos P, Gogos C, Vantarakis A, Akinosoglou K. Testing Hepatitis E Seroprevalence among HIV-Infected Patients in Greece: The SHIP Study. Pathogens 2024; 13:536. [PMID: 39057763 PMCID: PMC11280285 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses significant health concerns worldwide, particularly among people living with HIV (PLWHIV), due to an increased risk of chronic infection and progression to cirrhosis in individuals with low CD4 cell counts. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, chronicity potential, and risk factors of HEV infection among PLWHIV in Greece, where data are currently absent. A synchronic multicentric study encompassing five major Greek university hospitals was executed over 24 months, recruiting 696 PLWHIV participants. The prevalence of HEV IgG antibodies was 16.5%, with 8.6% showing evidence of acute HEV infection (HEV IgM). Active viral replication (HEV RNA) was present in 2.3% of the study population. Longitudinal analysis revealed that of the 25 initially anti-HEV IgM-positive individuals, only 3 seroconverted to IgG positivity, and among those with prior HEV RNA positivity (16), none showed evidence of active replication in subsequent tests. Comparative subgroup analysis highlighted the lack of significant differences in HIV-related parameters between HEV seropositive and seronegative individuals. Laboratory evaluations generally showed no significant disparities across most parameters; however, a higher seropositivity for Hepatitis A was observed in the HEV-positive subgroup. Our findings highlight a considerable prevalence of HEV among PLWHIV in Greece, with no observed cases of chronicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Antonopoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (N.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Georgios Schinas
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.S.); (D.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Zoi Kotsiri
- Department of Public Health, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (Z.K.); (D.T.); (A.V.)
| | - Olga Tsachouridou
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (O.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Konstantinos Protopapas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Vasileios Petrakis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (V.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Emmanouil C. Petrakis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (E.C.P.); (E.B.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Despoina Papageorgiou
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.S.); (D.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Dimosthenis Tzimotoudis
- Department of Public Health, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (Z.K.); (D.T.); (A.V.)
| | - Simeon Metallidis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (O.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Antonios Papadopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Markos Marangos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (N.A.); (M.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.S.); (D.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Emmanouil Barbounakis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (E.C.P.); (E.B.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Diamantis P. Kofteridis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, 71500 Heraklion, Greece; (E.C.P.); (E.B.); (D.P.K.)
| | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (V.P.); (P.P.)
| | - Charalambos Gogos
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.S.); (D.P.); (C.G.)
| | - Apostolos Vantarakis
- Department of Public Health, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (Z.K.); (D.T.); (A.V.)
| | - Karolina Akinosoglou
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (N.A.); (M.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece; (G.S.); (D.P.); (C.G.)
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Zicker M, Pinho JRR, Welter EAR, Guardia BD, da Silva PGTM, da Silveira LB, Camargo LFA. The Risk of Reinfection or Primary Hepatitis E Virus Infection at a Liver Transplant Center in Brazil: An Observational Cohort Study. Viruses 2024; 16:301. [PMID: 38400077 PMCID: PMC10893537 DOI: 10.3390/v16020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus is a major etiological agent of chronic hepatitis in immunosuppressed individuals. Seroprevalence in the liver transplantation setting varies according to the seroprevalence of the general population in different countries. This was a prospective cohort study of liver transplant recipients in southeastern Brazil. Recipients were systematically followed for one year, with the objective of determining the prevalence, incidence, and natural history of HEV infection in this population. We included 107 liver transplant recipients and 83 deceased donors. Positivity for anti-HEV IgG was detected in 10.2% of the recipients and in 9.7% of the donors. None of the patients tested positive for HEV RNA at baseline or during follow-up. There were no episodes of reactivation or seroconversion, even in cases of serological donor-recipient mismatch or in recipients with acute hepatitis. Acute and chronic HEV infections seem to be rare events in the region studied. That could be attributable to social, economic, and environmental factors. Our data indicate that, among liver transplant recipients, hepatitis E should be investigated only when there are elevated levels of transaminases with no defined cause, as part of the differential diagnosis of seronegative hepatitis after transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Zicker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
| | - João R. R. Pinho
- Research and Development Sector, Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Eliane A. R. Welter
- Research and Development Sector, Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca D. Guardia
- Liver Transplant Program, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luís F. A. Camargo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
- Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05653-120, Brazil
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Zhang J, Zheng Z, Xia N. Prophylactic Hepatitis E Vaccine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1417:227-245. [PMID: 37223870 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1304-6_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis E has been increasingly recognized as an underestimated global disease burden in recent years. Subpopulations with more serious infection associated damage or death include pregnant women, patients with basic liver diseases, and elderly persons. Vaccine would be the most effective means for prevention of HEV infection. The lack of an efficient cell culture system for HEV makes the development of classic inactive or attenuated vaccine infeasible. Hence, the recombinant vaccine approaches are explored deeply. The neutralizing sites are located almost exclusively in the capsid protein, pORF2, of the virion. Based on pORF2, many vaccine candidates showed potential of protecting primate animals, two of them were tested in human and evidenced to be well-tolerated in adults and highly efficacious in preventing hepatitis E. The world's first hepatitis E vaccine, Hecolin® (HEV 239 vaccine), was licensed in China and launched in 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Zizheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Cross-Species Transmission of Rabbit Hepatitis E Virus to Pigs and Evaluation of the Protection of a Virus-like Particle Vaccine against Rabbit Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Pigs. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10071053. [PMID: 35891218 PMCID: PMC9320745 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the cross-species transmission of rabbit hepatitis E virus (rb HEV) to pigs and evaluated the cross-protection of a swine (sw) HEV-3 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine against rb HEV infection in pigs. Twelve 4-week-old conventional pigs were divided into negative control (n = 3), positive control (rb HEV-infected, n = 4), and vaccinated (vaccinated and rb HEV-challenged, n = 5) groups. The vaccine was administered at weeks 0 and 2, and viral challenge was conducted at week 4. Serum HEV RNA, anti-HEV antibody, cytokine, and liver enzyme levels were determined. Histopathological lesions were examined in abdominal organs. Viral RNA was detected and increased anti-HEV antibody and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were observed in positive control pigs; liver fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria of the small intestine and shortened small intestine villi were also observed. In vaccinated pigs, anti-HEV antibody and Th1 cytokine level elevations were observed after the second vaccination; viral RNA was not detected, and ALT level elevations were not observed. The results verified the cross-species transmission of rb HEV to pigs and cross-protection of the sw HEV-3 VLP vaccine against rb HEV infection in pigs. This vaccine may be used for cross-protection against HEV infection in other species.
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Kupke P, Werner JM. Hepatitis E Virus Infection-Immune Responses to an Underestimated Global Threat. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092281. [PMID: 34571931 PMCID: PMC8468229 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main ubiquitous causes for developing an acute hepatitis. Moreover, chronification plays a predominant role in immunocompromised patients such as transplant recipients with more frequent severe courses. Unfortunately, besides reduction of immunosuppression and off-label use of ribavirin or pegylated interferon alfa, there is currently no specific anti-viral treatment to prevent disease progression. So far, research on involved immune mechanisms induced by HEV is limited. It is very difficult to collect clinical samples especially from the early phase of infection since this is often asymptomatic. Nevertheless, it is certain that the outcome of HEV-infected patients correlates with the strength of the proceeding immune response. Several lymphoid cells have been identified in contributing either to disease progression or achieving sustained virologic response. In particular, a sufficient immune control by both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is necessary to prevent chronic viral replication. Especially the mechanisms underlying fulminant courses are poorly understood. However, liver biopsies indicate the involvement of cytotoxic T cells in liver damage. In this review, we aimed to highlight different parts of the lymphoid immune response against HEV and point out questions that remain unanswered regarding this underestimated global threat.
