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Ming T, Yuting L, Meiling D, Shengtao C, Jihua R, Hui Z, Wanjin C, Dian L, Tingting G, Juan C, Zhenzhen Z. Chromatin binding protein HMGN1 promotes HBV cccDNA transcription and replication by regulating the phosphorylation of histone 3. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105796. [PMID: 38181856 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Direct elimination of cccDNA remains a formidable obstacle due to the persistent and stable presence of cccDNA in hepatocyte nuclei. The silencing of cccDNA transcription enduringly is one of alternative strategies in the treatment of hepatitis B. Protein binding to cccDNA plays an important role in its transcriptional regulation; thus, the identification of key factors involved in this process is of great importance. APPROACHES AND RESULTS In the present study, high mobility group nucleosome binding domain 1 (HMGN1) was screened out based on our biotin-avidin enrichment system. First, chromatin immunoprecipitation and fluorescent in situ hybridization assays confirmed the binding of HMGN1 with cccDNA in the nucleus. Second, functional experiments in HBV-infected cells showed that the promoting effect of HMGN1 on HBV transcription and replication depended on the functional region of the nucleosomal binding domain, while transfection of the HMGN1 mutant showed no influence on HBV compared with the vector. Third, further mechanistic exploration revealed that the silencing of HMGN1 increased the level of phosphorylase CLK2 and promoted H3 phosphorylation causing the reduced accessibility of cccDNA. Moreover, silenced HMGN1 was mimicked in HBV (r) cccDNA mouse model of HBV infection in vivo. The results showed that silencing HMGN1 inhibited HBV replication in vivo. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study identified that a host protein can bind to cccDNA and promote its transcription, providing a candidate strategy for anti-HBV targeting to interfere with the transcriptional activity of cccDNA microchromosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Ming
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liu Yuting
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Meiling
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Cheng Shengtao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ren Jihua
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhang Hui
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Wanjin
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Dian
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gao Tingting
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chen Juan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China; Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Zhang Zhenzhen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China.
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Cacicedo ML, Limeres MJ, Gehring S. mRNA-Based Approaches to Treating Liver Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:3328. [PMID: 36291194 PMCID: PMC9601253 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases that affect the liver account for approximately 2 million deaths worldwide each year. The increasing prevalence of these diseases and the limited efficacy of current treatments are expected to stimulate substantial growth in the global market for therapeutics that target the liver. Currently, liver transplantation is the only curative option available for many liver diseases. Gene therapy represents a valuable approach to treatment. The liver plays a central role in a myriad of essential metabolic functions, making it an attractive organ for gene therapy; hepatocytes comprise the most relevant target. To date, viral vectors constitute the preferred approach to targeting hepatocytes with genes of therapeutic interest. Alternatively, mRNA-based therapy offers a number of comparative advantages. Clinical and preclinical studies undertaken to treat inherited metabolic diseases affecting the liver, cirrhosis and fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis B, and cytomegalovirus using lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNAs that encode the therapeutic or antigenic protein of interest are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano L. Cacicedo
- Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Mainz of the Johannes-Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstr. 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Osouli-Bostanabad K, Puliga S, Serrano DR, Bucchi A, Halbert G, Lalatsa A. Microfluidic Manufacture of Lipid-Based Nanomedicines. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091940. [PMID: 36145688 PMCID: PMC9506151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticulate technologies have revolutionized drug delivery allowing for passive and active targeting, altered biodistribution, controlled drug release (temporospatial or triggered), enhanced stability, improved solubilization capacity, and a reduction in dose and adverse effects. However, their manufacture remains immature, and challenges exist on an industrial scale due to high batch-to-batch variability hindering their clinical translation. Lipid-based nanomedicines remain the most widely approved nanomedicines, and their current manufacturing methods remain discontinuous and face several problems such as high batch-to-batch variability affecting the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the product, laborious multistep processes, need for an expert workforce, and not being easily amenable to industrial scale-up involving typically a complex process control. Several techniques have emerged in recent years for nanomedicine manufacture, but a paradigm shift occurred when microfluidic strategies able to mix fluids in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometers and small volumes of liquid reagents in a highly controlled manner to form nanoparticles with tunable and reproducible structure were employed. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in the manufacturing of lipid-based nanomedicines using microfluidics with particular emphasis on the parameters that govern the control of CQAs of final nanomedicines. The impact of microfluidic environments on formation dynamics of nanomaterials, and the application of microdevices as platforms for nanomaterial screening are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Osouli-Bostanabad
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Sara Puliga
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Dolores R. Serrano
- Pharmaceutics and Food Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Universitario de Farmacia Industrial, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.R.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +44-141-548-2675 (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Bucchi
- School of Mechanical and Design Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Gavin Halbert
- CRUK Formulation Unit, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Aikaterini Lalatsa
- Biomaterials, Bio-Engineering and Nanomedicine (BioN) Lab, Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- CRUK Formulation Unit, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Robertson Wing, University of Strathclyde, 161, Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Correspondence: (D.R.S.); (A.L.); Tel.: +44-141-548-2675 (A.L.)
