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Xie X, Lv H, Liu C, Su X, Yu Z, Song S, Bian H, Tian M, Qin C, Qi J, Zhu Q. HBeAg mediates inflammatory functions of macrophages by TLR2 contributing to hepatic fibrosis. BMC Med 2021; 19:247. [PMID: 34649530 PMCID: PMC8518250 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We and others have confirmed activation of macrophages plays a critical role in liver injury and fibrogenesis during HBV infection. And we have also proved HBeAg can obviously induce the production of macrophage inflammatory cytokines compared with HBsAg and HBcAg. However, the receptor and functional domain of HBeAg in macrophage activation and its effects and mechanisms on hepatic fibrosis remain elusive. METHODS The potentially direct binding receptors of HBeAg were screened and verified by Co-IP assay. Meanwhile, the function domain and accessible peptides of HBeAg for macrophage activation were analyzed by prediction of surface accessible peptide, construction, and synthesis of truncated fragments. Furthermore, effects and mechanisms of the activation of hepatic stellate cells induced by HBeAg-treated macrophages were investigated by Transwell, CCK-8, Gel contraction assay, Phospho Explorer antibody microarray, and Luminex assay. Finally, the effect of HBeAg in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis was evaluated in both human and murine tissues by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and detection of liver enzymes. RESULTS Herein, we verified TLR-2 was the direct binding receptor of HBeAg. Meanwhile, C-terminal peptide (122-143 aa.) of core domain in HBeAg was critical for macrophage activation. But arginine-rich domain of HBcAg hided this function, although HBcAg and HBeAg shared the same core domain. Furthermore, HBeAg promoted the proliferation, motility, and contraction of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in a macrophage-dependent manner, but not alone. PI3K-AKT-mTOR and p38 MAPK signaling pathway were responsible for motility phenotype of HSCs, while the Smad-dependent TGF-β signaling pathway for proliferation and contraction of them. Additionally, multiple chemokines and cytokines, such as CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, and TNF-α, might be key mediators of HSC activation. Consistently, HBeAg induced transient inflammation response and promoted early fibrogenesis via TLR-2 in mice. Finally, clinical investigations suggested that the level of HBeAg is associated with inflammation and fibrosis degrees in patients infected with HBV. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg activated macrophages via the TLR-2/NF-κB signal pathway and further exacerbated hepatic fibrosis by facilitating motility, proliferation, and contraction of HSCs with the help of macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Huanran Lv
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaonan Su
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shouyang Song
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjun Bian
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Miaomiao Tian
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyong Qin
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianni Qi
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China. .,Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China. .,Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People's Republic of China. .,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830054, People's Republic of China.
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Boltjes A, Movita D, Boonstra A, Woltman AM. The role of Kupffer cells in hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections. J Hepatol 2014; 61:660-71. [PMID: 24798624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2013] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Globally, over 500 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These chronic infections cause liver inflammation, and may result in fibrosis/cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Albeit that HBV and HCV differ in various aspects, clearance, persistence, and immunopathology of either infection depends on the interplay between the innate and adaptive responses in the liver. Kupffer cells, the liver-resident macrophages, are abundantly present in the sinusoids of the liver. These cells have been shown to be crucial players to maintain homeostasis, but also contribute to pathology. However, it is important to note that especially during pathology, Kupffer cells are difficult to distinguish from infiltrating monocytes/macrophages and other myeloid cells. In this review we discuss our current understanding of Kupffer cells, and assess their role in the regulation of anti-viral immunity and disease pathogenesis during HBV and HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Boltjes
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dowty Movita
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André Boonstra
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea M Woltman
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Kupffer Cells in Health and Disease. MACROPHAGES: BIOLOGY AND ROLE IN THE PATHOLOGY OF DISEASES 2014. [PMCID: PMC7121975 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1311-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Kupffer cells (KC), the resident macrophages of the liver, represent the largest population of mononuclear phagocytes in the body. Phenotypic, developmental, and functional aspects of these cells in steady state and in different diseases are the focus of this review. Recently it has become evident that KC precursors seed the liver already early in fetal development, and the population can be maintained independently from circulating monocytes. However, inflammatory conditions allow rapid differentiation of monocytes into mature cells that are indistinguishable from genuine KC. KC are located in the lumen of sinusoids that receive blood both from the portal vein, carrying nutrients and microbial products from the gut, and from the hepatic artery. This positions KC ideally for their prime function, namely surveillance and clearance of the circulation. As such, they are important in iron recycling by phagocytosing effete erythrocytes, for instance. The immunophenotype of KC, characterized by a wide variety of endocytic receptors, is indicative of this scavenger function. In maintaining homeostasis, KC have an ambivalent response to exogenous triggers. On the one hand, their surveillance function requires alert responses to potentially hazardous substances. On the other hand, continuous exposure of the cells to the trigger-rich content of blood originating from the gut dampens their responsiveness to further stimuli. This ambivalence is also reflected in their diverse roles in disease pathogenesis. For the latter, we sketch the contribution of KC by giving examples of their role in metabolic disease, infections, and liver injury.