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Treagus S, Wright C, Baker-Austin C, Longdon B, Lowther J. The Foodborne Transmission of Hepatitis E Virus to Humans. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2021; 13:127-145. [PMID: 33738770 PMCID: PMC8116281 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-021-09461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes over 20 million cases worldwide. HEV is an emerging and endemic pathogen within economically developed countries, chiefly resulting from infections with genotype 3 (G3) HEV. G3 HEV is known to be a zoonotic pathogen, with a broad host range. The primary source of HEV within more economically developed countries is considered to be pigs, and consumption of pork products is a significant risk factor and known transmission route for the virus to humans. However, other foods have also been implicated in the transmission of HEV to humans. This review consolidates the information available regarding transmission of HEV and looks to identify gaps where further research is required to better understand how HEV is transmitted to humans through food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Treagus
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK.
| | | | - Craig Baker-Austin
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
| | - Ben Longdon
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - James Lowther
- Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UB, UK
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Choi Y, Zhang X, Skinner B. Analysis of IgG Anti-HEV Antibody Protective Levels During Hepatitis E Virus Reinfection in Experimentally Infected Rhesus Macaques. J Infect Dis 2020; 219:916-924. [PMID: 30325442 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary spread of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurs often in endemic settings in developing countries. The host immune signatures contributing to protection against subsequent HEV reinfection are unknown. METHODS Twelve seroconverted rhesus macaques were reinoculated with homologous HEV genotype 1 (gt1, Sar-55) and followed for 115 days. HEV RNA, HEV-specific T-cell responses, IgG anti-HEV antibody, and the IgG anti-HEV avidity index were tested. RESULTS Four animals with baseline IgG anti-HEV levels from 1.5 to 13.4 World Health Organization (WHO) U/mL evidenced reinfection as determined by HEV RNA in stool, and increase in IgG anti-HEV levels between 63- and 285-fold (P = .003). Eight animals with baseline IgG anti-HEV levels from 2.8 to 90.7 WHO U/mL did not develop infection or shed virus in feces, and IgG anti-HEV antibody levels were unchanged (P = .017). The 4 reinfected animals showed a lower HEV-IgG avidity index (average 35.5%) than the 8 protected animals (average 62.1%). HEV-specific interferon-gamma-producing T cells were 2-fold higher in reinfected animals (P = .018). CONCLUSIONS Preexisting antibody and high IgG avidity index (>50%) are important factors for protection against HEV reinfection. HEV-specific T-cell responses were elevated in reinfected animals after subsequent exposure to HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youkyung Choi
- Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Centers for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB prevention
| | - Xiugen Zhang
- Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Centers for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB prevention
| | - Brianna Skinner
- Comparative Medicine Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Han SH, Park BJ, Ahn HS, Kim YH, Go HJ, Lee JB, Park SY, Song CS, Lee SW, Choi YK, Choi IS. Cross-Species Transmission of Swine Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 to Rabbits. Viruses 2020; 12:v12010053. [PMID: 31906555 PMCID: PMC7019366 DOI: 10.3390/v12010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped, positive-sense single stranded RNA virus. HEV continually expands the host ranges across animal species. In this study, the possibility of cross-species infection with swine HEV-3 was investigated using rabbits. A total of fourteen 8-week old, specific pathogen-free rabbits were divided into three experimental groups. Four rabbits were used as negative controls, four rabbits were infected with rabbit HEV as positive controls, and six rabbits were inoculated with swine HEV-3. HEV RNA were detected from serum and fecal samples after viral challenge. The levels of anti-HEV antibodies, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-α), and liver enzymes (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases) were determined in serum samples. Histopathological lesions were examined in liver tissues. Viral RNA and anti-HEV antibodies were identified in rabbits inoculated with swine HEV-3 demonstrating positive infectivity of the virus. However, pro-inflammatory cytokine and liver enzyme levels in serum were not significantly elevated, and only mild inflammatory lesions were detected in the liver tissues of rabbits infected with swine HEV-3. These results suggest that swine HEV-3 can engage in cross-species transmission to rabbits, but causes only mild inflammation of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hoon Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Byung-Joo Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Hee-Seop Ahn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Yong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Go
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Joong-Bok Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Seung-Yong Park
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Chang-Seon Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
| | - Yang-Kyu Choi
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - In-Soo Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea; (S.-H.H.); (B.-J.P.); (H.-S.A.); (Y.-H.K.); (H.-J.G.); (J.-B.L.); (S.-Y.P.); (C.-S.S.); (S.-W.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2049-6055
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Takaoka Y, Morimoto N, Miura K, Nomoto H, Watanabe S, Tsukui M, Maeda H, Goka R, Isoda N, Muroi K, Yamamoto H. A case of acute hepatitis E caused by HEV-contaminated blood transfusion in a patient with anti-HEV IgG. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2957/kanzo.61.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinari Takaoka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Naoki Morimoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Kouichi Miura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Hiroaki Nomoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Shunji Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Mamiko Tsukui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Hiroshi Maeda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Rie Goka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Norio Isoda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
| | - Kazuo Muroi
- Division of Cell Transplantation and Transfusion, Jichi Medical University Hospital
| | - Hironori Yamamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University
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Liu Z, Behloul N, Baha S, Wei W, Shi R, Meng J. Design and immunogenicity analysis of the combined vaccine against zoonotic hepatitis E and foot-and-mouth disease. Vaccine 2019; 37:6922-6930. [PMID: 31604580 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Design and immunogenicity assessment of the combined vaccine candidate against zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) and foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). METHODS Using the molecular cloning technology, we produced and purified 9 HEV ORF2-truncated proteins (HEV genotype 4). Then, we compared their thermal stability, antigenicity, and immunogenicity to select the best HEV immunogen. Next, we used the adjuvant Montanide ISA-206 to prepare different formulations of HEV vaccine alone, FMDV vaccine alone and HEV-FMDV combined vaccine. The formulations were injected into mice and the induced humoral immune responses were monitored up 12 weeks post-immunization. RESULTS The HEV p222 protein could self-assemble into VLPs (∼34 nm) and showed higher stability and better antigenicity/immunogenicity than the other HEV antigens, thus it was selected as the best HEV immunogen. Mice immunization with the FMDV vaccine alone induced high FMDV-specific antibody titers in a dose-dependent manner; the HEV p222 protein also induced high levels of anti-HEV antibodies but in a dose-independent manner. The HEV-FMDV combination induced anti-FMDV antibody titers 7-16-fold higher than the titers induced by the FMDV vaccine alone, and HEV-specific antibody titers 2.4-fold higher than those induced by the HEV p222 antigen alone. CONCLUSION Herein, we proposed a new approach for the control of zoonotic HEV infection through its control in its main host (pig). We also designed the first HEV-FMDV combined vaccine and the preliminary analyses revealed a synergistic effect on the immunogenicity of both HEV and FMDV antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nouredine Behloul
- College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Sarra Baha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjuan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruihua Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jihong Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; College of Basic Medicine, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Sayed IM, Elkhawaga AA, El-Mokhtar MA. In vivo models for studying Hepatitis E virus infection; Updates and applications. Virus Res 2019; 274:197765. [PMID: 31563457 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis globally. HEV belongs to the Hepeviridae family and at least five genotypes (gt) infect humans. Several animal species are reservoirs for different HEV strains, and they are the source of infection for humans. Some HEV strains are species specific, but other strains could cross species and infect many hosts. The study of HEV infection and pathogenesis was hampered due to the lack of an in vitro and in vivo robust model system. The cell culture system has been established for certain HEV strains, especially gt3 and 4, but gt1 strains replicate poorly in vitro. To date, animal models are the best tool for studying HEV infection. Non-human primates (NHPs) and pigs are the main animal models used for studying HEV infection, but ethical and financial concerns restrict the use of NHPs in research. Therefore, new small animal models have been developed which help more progress in HEV research. In this review, we give updates on the animal models used for studying HEV infection, focusing on the applicability of each model in studying different HEV infections, cross-species infection, virus-host interaction, evaluation of anti-HEV therapies and testing potential HEV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Amal A Elkhawaga
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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13
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Sayed IM. A comment on "Current status of hepatitis E virus infection at a rhesus monkey farm in China". Vet Microbiol 2019; 237:108379. [PMID: 31543286 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Microbiology and Immunology Department, Assiut University, Egypt.