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Mollé LM, Smyth CH, Yuen D, Johnston APR. Nanoparticles for vaccine and gene therapy: Overcoming the barriers to nucleic acid delivery. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 14:e1809. [PMID: 36416028 PMCID: PMC9786906 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics can be used to control virtually every aspect of cell behavior and therefore have significant potential to treat genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. However, while clinically approved to treat a small number of diseases, the full potential of nucleic acid therapeutics is hampered by inefficient delivery. Nucleic acids are large, highly charged biomolecules that are sensitive to degradation and so the approaches to deliver these molecules differ significantly from traditional small molecule drugs. Current studies suggest less than 1% of the injected nucleic acid dose is delivered to the target cell in an active form. This inefficient delivery increases costs and limits their use to applications where a small amount of nucleic acid is sufficient. In this review, we focus on two of the major barriers to efficient nucleic acid delivery: (1) delivery to the target cell and (2) transport to the subcellular compartment where the nucleic acids are therapeutically active. We explore how nanoparticles can be modified with targeting ligands to increase accumulation in specific cells, and how the composition of the nanoparticle can be engineered to manipulate or disrupt cellular membranes and facilitate delivery to the optimal subcellular compartments. Finally, we highlight how with intelligent material design, nanoparticle delivery systems have been developed to deliver nucleic acids that silence aberrant genes, correct genetic mutations, and act as both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M. Mollé
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Cameron H. Smyth
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Daniel Yuen
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Angus P. R. Johnston
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Miao J, Gao P, Li Q, He K, Zhang L, Wang J, Huang L. Advances in Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Therapy: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011227. [PMID: 34681886 PMCID: PMC8538950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an infectious viral disease that is prevalent worldwide. Traditional nucleoside analogues, as well as the novel drug targets against hepatitis B virus (HBV), are associated with certain critical factors that influence the curative effect, such as biological stability and safety, effective drug delivery, and controlled release. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have significant advantages and have provided a basis for the development of anti-HBV strategies. In this review, we aim to review the advances in nanoparticle drug delivery systems for anti-hepatitis B virus therapy by summarizing the relevant literature. First, we focus on the characteristics of nanoparticle drug delivery systems for anti-HBV therapy. Second, we discuss the nanoparticle delivery systems for anti-HBV nucleoside drugs, gene-based drugs, and vaccines. Lastly, we provide an overview of the prospects for nanoparticle-based anti-HBV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Miao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Kaifeng He
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
| | - Junyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Lingfei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (L.H.)
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6
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Bartoli A, Gabrielli F, Tassi A, Cursaro C, Pinelli A, Andreone P. Treatments for HBV: A Glimpse into the Future. Viruses 2021; 13:1767. [PMID: 34578347 PMCID: PMC8473442 DOI: 10.3390/v13091767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus is responsible for most of the chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. As actual therapeutic strategies have had little success in eradicating the virus from hepatocytes, and as lifelong treatment is often required, new drugs targeting the various phases of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) lifecycle are currently under investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of potential future treatments for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bartoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Gabrielli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Tassi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Ambra Pinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Smith T, Singh P, Chmielewski KO, Bloom K, Cathomen T, Arbuthnot P, Ely A. Improved Specificity and Safety of Anti-Hepatitis B Virus TALENs Using Obligate Heterodimeric FokI Nuclease Domains. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071344. [PMID: 34372550 PMCID: PMC8310341 DOI: 10.3390/v13071344] [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: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious medical problem worldwide, with an estimated global burden of 257 million carriers. Prophylactic and therapeutic interventions, in the form of a vaccine, immunomodulators, and nucleotide and nucleoside analogs, are available. Vaccination, however, offers no therapeutic benefit to chronic sufferers and has had a limited impact on infection rates. Although immunomodulators and nucleotide and nucleoside analogs have been licensed for treatment of chronic HBV, cure rates remain low. Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) designed to bind and cleave viral DNA offer a novel therapeutic approach. Importantly, TALENs can target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) directly with the potential of permanently disabling this important viral replicative intermediate. Potential off-target cleavage by engineered nucleases leading to toxicity presents a limitation of this technology. To address this, in the context of HBV gene therapy, existing TALENs targeting the viral core and surface open reading frames were modified with second- and third-generation FokI nuclease domains. As obligate heterodimers these TALENs prevent target cleavage as a result of FokI homodimerization. Second-generation obligate heterodimeric TALENs were as effective at silencing viral gene expression as first-generation counterparts and demonstrated an improved specificity in a mouse model of HBV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Smith
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa; (T.S.); (P.S.); (K.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Prashika Singh
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa; (T.S.); (P.S.); (K.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Kay Ole Chmielewski
