1
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Tuncel B, Kaygusuz S, Sayın Kocakap DB, Aksoy E, Azkur AK. Do CCR5 (CCR5Δ32) and TLR3 (RS5743313) gene polymorphisms prevent chronic hepatitis B infection? J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28376. [PMID: 36478230 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a significant health problem in human. HBV severity or sensitivity of patients may be based on the individual genetic factors significantly. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of CCR5 (CCR5Δ32), TLR3 (rs5743313) functional gene polymorphisms, interferon-gamma (IFN-ɣ) level in HBV infection, which are thought to play an important role in innate and acquired immunity in patients who have undergone HBV seroconversion and those who have chronic hepatitis B disease and receive treatment. One hundred patients who are became naturally immune against HBV infection (HBsAg negative, anti-HBc IgG, and anti-HBs IgG positive), and 100 patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (>6 months HBsAg positive) who are receiving oral antiviral therapy were compared for CCR5Δ32, TLR3 (rs5743313) genotypes and serum IFN-ɣ level. It was found that CCR5Δ32 polymorphism (Wt/Δ32 and Δ32/Δ32) was significantly higher in the chronic hepatitis B group (p = 0.048) but not for TLR3 gene polymorphism. However, serum IFN-ɣ level was significantly higher in the HBV seroconversion group (75 ± 89 ng/ml) than in the chronic hepatitis B group (4.35 ± 17.27 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a higher CCR5Δ32 allele frequency in patients with chronic hepatitis B might be considered as a marker of progression to chronic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burçin Tuncel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Türkiye
| | - Sedat Kaygusuz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Türkiye
| | | | - Emel Aksoy
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Kürşat Azkur
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale, Türkiye
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2
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Yang G, Wan P, Zhang Y, Tan Q, Qudus MS, Yue Z, Luo W, Zhang W, Ouyang J, Li Y, Wu J. Innate Immunity, Inflammation, and Intervention in HBV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:2275. [PMID: 36298831 PMCID: PMC9609328 DOI: 10.3390/v14102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still one of the most dangerous viral illnesses. HBV infects around 257 million individuals worldwide. Hepatitis B in many individuals ultimately develops hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The innate immunity acts as the first line of defense against HBV infection through activating antiviral genes. Along with the immune responses, pro-inflammatory cytokines are triggered to enhance the antiviral responses, but this may result in acute or chronic liver inflammation, especially when the clearance of virus is unsuccessful. To a degree, the host innate immune and inflammatory responses dominate the HBV infection and liver pathogenesis. Thus, it is crucial to figure out the signaling pathways involved in the activation of antiviral factors and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review the interplay between HBV and the signal pathways that mediates innate immune responses and inflammation. In addition, we summarize current therapeutic strategies for HBV infection via modulating innate immunity or inflammation. Characterizing the mechanisms that underlie these HBV-host interplays might provide new approaches for the cure of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Yang
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Pin Wan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qiaoru Tan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Muhammad Suhaib Qudus
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yue
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People’s Hospital, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Jianhua Ouyang
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Yongkui Li
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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3
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Abstract
The last few years have seen a resurgence of activity in the hepatitis B drug pipeline, with many compounds in various stages of development. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in therapeutics for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We will discuss the broad spectrum of direct-acting antivirals in clinical development, including capsids inhibitors, siRNA, HBsAg and polymerase inhibitors. In addition, host-targeted therapies (HTT) will be extensively reviewed, focusing on the latest progress in immunotherapeutics such as toll-like receptors and RIG-1 agonists, therapeutic vaccines and immune checkpoints modulators. A growing number of HTT in pre-clinical development directly target the key to HBV persistence, namely the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and hold great promise for HBV cure. This exciting area of HBV research will be highlighted, and molecules such as cyclophilins inhibitors, APOBEC3 deaminases and epigenetic modifiers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Phillips
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
| | - Ravi Jagatia
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
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4