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14
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Walker CM. Adaptive Immune Responses in Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus Infections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a033472. [PMID: 29844218 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a033472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Both hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) cause self-limited infections in humans that are preventable by vaccination. Progress in characterizing adaptive immune responses against these enteric hepatitis viruses, and how they contribute to resolution of infection or liver injury, has therefore remained largely frozen for the past two decades. How HAV and HEV infections are so effectively controlled by B- and T-cell immunity, and why they do not have the same propensity to persist as HBV and HCV infections, cannot yet be adequately explained. The objective of this review is to summarize our understanding of the relationship between patterns of virus replication, adaptive immune responses, and acute liver injury in HAV and HEV infections. Gaps in knowledge, and recent studies that challenge long-held concepts of how antibodies and T cells contribute to control and pathogenesis of HAV and HEV infections, are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43004
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15
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Choi Y, Zhang X, Skinner B. Reply to Sayed. J Infect Dis 2019; 220:1083-1084. [PMID: 31063187 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Youkyung Choi
- Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
| | - Xiugen Zhang
- Laboratory Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
| | - Brianna Skinner
- Comparative Medicine Branch, Division of Scientific Resources, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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16
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Carratalà A, Joost S. Population density and water balance influence the global occurrence of hepatitis E epidemics. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10042. [PMID: 31296895 PMCID: PMC6624372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In developing countries, the waterborne transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV), caused by HEV genotypes 1 (HEV-1) and 2 (HEV-2), leads to the onset of large recurrent outbreaks. HEV infections are of particular concern among pregnant women, due to very high mortality rates (up to 70%). Unfortunately, good understanding of the factors that trigger the occurrence of HEV epidemics is currently lacking; therefore, anticipating the onset of an outbreak is yet not possible. In order to map the geographical regions at higher risk of HEV epidemics and the conditions most favorable for the transmission of the virus, we compiled a dataset of HEV waterborne outbreaks and used it to obtain models of geographical suitability for HEV across the planet. The main three variables that best predict the geographical distribution of HEV outbreaks at global scale are population density, annual potential evapotranspiration and precipitation seasonality. At a regional scale, the temporal occurrence of HEV outbreaks in the Ganges watershed is negatively correlated with the discharge of the river (r = -0.77). Combined, our findings suggest that ultimately, population density and water balance are main parameters influencing the occurrence of HEV-1 and HEV-2 outbreaks. This study expands the current understanding of the combination of factors shaping the biogeography and seasonality of waterborne viral pathogens such as HEV-1 and HEV-2, and contributes to developing novel concepts for the prediction and control of human waterborne viruses in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carratalà
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (LCE), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Stéphane Joost
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Narayanan S, Abutaleb A, Sherman KE, Kottilil S. Clinical features and determinants of chronicity in hepatitis E virus infection. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:414-421. [PMID: 30636092 PMCID: PMC6437685 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has traditionally been associated with an acute, self-limiting hepatitis and is not known to have any chronic sequelae. HEV genotypes 1 and 2, which are human pathogens, have been associated with this self-limiting presentation, in both sporadic and epidemic settings. HEV genotype 3, which is zoonotically transmitted, is increasingly being reported as a cause of chronic infection in immunocompromised patients. These include patients with solid organ transplants, patients receiving chemotherapy for haematologic malignancies and patients infected with HIV. Chronic infection is associated with rapidly progressing liver disease and extrahepatic manifestations including neurologic disorders. We review the clinical manifestations of chronic HEV infection and discuss factors determining persistence and chronicity of HEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivakumar Narayanan
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ameer Abutaleb
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland,Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kenneth E. Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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18
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Sridhar S, Cheng VCC, Wong SC, Yip CCY, Wu S, Lo AWI, Leung KH, Mak WWN, Cai J, Li X, Chan JFW, Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Lai WM, Kwan TH, Au TWK, Lo CM, Wong SCY, Yuen KY. Donor-Derived Genotype 4 Hepatitis E Virus Infection, Hong Kong, China, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:425-433. [PMID: 30789146 PMCID: PMC6390757 DOI: 10.3201/eid2503.181563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 4 (HEV-4) is an emerging cause of acute hepatitis in China. Less is known about the clinical characteristics and natural history of HEV-4 than HEV genotype 3 infections in immunocompromised patients. We report transmission of HEV-4 from a deceased organ donor to 5 transplant recipients. The donor had been viremic but HEV IgM and IgG seronegative, and liver function test results were within reference ranges. After a mean of 52 days after transplantation, hepatitis developed in all 5 recipients; in the liver graft recipient, disease was severe and with progressive portal hypertension. Despite reduced immunosuppression, all HEV-4 infections progressed to persistent hepatitis. Four patients received ribavirin and showed evidence of response after 2 months. This study highlights the role of organ donation in HEV transmission, provides additional data on the natural history of HEV-4 infection, and points out differences between genotype 3 and 4 infections in immunocompromised patients.