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg & Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.O.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa; (T.S.); (P.S.); (K.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg & Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (K.O.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa; (T.S.); (P.S.); (K.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Abdullah Ely
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa; (T.S.); (P.S.); (K.B.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-(0)11-717-2561
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Singh P, Kairuz D, Arbuthnot P, Bloom K. Silencing hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA: The potential of an epigenetic therapy approach. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:3182-3207. [PMID: 34163105 PMCID: PMC8218364 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i23.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Global prophylactic vaccination programmes have helped to curb new hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. However, it is estimated that nearly 300 million people are chronically infected and have a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. As such, HBV remains a serious health priority and the development of novel curative therapeutics is urgently needed. Chronic HBV infection has been attributed to the persistence of the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) which establishes itself as a minichromosome in the nucleus of hepatocytes. As the viral transcription intermediate, the cccDNA is responsible for producing new virions and perpetuating infection. HBV is dependent on various host factors for cccDNA formation and the minichromosome is amenable to epigenetic modifications. Two HBV proteins, X (HBx) and core (HBc) promote viral replication by modulating the cccDNA epigenome and regulating host cell responses. This includes viral and host gene expression, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, the antiviral immune response, apoptosis, and ubiquitination. Elimination of the cccDNA minichromosome would result in a sterilizing cure; however, this may be difficult to achieve. Epigenetic therapies could permanently silence the cccDNA minichromosome and promote a functional cure. This review explores the cccDNA epigenome, how host and viral factors influence transcription, and the recent epigenetic therapies and epigenome engineering approaches that have been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashika Singh
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Dylan Kairuz
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, Gauteng, South Africa
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Maepa MB, Bloom K, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. Hepatitis B virus: promising drug targets and therapeutic implications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:451-466. [PMID: 33843412 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1915990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Current therapy for infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) rarely clears the virus, and viremia commonly resurges following treatment withdrawal. To prevent serious complications of the infection, research has been aimed at identifying new viral and host targets that can be exploited to inactivate HBV replication.Areas covered: This paper reviews the use of these new molecular targets to advance anti-HBV therapy. Emphasis is on appraising data from pre-clinical and early clinical studies described in journal articles published during the past 10 years and available from PubMed.Expert opinion: The wide range of viral and host factors that can be targeted to disable HBV is impressive and improved insight into HBV molecular biology continues to provide the basis for new drug design. In addition to candidate therapies that have direct or indirect actions on HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), compounds that inhibit HBsAg secretion, viral entry, destabilize viral RNA and effect enhanced immune responses to HBV show promise. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of drug candidates, as well as investigating use of treatment combinations, are encouraging. The field is poised at an interesting stage and indications are that reliably achieving functional cure from HBV infection is a tangible goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube Betty Maepa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Thi TTH, Suys EJA, Lee JS, Nguyen DH, Park KD, Truong NP. Lipid-Based Nanoparticles in the Clinic and Clinical Trials: From Cancer Nanomedicine to COVID-19 Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:359. [PMID: 33918072 PMCID: PMC8069344 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines have been developed with unprecedented speed which would not have been possible without decades of fundamental research on delivery nanotechnology. Lipid-based nanoparticles have played a pivotal role in the successes of COVID-19 vaccines and many other nanomedicines, such as Doxil® and Onpattro®, and have therefore been considered as the frontrunner in nanoscale drug delivery systems. In this review, we aim to highlight the progress in the development of these lipid nanoparticles for various applications, ranging from cancer nanomedicines to COVID-19 vaccines. The lipid-based nanoparticles discussed in this review are liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers. We particularly focus on the innovations that have obtained regulatory approval or that are in clinical trials. We also discuss the physicochemical properties required for specific applications, highlight the differences in requirements for the delivery of different cargos, and introduce current challenges that need further development. This review serves as a useful guideline for designing new lipid nanoparticles for both preventative and therapeutic vaccines including immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thai Thanh Hoang Thi
- Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Group, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Estelle J. A. Suys
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
| | - Jung Seok Lee
- Biomedical Engineering, Malone Engineering Center 402A, Yale University, 55 Prospect St., New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
| | - Dai Hai Nguyen
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Graduate University of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 01 TL29 District 12, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Ki Dong Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 16499, Korea;
| | - Nghia P. Truong
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
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