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Beljaars L, Weert B, Geerts A, Meijer DKF, Poelstra K. The preferential homing of a platelet derived growth factor receptor-recognizing macromolecule to fibroblast-like cells in fibrotic tissue. Biochem Pharmacol 2003; 66:1307-17. [PMID: 14505810 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-2952(03)00445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is a key factor in the induction and progression of fibrotic diseases with the activated fibroblast as its target cell. Drug targeting to the PDGF-receptor is explored as a new approach to treat this disease. Therefore, we constructed a macromolecule with affinity for the PDGF-beta receptor by modification of albumin with a small peptide that recognises this PDGF-beta receptor. The binding of the peptide-modified albumin (pPB-HSA) to the PDGF-beta receptor was confirmed in competition studies with PDGF-BB using NIH/3T3-fibroblasts and activated hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, pPB-HSA was able to reduce PDGF-BB-induced fibroblast proliferation in vitro, and proved to be devoid of proliferation-inducing activity itself. We assessed the distribution of pPB-HSA in vivo in two models of fibrosis and related the distribution of pPB-HSA to PDGF-beta receptor density. In rats with liver fibrosis (bile duct ligation model), pPB-HSA quickly accumulated in the liver in contrast to unmodified HSA (P<0.001). The major part of pPB-HSA in the fibrotic liver was localized in hepatic stellate cells. In rats with renal fibrosis (anti-Thy1.1 model), pPB-HSA also homed to the cells that expressed the PDGF-beta receptor, i.e. the mesangial cells in the glomeruli of the kidney. These results indicate that pPB-HSA may be applied as a macromolecular drug-carrier that accumulates specifically in cells expressing the PDGF-beta receptor, thus allowing a selective delivery of anti-fibrotic agents to these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Beljaars
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery, University Centre for Pharmacy, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, AV Groningen 9713, The Netherlands.
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Ivanov AI, Christodoulou J, Parkinson JA, Barnham KJ, Tucker A, Woodrow J, Sadler PJ. Cisplatin binding sites on human albumin. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:14721-30. [PMID: 9614070 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.24.14721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactions of cisplatin (cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2]) with albumin are thought to play an important role in the metabolism of this anticancer drug. They are investigated here via (i) labeling of cisplatin with 15N and use of two-dimensional 1H,15N NMR spectroscopy, (ii) comparison of natural human serum albumin with recombinant human albumin (higher homogeneity and SH content), (iii) chemical modification of Cys, Met, and His residues, (iv) reactions of bound platinum with thiourea, and (v) gel filtration chromatography. In contrast to previous reports, it is shown that the major sulfur-containing binding site involves Met and not Cys-34, and also a N ligand, in the form of an S,N macrochelate. Additional monofunctional adducts involving other Met residues and Cys-34 are also observed. During the later stages of reactions of cisplatin with albumin, release of NH3 occurs due to the strong trans influence of Met sulfur, which weakens the Pt-NH3 bonds, and protein cross-linking is observed. The consequences of these findings for the biological activity of cisplatin-albumin complexes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Ivanov
- Department of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3JJ, United Kingdom
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Wölle S, Via DP, Chan L, Cornicelli JA, Bisgaier CL. Hepatic overexpression of bovine scavenger receptor type I in transgenic mice prevents diet-induced hyperbetalipoproteinemia. J Clin Invest 1995; 96:260-72. [PMID: 7615795 PMCID: PMC185197 DOI: 10.1172/jci118030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic scavenger receptors (SR) may play a protective role by clearing modified lipoproteins before they target the artery wall. To gain insight into this hypothesized function, transgenic mice expressing hepatic bovine SR (TgSR) were created and studied when fed chow, and during diet-induced hyperlipidemia. SR overexpression resulted in extensive hepatic parenchymal cell uptake of fluorescently labeled acetylated human low density lipoprotein (DiI ac-hLDL) and a twofold increase in 125I-acetylated-LDL clearance. Food intake and cholesterol absorption was indistinguishable between control and TgSR mice. In chow-fed mice, lipoprotein cholesterol was similar in control and TgSR mice. However, on a 3-wk high fat/cholesterol (HFHC) diet, the rise in apoB containing lipoproteins was suppressed in TgSR+/- and TgSR+/+ mice. The rise in HDL was similar in control and TgSR+/- mice, but significantly elevated in the TgSR+/+ mice. Overall, on chow, the ratio of apo-B containing lipoprotein cholesterol to HDL cholesterol was similar for all groups (control = 0.33; TgSR+/- = 0.32; TgSR+/+ = 0.38). However, after 3 wk on the HFHC diet, this ratio was markedly higher in control (2.34 +/- 0.21) than in either TgSR+/- (1.00 +/- 0.24) or TgSR+/+ (1.00 +/- 0.19) mice. In TgSR+/- mice, hepatic cholesteryl esters were reduced by 59%, 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA levels were elevated twofold, and a significant increase in fecal bile acid flux was observed after the 3-wk HFHC diet. These results suggest SR may play a protective role in liver by preventing diet-induced increases in apoB containing lipoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Wölle