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19
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Hakim MS, Ikram A, Zhou J, Wang W, Peppelenbosch MP, Pan Q. Immunity against hepatitis E virus infection: Implications for therapy and vaccine development. Rev Med Virol 2017; 28. [PMID: 29272060 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide and an emerging cause of chronic infection in immunocompromised patients. As with viral infections in general, immune responses are critical to determine the outcome of HEV infection. Accumulating studies in cell culture, animal models and patients have improved our understanding of HEV immunopathogenesis and informed the development of new antiviral therapies and effective vaccines. In this review, we discuss the recent progress on innate and adaptive immunity in HEV infection, and the implications for the devolopment of effective vaccines and immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad S Hakim
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Aqsa Ikram
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Atta-Ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Wenshi Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center and Postgraduate School Molecular Medicine, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Zhang J, Zhao Q, Xia N. Prophylactic Hepatitis E Vaccine. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 948:223-246. [PMID: 27738988 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-0942-0_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E has been increasingly recognized as an underestimated global disease burden in recent years. Subpopulations with more serious infection-associated damage or death include pregnant women, patients with basic liver diseases, and elderly persons. Vaccine would be the most effective means for prevention of HEV infection. The lack of an efficient cell culture system for HEV makes the development of classic inactive or attenuated vaccine infeasible. Hence, the recombinant vaccine approaches are explored deeply. The neutralizing sites are located almost exclusively in the capsid protein, pORF2, of the virion. Based on pORF2, many vaccine candidates showed potential of protecting primate animals; two of them were tested in human and evidenced to be well tolerated in adults and highly efficacious in preventing hepatitis E. The world's first hepatitis E vaccine, Hecolin® (HEV 239 vaccine), was licensed in China and launched in 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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21
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Zhao C, Geng Y, Huang W, Ma H, Wang Y. Valuable antibody detection method for classifying hepatitis E virus genotypes. J Med Virol 2017; 90:142-147. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenyan Zhao
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines; National Institutes for Food and Drug Control; Tiantanxili Beijing China
| | - Yansheng Geng
- Health Science Center; Hebei University; Yuhuadonglu Baoding China
| | - Weijing Huang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines; National Institutes for Food and Drug Control; Tiantanxili Beijing China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Henan Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control; Nongyenanlu Zhengzhou China
| | - Youchun Wang
- Division of HIV/AIDS and Sex-transmitted Virus Vaccines; National Institutes for Food and Drug Control; Tiantanxili Beijing China
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22
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Wilhelm B, Fazil A, Rajić A, Houde A, McEwen SA. Risk Profile of Hepatitis E Virus from Pigs or Pork in Canada. Transbound Emerg Dis 2016; 64:1694-1708. [PMID: 27718330 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.12582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The role and importance of pigs and pork as sources of zoonotic hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been debated in Canada and abroad for over 20 years. To further investigate this question, we compiled data to populate a risk profile for HEV in pigs or pork in Canada. We organized the risk profile (RP) using the headings prescribed for a foodborne microbial risk assessment and used research synthesis methods and inputs wherever possible in populating the fields of this RP. A scoping review of potential public health risks of HEV, and two Canadian field surveys sampling finisher pigs, and retail pork chops and pork livers, provided inputs to inform this RP. We calculated summary estimates of prevalence using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 3 software, employing the method of moments. Overall, we found the incidence of sporadic locally acquired hepatitis E in Canada, compiled from peer-reviewed literature or from diagnosis at the National Microbiology Laboratory to be low relative to other non-endemic countries. In contrast, we found the prevalence of detection of HEV RNA in pigs and retail pork livers, to be comparable to that reported in the USA and Europe. We drafted risk categories (high/medium/low) for acquiring clinical hepatitis E from exposure to pigs or pork in Canada and hypothesize that the proportion of the Canadian population at high risk from either exposure is relatively small.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Wilhelm
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Fazil
- Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Rajić
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Houde
- Food Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - S A McEwen
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Huang F, Li Y, Yu W, Jing S, Wang J, Long F, He Z, Yang C, Bi Y, Cao W, Liu C, Hua X, Pan Q. Excretion of infectious hepatitis E virus into milk in cows imposes high risks of zoonosis. Hepatology 2016; 64:350-9. [PMID: 27286751 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents the main cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. HEV infection in immunocompromised patients involves a high risk for the development of chronic hepatitis. Because HEV is recognized as a zoonotic pathogen, it is currently believed that swine is the primary reservoir. However, this is not sufficient to justify the strikingly high seroprevalence of HEV in both developing and Western countries. Thus, this study aimed to identify new zoonotic sources that bear a high risk of transmission to humans. We collected fecal, blood, and milk samples of cows in a typical rural region of Yunnan Province in southwest China, where mixed farming of domestic animals is a common practice. HEV RNA was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the whole genome was sequenced. HEV infectivity was assessed in rhesus macaques. We found a high prevalence of active HEV infection in cows as determined by viral RNA positivity in fecal samples. Surprisingly, we discovered that HEV is excreted into milk that is produced by infected cows. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all HEV isolates from cow/milk belong to genotype 4 and subtype 4h. Gavage with HEV-contaminated raw and even pasteurized milk resulted in active infection in rhesus macaques. Importantly, a short period of boiling, but not pasteurization, could completely inactivate HEV. CONCLUSION Infectious HEV-contaminated cow milk is recognized as a new zoonotic source that bears a high risk of transmission to humans; these results call attention to understanding and establishing proper measurement and control of HEV zoonotic transmission, particularly in the setting of mixed farming of domestic animals. (Hepatology 2016;64:350-359).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Huang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yunlong Li
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wenhai Yu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shenrong Jing
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Jue Wang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Feiyan Long
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Zhanlong He
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
| | - Chenchen Yang
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Yanhong Bi
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Wentao Cao
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Chengbo Liu
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, PR China
| | - Xiuguo Hua
- Agriculture and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, PR, China
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Gisa A, Suneetha PV, Behrendt P, Pischke S, Bremer B, Falk CS, Manns MP, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Kraft ARM. Cross-genotype-specific T-cell responses in acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:305-15. [PMID: 26852892 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is an inflammatory liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). In tropical regions, HEV is highly endemic and predominantly mediated by HEV genotypes 1 and 2 with >3 million symptomatic cases per year and around 70 000 deaths. In Europe and America, the zoonotic HEV genotypes 3 and 4 have been reported with continues increasing new infections per year. So far, little is known about T-cell responses during acute HEV genotype 3 infection. Therefore, we did a comprehensive study investigating HEV-specific T-cell responses using genotypes 3- and 1-specific overlapping peptides. Additional cytokines and chemokines were measured in the plasma. In four patients, longitudinal studies were performed. Broad functional HEV-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses were detectable in patients acutely infected with HEV genotype 3. Elevated of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels during acute HEV infection correlated with ALT levels. Memory HEV-specific T-cell responses were detectable up to >1.5 years upon infection. Importantly, cross-genotype HEV-specific T-cell responses (between genotypes 1 and 3) were measurable in all investigated patients. In conclusion, we could show for the first time HEV-specific T-cell responses during and after acute HEV genotype 3 infection. Our data of cross-genotype HEV-specific T-cell responses might suggest a potential role in cross-genotype-specific protection between HEV genotypes 1 and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gisa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - P V Suneetha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - S Pischke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,First Medical Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hannover, Germany
| | - B Bremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - C S Falk
- Institute of Transplant Immunology, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - M P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - M Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - A R M Kraft
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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25
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Marion O, Abravanel F, Lhomme S, Izopet J, Kamar N. Hepatitis E in Transplantation. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2016; 18:8. [DOI: 10.1007/s11908-016-0515-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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26
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Kyuregyan KK, Poleshchuk VF, Gordeichuk IV, Gulyaeva TV, Isaeva OV, Morozov IA, Mikhailov MI. Simulation of Viral Hepatitis E in Marmosets. Bull Exp Biol Med 2016; 160:368-71. [PMID: 26750931 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-016-3173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We developed a model of hepatitis E virus infection in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) and determined optimal route of infection, duration, clinical and virological characteristics of infection in laboratory animals. Using this model, we demonstrated that replication of hepatitis E virus primarily occurs in the liver, while virus replication presumed to take place in the intestine was not confirmed in this experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- K K Kyuregyan
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
| | - V F Poleshchuk
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - I V Gordeichuk
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Gulyaeva
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Isaeva
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - I A Morozov
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - M I Mikhailov
- M. P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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27
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[Hepatitis E virus: opinions of the Working Group of the Federal Ministry of Health Blood]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2015; 58:198-218. [PMID: 25608627 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-014-2103-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pauli G, Aepfelbacher M, Bauerfeind U, Blümel J, Burger R, Gärtner B, Gröner A, Gürtler L, Heiden M, Hildebrandt M, Jansen B, Offergeld R, Schlenkrich U, Schottstedt V, Seitz R, Strobel J, Willkommen H, Baylis SA. Hepatitis E Virus. Transfus Med Hemother 2015; 42:247-65. [PMID: 26557817 DOI: 10.1159/000431191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Andonov A, Rock G, Lin L, Borlang J, Hooper J, Grudeski E, Wu J. Serological and molecular evidence of a plausible transmission of hepatitis E virus through pooled plasma. Vox Sang 2014; 107:213-9. [PMID: 24830322 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recently, hepatitis E virus has been recognized as a new transfusion-associated risk; however, its efficiency of transmission through blood products requires further investigation. Asymptomatic viremia of short duration has been observed in blood donors from several European countries to the rate of <1:10,000 and HEV transmission in recipients of blood products has been documented in Japan and Europe. Although HEV RNA was detected in large plasma fractionation pools used for manufacturing of plasma derived products, HEV transmission has not been demonstrated so far. In this study, we investigated the possibility of HEV transmission in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura whose treatment included up to 40 l of plasma exchange. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six TTP patients received either solvent-detergent-treated plasma prepared by pooling of 2500 single-donor or cryosupernatant plasma. Three samples were collected from TTP patients at time 0, 1 and 6 months post-treatment and tested for anti-HEV antibodies. Patients with HEV seroconversion were also tested for viremia by PCR. RESULTS Two of seventeen TTP patients treated with SDP showed serological evidence of HEV infection. The 1-month samples from these patients were also positive for HEV RNA. A distinct rise of anti-HEV IgG level was detected in two other TTP patients with weak pre-existing immunity to HEV; this observation is indicative of a possible immune response boost due to a breakthrough infection. CONCLUSION This work provides, for the first time, indirect evidence of HEV transmission by pooled plasma and warrants further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Andonov
- Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Abravanel F, Lhomme S, Chapuy-Regaud S, Mansuy JM, Muscari F, Sallusto F, Rostaing L, Kamar N, Izopet J. Hepatitis E virus reinfections in solid-organ-transplant recipients can evolve into chronic infections. J Infect Dis 2014; 209:1900-6. [PMID: 24436450 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiu032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are a major cause of acute hepatitis in developing and industrialized countries. Little is known about anti-HEV immunity in solid-organ recipients. METHODS We screened 263 solid-organ recipients for anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG) at transplantation. They were followed up for 1 year and tested for HEV RNA and anti-HEV antibodies 1 year after transplantation and if their liver enzyme activities increased. RESULTS A total of 38.4% had anti-HEV IgG at transplantation. The mean concentrations (±SD) of anti-HEV IgG at transplantation (8 ± 17.5 U/mL) and 1 year later (6.4 ± 12.0 U/mL, P = .4) were similar. There were 3 de novo HEV infections during the 1-year follow-up among patients who were HEV seronegative before transplantation, giving an annual incidence of 2.1%. We also identified 3 HEV reinfections among patients who were seropositive before transplantation through detection of HEV RNA, for an annual incidence of 3.3%. Their anti-HEV IgG concentrations were 0.3, 2.1, and 6.2 World Health Organization (WHO) units/mL before transplantation. Reinfection of the patient with the lowest IgG concentration at transplantation had evolved to a chronic infection. CONCLUSIONS Low anti-HEV antibodies (<7 WHO units/mL) seemed not to protect solid-organ recipients. HEV reinfection in immunocompromised patients can lead to chronic infection, as in primary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, INSERM U1043 National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Laboratoire de virologie, Institut fédératif de biologie, Hôpital Purpan
| | - Sebastien Lhomme
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, INSERM U1043 National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Laboratoire de virologie, Institut fédératif de biologie, Hôpital Purpan
| | - Sabine Chapuy-Regaud
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, INSERM U1043 National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Laboratoire de virologie, Institut fédératif de biologie, Hôpital Purpan
| | - Jean-Michel Mansuy
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Laboratoire de virologie, Institut fédératif de biologie, Hôpital Purpan
| | - Fabrice Muscari
- Service de chirurgie viscérale et digestive, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU Toulouse, France
| | | | - Lionel Rostaing
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, INSERM U1043 Service de Néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation multi-organe
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, INSERM U1043 Service de Néphrologie, Dialyse et Transplantation multi-organe
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Centre de Physiopathologie de Toulouse Purpan, INSERM U1043 National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Laboratoire de virologie, Institut fédératif de biologie, Hôpital Purpan
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Krain LJ, Nelson KE, Labrique AB. Host immune status and response to hepatitis E virus infection. Clin Microbiol Rev 2014; 27:139-65. [PMID: 24396140 PMCID: PMC3910912 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00062-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), identified over 30 years ago, remains a serious threat to life, health, and productivity in developing countries where access to clean water is limited. Recognition that HEV also circulates as a zoonotic and food-borne pathogen in developed countries is more recent. Even without treatment, most cases of HEV-related acute viral hepatitis (with or without jaundice) resolve within 1 to 2 months. However, HEV sometimes leads to acute liver failure, chronic infection, or extrahepatic symptoms. The mechanisms of pathogenesis appear to be substantially immune mediated. This review covers the epidemiology of HEV infection worldwide, the humoral and cellular immune responses to HEV, and the persistence and protection of antibodies produced in response to both natural infection and vaccines. We focus on the contributions of altered immune states (associated with pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], and immunosuppressive agents used in cancer and transplant medicine) to the elevated risks of chronic infection (in immunosuppressed/immunocompromised patients) and acute liver failure and mortality (among pregnant women). We conclude by discussing outstanding questions about the immune response to HEV and interactions with hormones and comorbid conditions. These questions take on heightened importance now that a vaccine is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J. Krain
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenrad E. Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain B. Labrique
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Rabbit and human hepatitis E virus strains belong to a single serotype. Virus Res 2013; 176:101-6. [PMID: 23742853 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen and all four established genotypes of HEV belong to a single serotype. The recently identified rabbit HEV is antigenically and genetically related to human HEV. It is unclear whether rabbit HEV belongs to the same serotype as human HEV. The purpose of this study was to determine the serotypic relationship between rabbit and human HEVs. HEV ORF2 recombinant capsid protein p166 (amino acids 452-617) of four known HEV genotypes and rabbit HEV were used to induce immune serum, which were evaluated for their ability to neutralize human HEV genotype 1, 4, and rabbit HEV strains by an in vitro PCR-based HEV neutralization assay. Immune sera of five kinds of p166 proteins were all found to neutralize or cross-neutralize the three different HEV strains, suggesting a common neutralization epitope(s) existing between human and rabbit HEV. Rabbit models of a second-passage rabbit HEV strain, JS204-2, and a genotype 4 human HEV strain, NJ703, were established as evidenced by fecal virus shedding, viremia and anti-HEV IgG seroconversion. Six rabbits, recovered from JS204 infection, were challenged with NJ703, and another six recovered from NJ703 infection were challenged with JS204-2. After challenge, viremia was not detected, shorter fecal virus shedding durations and obvious early stage declines in anti-HEV IgG values were observed. The results from this study indicate that rabbit HEV belongs to the same serotype as human HEV.