- Department of Atherosclerosis Therapeutics, Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research, Division of Warner Lambert Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, USA
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Yoshioka T, Yamamoto K, Kobashi H, Tomita M, Tsuji T. Receptor-mediated endocytosis of chemically modified albumins by sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells in rat and human liver. LIVER 1994; 14:129-37. [PMID: 8078392 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0676.1994.tb00061.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Human serum albumin (HSA), formaldehyde-treated HSA (FHSA), and HSA polymerized with glutaraldehyde (pHSA) were conjugated with colloidal gold (15 (15G) or 50 (50G) nm in diameter). The labeled proteins were injected into the portal veins of rats and followed by electron microscopy. Both 15G-FHSA and 15G-pHSA were taken up by sinusoidal endothelial cells (Ec) and Kupffer cells (Kc). Five minutes after injection, gold particles were observed on the surface of Ec and Kc. At 10 min, most gold particles were gathered in the coated pits and vesicles of Ec. In Kc, gold particles were observed in both coated vesicles and macropinocytotic vesicles. At 15 min, the gold particles were localized mainly in the endosomes and some lysosomes of Ec and in the large vacuoles of Kc. At 30 min, the gold particles had been gathered into the secondary lysosomes and condensed. At 60 min, some gold particles were observed in the cytoplasm of Ec. The fate of 15G-pHSA was the same as that of 15G-FHSA. Simultaneous injection of 15G-pHSA and 50G-FHSA revealed that particles of both sizes were taken up together into the coated pits and vesicles of Ec. Preperfusion of livers with unlabeled FHSA, pHSA, or formaldehyde-treated bovine serum albumin (FBSA) inhibited the uptake of 15G-FHSA or 15G-pHSA by Ec. In a human liver biopsy specimen, both 15G-FHSA and 15G-pHSA were taken up by Ec and Kc through coated vesicles, as in the rat liver.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yoshioka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, Japan
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Michalak TI, Bolger GT. Characterization of the binding sites for glutaraldehyde-polymerized albumin on purified woodchuck hepatocyte plasma membranes. Gastroenterology 1989; 96:153-66. [PMID: 2491821 DOI: 10.1016/0016-5085(89)90776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Highly purified woodchuck hepatocyte plasma membranes demonstrated tight specific binding to glutaraldehyde-polymerized serum albumin immobilized on Sepharose macrobeads. This phenomenon was characterized in detail and used for recognition of the plasma membrane constituents involved in binding of the albumin polymer. The hepatocyte membrane-polyalbumin interaction was found to be ligand-specific, saturable, and time-dependent. Other characteristics of a specific receptor-ligand interaction were also noted, including a dependence on the temperature, pH, and ionic strength of the binding medium. Kinetic studies revealed the presence of two classes of binding sites for glutaraldehyde-polymerized albumin on purified membranes. The sites mediating the saturable high-affinity binding of polymer to hepatocyte membranes could not be solubilized by Triton X-100. Binding activity of Triton-insoluble membrane residues was inhibited by heat treatment and proteolysis, and was significantly suppressed by neuroaminidase digestion. These findings suggest a glycoprotein nature for the high-affinity binding sites and indicate that the corresponding receptors apparently are tightly associated with the plasma membrane matrix. In contrast, low-affinity binding of polymeric albumin was inhibited by both Triton X-100 and pronase, was resistant to neuraminidase, and was activated by lipase, suggesting that membrane lipids are important for the binding conduct. In conclusion, these results provide clear evidence that hepatocyte plasma membranes are endowed with at least two classes of chemically distinct binding components, which are able to specifically recognize serum albumin artificially modified by glutaraldehyde treatment. Therefore, they suggest that in vivo hepatocytes may perform a specific receptor-dependent uptake of ligands expressing glutaraldehyde-polymerized albumin specificity. This phenomenon may play an important role in the proposed participation of naturally modified human serum albumin as a bridge in the attachment and penetration into host hepatocyte of hepatitis B virus, which is known to possess a receptor that is specific for glutaraldehyde-cross-linked human serum albumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Michalak
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
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