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Zhao Q, Zhang J, Wu T, Li SW, Ng MH, Xia NS, Shih JWK. Antigenic determinants of hepatitis E virus and vaccine-induced immunogenicity and efficacy. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:159-68. [PMID: 23149436 PMCID: PMC3698418 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence for an under-recognized hepatitis E virus (HEV) as a human pathogen. Among different reasons for this neglect are the unsatisfactory performance and under-utilization of commercial HEV diagnostic kits; for instance, the number of anti-HEV IgM kits marketed in China is about one-fifth of that of hepatitis A kits. Over the last two decades, substantial progress has been achieved in furthering our knowledge on the HEV-specific immune responses, antigenic features of HEV virions, and development of serological assays and more recently prophylactic vaccines. This review will focus on presenting the evidence of the importance of HEV infection for certain cohorts such as pregnant women, the key antigenic determinants of the virus, and immunogenicity and clinical efficacy conferred by a newly developed prophylactic vaccine. Robust immunogenicity, greater than 195-fold and approximately 50-fold increase of anti-HEV IgG level in seronegative and seropositive vaccinees, respectively, as well as impressive clinical efficacy of this vaccine was demonstrated. The protection rate against the hepatitis E disease and the virus infection was shown to be 100% (95% CI 75-100) and 78% (95% CI 66-86), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjian Zhao
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Wu
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shao-Wei Li
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
| | - Mun-Hon Ng
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
| | - James Wai-Kuo Shih
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 422 Siming South Road, Xiamen, 361005 People’s Republic of China
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Assessment of the cross-protective capability of recombinant capsid proteins derived from pig, rat, and avian hepatitis E viruses (HEV) against challenge with a genotype 3 HEV in pigs. Vaccine 2012; 30:6249-55. [PMID: 22906724 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), the causative agent of hepatitis E, is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route through contaminated water supplies, although many sporadic cases of hepatitis E are transmitted zoonotically via direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated animal meats. Genotypes 3 and 4 HEV are zoonotic and infect humans and other animal species, whereas genotypes 1 and 2 HEV are restricted to humans. There exists a single serotype of HEV, although the cross-protective ability among the animal HEV strains is unknown. Thus, in this study we expressed and characterized N-terminal truncated ORF2 capsid antigens derived from swine, rat, and avian HEV strains and evaluated their cross-protective ability in a pig challenge model. Thirty, specific-pathogen-free, pigs were divided into 5 groups of 6 pigs each, and each group of pigs were vaccinated with 200 μg of swine HEV, rat HEV, or avian HEV ORF2 antigen or PBS buffer (2 groups) as positive and negative control groups. After a booster dose immunization at 2 weeks post-vaccination, the vaccinated animals all seroconverted to IgG anti-HEV. At 4 weeks post-vaccination, the animals were intravenously challenged with a genotype 3 mammalian HEV, and necropsied at 4 weeks post-challenge. Viremia, fecal virus shedding, and liver histological lesions were compared to assess the protective and cross-protective abilities of these antigens against HEV challenge in pigs. The results indicated that pigs vaccinated with truncated recombinant capsid antigens derived from three animal strains of HEV induced a strong IgG anti-HEV response in vaccinated pigs, but these antigens confer only partial cross-protection against a genotype 3 mammalian HEV. The results have important implications for the efficacy of current vaccines and for future vaccine development, especially against the novel zoonotic animal strains of HEV.
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Zhang J, Li SW, Wu T, Zhao Q, Ng MH, Xia NS. Hepatitis E virus: neutralizing sites, diagnosis, and protective immunity. Rev Med Virol 2012; 22:339-49. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health; Xiamen University; Xiamen; China
| | - Shao-Wei Li
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health; Xiamen University; Xiamen; China
| | - Ting Wu
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health; Xiamen University; Xiamen; China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health; Xiamen University; Xiamen; China
| | - Mun-Hon Ng
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health; Xiamen University; Xiamen; China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health; Xiamen University; Xiamen; China
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How Does Biodiversity Influence the Ecology of Infectious Disease? NEW FRONTIERS OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2012. [PMCID: PMC7121084 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2114-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Over the past years, biodiversity has been reduced on an unprecedented scale, while new infectious diseases are emerging at an increasing rate. Greater overall biodiversity could lead to a greater diversity of hosts and thus of pathogens. Yet disease regulation – due to the buffering role of host diversity – is considered to be one of the services provided by biodiversity. In this chapter, we ask how biodiversity is linked to infectious disease. First, we investigate the influence of the biodiversity of pathogens. We highlight that the number of pathogen species is not well known but that new findings are facilitated by the rapid expansion of molecular techniques. We show that, although there is a trend to find higher pathogen richness toward the equator, identifying a global pattern between the richness of all pathogen species and their latitudinal distribution is challenging. We emphasize that pathogen intraspecific diversity is a crucial factor in disease emergence and allows pathogens to adapt to the selective pressures they face. In addition, the selective pressure acting on hosts due to parasite, and reinforced by parasite diversity within hosts seems to be a major evolutionary and ecological force shaping hosts biodiversity. Second, we investigate how the diversity of hosts influences infectious disease ecology. For multi-host diseases, a change in host species richness or abundance can modify the dynamics of local infectious diseases by either reducing (“dilution effect”) or increasing (“amplification effect”) the risk of transmission to the targeted host species. The underlying hypothesis is that, the competence of reservoirs varies according to the host species. The dilution effect has been demonstrated mainly through theoretical work and there have been only few case studies. Regarding the genetic diversity of host, an important issue is: to what extent does a reduction of this diversity impact the ability of the host population to response to infectious diseases? Third, we rapidly examine the role of biodiversity in the treatment of infectious diseases. To conclude, we consider that the consequences of the loss of species biodiversity on infectious diseases is still largely unknown, notably due to the lack of knowledge on the dynamics of host-pathogen relationships, especially at the population and at the community level.. We highlight that work on multi-host/ ulti-pathogen systems should be fostered and that new approaches, such as metagenomic investigations that does not require a priori assumptions, are promising to describe a community of pathogens and their interactions.
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Serological diagnostics of hepatitis E virus infection. Virus Res 2011; 161:84-92. [PMID: 21704091 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of accurate diagnostic assays for the detection of serological markers of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection remains challenging. In the course of nearly 20 years after the discovery of HEV, significant progress has been made in characterizing the antigenic structure of HEV proteins, engineering highly immunoreactive diagnostic antigens, and devising efficient serological assays. However, many outstanding issues related to sensitivity and specificity of these assays in clinical and epidemiological settings remain to be resolved. Complexity of antigenic composition, viral genetic heterogeneity and varying epidemiological patterns of hepatitis E in different parts of the world present challenges to the refinement of HEV serological diagnostic assays. Development of antigens specially designed for the identification of serological markers specific to acute infection and of IgG anti-HEV specific to the convalescent phase of infection would greatly facilitate accurate identification of active, recent and past HEV infections.
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Sanford BJ, Dryman BA, Huang YW, Feagins AR, Leroith T, Meng XJ. Prior infection of pigs with a genotype 3 swine hepatitis E virus (HEV) protects against subsequent challenges with homologous and heterologous genotypes 3 and 4 human HEV. Virus Res 2011; 159:17-22. [PMID: 21536085 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important human pathogen. At least four recognized and two putative genotypes of mammalian HEV have been reported: genotypes 1 and 2 are restricted to humans whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic. The current experimental vaccines are all based on a single strain of HEV, even though multiple genotypes of HEV are co-circulating in some countries and thus an individual may be exposed to more than one genotype. Genotypes 3 and 4 swine HEV is widespread in pigs and known to infect humans. Therefore, it is important to know if prior infection with a genotype 3 swine HEV will confer protective immunity against subsequent exposure to genotypes 3 and 4 human and swine HEV. In this study, specific-pathogen-free pigs were divided into 4 groups of 6 each. Pigs in the three treatment groups were each inoculated with a genotype 3 swine HEV, and 12 weeks later, challenged with the same genotype 3 swine HEV, a genotype 3 human HEV, and a genotype 4 human HEV, respectively. The control group was inoculated and challenged with PBS buffer. Weekly sera from all pigs were tested for HEV RNA and IgG anti-HEV, and weekly fecal samples were also tested for HEV RNA. The pigs inoculated with swine HEV became infected as evidenced by fecal virus shedding and viremia, and the majority of pigs also developed IgG anti-HEV prior to challenge at 12 weeks post-inoculation. After challenge, viremia was not detected and only two pigs challenged with swine HEV had 1-week fecal virus shedding, suggesting that prior infection with a genotype 3 swine HEV prevented pigs from developing viremia and fecal virus shedding after challenges with homologous and heterologous genotypes 3 and 4 HEV. The results from this study have important implications for future development of an effective HEV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton J Sanford
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Ma H, Song X, Harrison TJ, Zhang H, Huang W, Wang Y. Hepatitis E virus ORF3 antigens derived from genotype 1 and 4 viruses are detected with varying efficiencies by an anti-HEV enzyme immunoassay. J Med Virol 2011; 83:827-32. [PMID: 21360543 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.22032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The function of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) open reading frame 3 (ORF3) protein product remains unclear but it is able to induce a strong antibody response following HEV infection. Therefore, it has been used in some enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for detecting anti-HEV antibody. In order to evaluate the difference in antigenicity of HEV ORF3 polypeptides derived from genotypes 1 and 4, two EIAs were developed, based on ORF3 polypeptides from genotypes 1 and 4 HEV. Serial weekly serum samples from two rhesus monkeys vaccinated with ORF3 antigens derived from the genotype 4 ORF3 protein and nine rhesus monkeys experimentally infected with genotypes 1 and 4 HEV were tested for anti-HEV using the assays. HEV ORF3 antigens derived from viruses of genotypes 1 and 4 showed different patterns of reactivity with sera obtained from monkeys immunized with ORF3 antigens or infected experimentally with HEV. The genotype 1 ORF3 polypeptide exhibited stronger reactivity with the sera from monkeys infected with genotype 1 than the genotype 4 ORF3 polypeptide. The genotype 4 ORF3 polypeptide demonstrated stronger reactivity with the sera from monkeys infected with genotype 4 than did the genotype 1 ORF3 polypeptide. The HEV ORF3 polypeptide contains genotype-specific antigens and the antigen-antibody reactions between the same genotypes were stronger than those between different genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Ma
- Department of Cell Biology, National Institute for Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products, Beijing, China
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Geng YS, Wang YC. Advances in immunology of hepatitis E virus infection. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2010; 18:897-901. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v18.i9.897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the cause of human hepatitis E. Hepatitis E is endemic in many developing countries, including China, and represents a major public health problem. In this article, we will review the current knowledge on humoral and cellular immune responses and mechanisms of immunologic injury in HEV infection as well as the development of HEV vaccines.
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Teo CG. Much meat, much malady: changing perceptions of the epidemiology of hepatitis E. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 16:24-32. [PMID: 20002688 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.03111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E, which is caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV), may now be considered a zoonosis as well as an anthroponosis. Pigs, boars and deer have been identified as reservoirs, and their flesh and entrails--as meat and offal--as vehicles of HEV transmission. Shellfish also act as vehicles. Dietary, gastronomic and culinary preferences influence how extensively HEV conveyed by these vehicles can be inactivated before their ingestion by the host. Another route of infection is paved by HEV that is enterically shed by humans and by live animals into the environment. Although anthroponotic transmission of HEV is primarily environmental, zoonotic transmission may proceed along both foodborne and environmental routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Teo
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Experimental infection of rabbits with rabbit and genotypes 1 and 4 hepatitis E viruses. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9160. [PMID: 20161794 PMCID: PMC2820092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent study provided evidence that farmed rabbits in China harbor a novel hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype. Although the rabbit HEV isolate had 77-79% nucleotide identity to the mammalian HEV genotypes 1 to 4, their genomic organization is very similar. Since rabbits are used widely experimentally, including as models of infection, we investigated whether they constitute an appropriate animal model for human HEV infection. METHODS Forty-two SPF rabbits were divided randomly into eleven groups and inoculated with six different isolates of rabbit HEV, two different doses of a second-passage rabbit HEV, and with genotype 1 and 4 HEV. Sera and feces were collected weekly after inoculation. HEV antigen, RNA, antibody and alanine aminotransferase in sera and HEV RNA in feces were detected. The liver samples were collected during necropsy subject to histopathological examination. FINDINGS Rabbits inoculated with rabbit HEV became infected with HEV, with viremia, fecal virus shedding and high serum levels of viral antigens, and developed hepatitis, with elevation of the liver enzyme, ALT. The severity of disease corresponded to the infectious dose (genome equivalents), with the most severe hepatic disease caused by strain GDC54-18. However, only two of nine rabbits infected with HEV genotype 4, and none infected with genotype 1, developed hepatitis although six of nine rabbits inoculated with the genotype 1 HEV and in all rabbits inoculated with the genotype 4 HEV seroconverted to be positive for anti-HEV IgG antibody by 14 weeks post-inoculation. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that rabbits are an appropriate model for rabbit HEV infection but are not likely to be useful for the study of human HEV. The rabbit HEV infection of rabbits may provide an appropriate parallel animal model to study HEV pathogenesis.
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Geng Y, Wang C, Zhao C, Yu X, Harrison TJ, Tian K, Wang Y. Serological prevalence of hepatitis E virus in domestic animals and diversity of genotype 4 hepatitis E virus in China. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2009; 10:765-70. [PMID: 20021275 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2009.0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigs have been confirmed to be reservoirs of some genotypes of hepatitis E virus (HEV), and other nonhuman species are also likely infected with the virus. To assess the prevalence of HEV infection in domestic animals in China, 3579 serum samples, including 1967 swine, 700 goat, and 912 cattle sera, were collected from 26 provinces across the country and tested for HEV antibodies and antigen using enzyme immunoassays. The results showed that 82.2% of the swine samples, but only 10.4% and 28.2% of cattle and goat sera, were anti-HEV positive respectively. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibody in animals varied from province to province, ranging from 10.9% to 100% in pigs, 0% to 48% in goats, and 0% to 92.9% in cattle. About 1.9% of pigs, 1.6% of goats, and 0.8% of cattle tested in the study were positive for HEV antigen. Some samples, including all HEV antigen-positive samples, were tested for HEV-specific RNA using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Fifteen swine samples, but none from the goats or cattle, were found to be HEV RNA positive. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses classified all the swine HEV isolates into HEV genotype 4, which was further divided into four subgroups. This study demonstrated that HEV infection is widespread in domestic animals, particularly pigs, in China. The HEV genotype infecting pigs in China was genotype 4. However, the isolates displayed considerable genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Geng
- The Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Bigaillon C, Tessé S, Lagathu G, Nicand E. Use of hepatitis E IgG avidity for diagnosis of hepatitis E infection. J Virol Methods 2009; 164:127-30. [PMID: 19961880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of acute hepatitis E infection is based on the detection of HEV RNA or specific IgM in immunocompetent patients. Viraemia and excretion of HEV RNA in faeces are not observed in all patients and commercial kits vary in their performance for anti-HEV IgM detection. Additional diagnostic tests must therefore be considered. The value of anti-HEV IgG avidity index for differentiating between acute infection and previous exposure to HEV in countries of low endemicity was investigated. 132 specimens were included, with 39 serum samples from patients with known HEV infection, studied retrospectively. IgG avidity index was high (>60%) in patients with previous infection (n=16) or polyclonal activation (n=3) but was low (<40%) in patients with acute infection (n=20). Then, 93 serum samples from patients, checking for acute hepatitis (detection of anti-HEV IgM but not of HEV RNA) were investigated. IgG avidity index was <40% in 77 of these patients, consistent with acute infection. It exceeded 60% in 15 patients, providing evidence of contact with HEV up to six months previously. One patient had an uninterpretable biological profile, with an IgG avidity index between 40% and 60%. IgG mature slowly during HEV infection, over a period of six months. IgG avidity index can therefore be used to exclude primary infection. This method should improve the diagnosis of acute hepatitis E.
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Immunogenicity and efficacy of a bacterially expressed HEV ORF3 peptide, assessed by experimental infection of primates. Arch Virol 2009; 154:1641-8. [PMID: 19763777 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-009-0496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A 12.4-kDa peptide, corresponding to the entire ORF3 protein of hepatitis E virus (HEV), derived from human HEV genotype 4 and expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with a 17.5-kDa fragment of interleukin (IL)-1beta at the N-terminus, was recognized by HEV-reactive sera. Eight monkeys were immunized with the purified peptide, and seven were used as non-immunized controls. All 15 monkeys were challenged with HEV genotype 1 or 4. All control animals developed infection and hepatitis, and all but one vaccinated monkey became infected. Nevertheless, the vaccine was effective in reducing the virus titer and shortening the duration of viremia and fecal shedding. Furthermore, the vaccine provided some protection against hepatitis (1 of 2 monkeys in the two-dose regimen and 4 of 6 in the three-dose regimen did not develop severe hepatitis) compared to the controls. These results suggest that immunization with the bacterially expressed peptide may partially prevent experimental hepatitis, and even infection, in primates, following intravenous challenge with high doses of two HEV genotypes.
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Ma H, Song X, Li Z, Harrison TJ, Zhang H, Huang W, Hao W, Kong W, Wang Y. Varying abilities of recombinant polypeptides from different regions of hepatitis E virus ORF2 and ORF3 to detect anti-HEV immunoglobulin M. J Med Virol 2009; 81:1052-61. [PMID: 19382255 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Following infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV), anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig) M is thought to develop before anti-HEV IgG and to be a better marker for differentiating between the acute and convalescent phases of infection. In order to select polypeptides for improved detection of anti-HEV IgM, six and three overlapping polypeptides from open reading frames (ORFs) 2 and 3, respectively, of HEV genotypes 1 and 4 were expressed as fusion proteins in Escherichia coli. The reactivities of the polypeptides with anti-HEV IgM were evaluated using immunoblotting and enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). The data indicated that polypeptides from the N-terminus of ORF3 and middle region of ORF2 were weakly or not reactive with anti-HEV IgM, while those from the remaining regions of ORF2 and ORF3 contained reactive epitopes. Anti-HEV IgM against the N- or C-terminus of ORF2 appeared earlier and disappeared faster than that against polypeptides from the C-terminus of ORF3, based on serum samples from rhesus monkeys infected experimentally, and from patients infected naturally, with HEV. The N- and C-terminal polypeptides from ORF2 complemented one another in detecting anti-HEV IgM and EIA sensitivity was improved significantly with a combination of these polypeptides. The reactivities of ORF2 polypeptides from genotypes 1 and 4 were similar but that of ORF3 differed with sera from monkeys infected by the two genotypes. Thus, a combination of N- and C-terminal polypeptides of ORF2 from one genotype may be effective in EIAs to detect anti-HEV IgM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Ma
- College of Life Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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Immunogenicity and protective efficacy in rhesus monkeys of a recombinant ORF2 protein from hepatitis E virus genotype 4. Arch Virol 2009; 154:481-8. [PMID: 19240977 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-009-0335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several antigens derived from hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 1 strains have shown immunogenicity and efficacy against hepatitis E in primates and humans. However, the protective effect of a vaccine derived from HEV genotype 4 has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the T1-ORF2 (56 kDa) capsid protein derived from HEV strain T1 (genotype 4) in rhesus monkeys. Two doses (40 microg) of alum-absorbed T1-ORF2 capsid protein were administered 4 weeks apart. Seroconversion occurred in all immunized monkeys 1-2 weeks after the first dose. The peak levels of anti-HEV IgG appeared at 2-3 weeks after the second dose and ranged from 5.7 to 196.0 U/ml. All monkeys showed an anamnestic antibody response to the second dose. Control monkeys immunized with saline remained negative for HEV antibodies throughout the pre-challenge period. The immunized monkeys were challenged intravenously with HEV genotypes 1 and 4. Monkeys immunized with T1-ORF2 were protected from infection and hepatitis after challenge with 5 x 10(4) genome equivalents of HEV, regardless of the genotype. After challenge with 5 x 10(5) genome equivalents of HEV genotype 4, the monkeys immunized with T1-ORF2 had a shorter period of raised alanine aminotransferase levels and a shorter duration of fecal shedding compared to control monkeys immunized with saline. In conclusion, these results suggest that, in rhesus monkeys, the T1-ORF2 capsid protein of HEV genotype 4 has similar cross-protective effects to other candidate vaccines derived from HEV genotype 1.
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