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Yang S, Zeng W, Zhang J, Lu F, Chang J, Guo JT. Restoration of a functional antiviral immune response to chronic HBV infection by reducing viral antigen load: if not sufficient, is it necessary? Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1545-1554. [PMID: 34227927 PMCID: PMC8354158 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1952851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The prolonged viral antigen stimulation is the driving force for the development of immune tolerance to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The sustained reduction of viral proteins may allow for the recovery and efficient activation of HBV-specific T and B cells by immune-stimulating agents, checkpoint blockades and/or therapeutic vaccinations. Recently, several therapeutic approaches have been shown to significantly reduce intrahepatic viral proteins and/or circulating HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) with variable impacts on the host antiviral immune responses in animal models or human clinical trials. It remains to be further investigated whether reduction of viral protein expression or induction of intrahepatic viral protein degradation is more efficacious to break the immune tolerance to chronic HBV infection. It is also of great interest to know if the accelerated clearance of circulating HBsAg by antibodies has a long-term immunological impact on HBV infection and disease progression. Although it is clear that removal of antigen stimulation alone is not sufficient to induce the functional recovery of exhausted T and B cells, accumulating evidence suggests that the reduction of viral antigen load appears to facilitate the therapeutic activation of functional antiviral immunity in chronic HBV carriers. Based on a systematic review of the findings in animal models and clinical studies, the research directions toward discovery and development of more efficacious therapeutic approaches to reinvigorate HBV-specific adaptive immune function and achieve the durable control of chronic HBV infection, i.e. a functional cure, in the vast majority of treated patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Yang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanjia Zeng
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
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5
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Han M, Pandey D. ZMPSTE24 Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-enhanced Expression of Endothelial Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2021; 65:300-308. [PMID: 34003736 PMCID: PMC8485999 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2020-0544oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is implicated in the thrombotic events reported in COVID-19 patients, but underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. Circulating levels of the coagulation cascade activator PAI-1 are substantially higher in COVID-19 patients with severe respiratory dysfunction than in patients with bacterial-sepsis and ARDS. Indeed, the elevation of PAI-1 is recognized as an early marker of endothelial dysfunction. Here, we report that recombinant SARS-CoV-2-S1 stimulated robust production of PAI-1 by HPMEC. We examined the role of protein degradation in this SARS-CoV-2-S1 induction of PAI-1 and found that the proteasomal degradation inhibitor bortezomib inhibited SARS-CoV-2-S1 mediated changes in PAI-1. Our data further show that bortezomib upregulated KLF2, a shear-stress-regulated transcription factor that suppresses PAI-1 expression. Aging and metabolic disorders are known to increase the mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients. We therefore examined the role of ZMPSTE24, a metalloprotease with a demonstrated role in host defense against RNA viruses that is decreased in the elderly and in metabolic syndrome, in the induction of PAI-1 in HPMEC by SARS-CoV-2-S1. Indeed, overexpression of ZMPSTE24 blunted enhancement of PAI-1 production in spike protein-exposed HPMEC. Additionally, we found that membrane expression of the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2 was reduced by ZMPSTE24-mediated cleavage and shedding of the ACE2 ectodomain, leading to accumulation of ACE2 decoy fragments that may bind SARS-CoV-2. These data indicate that decreases in ZMPSTE24 with age and comorbidities may increase vulnerability to vascular endothelial injury by SARS-CoV-2 viruses and that enhanced production of endothelial PAI-1 might play role in prothrombotic events in COVID-19 patients. This article is open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Han
- Johns Hopkins University, 1466, Baltimore, Maryland, United States.,University of Science and Technology of China, 12652, Hefei, China
| | - Deepesh Pandey
- Johns Hopkins University, 1466, Baltimore, Maryland, United States;
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6
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Hu J, Tang L, Cheng J, Zhou T, Li Y, Chang J, Zhao Q, Guo JT. Hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid uncoating: biological consequences and regulation by cellular nucleases. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:852-864. [PMID: 33870849 PMCID: PMC8812769 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1919034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Upon infection of hepatocyte, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomic DNA in nucleocapsid is transported into the nucleus and converted into a covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA to serve as the template for transcription of viral RNAs. Viral DNA in the cytoplasmic progeny nucleocapsid is another resource to fuel cccDNA amplification. Apparently, nucleocapsid disassembly, or viral genomic DNA uncoating, is an essential step for cccDNA synthesis from both de novo infection and intracellular amplification pathways, and has a potential to activate DNA sensors and induce an innate immune response in infected hepatocytes. However, where and how the nucleocapsid disassembly occurs is not well understood. The work reported herein showed that the enhanced disassembly of progeny mature nucleocapsids in the cytoplasm supported cccDNA intracellular amplification, but failed to activate the cGAS-STING-mediated innate immune response in hepatocytes. Interestingly, while expression of a cytoplasmic exonuclease TREX1 in human hepatoma cells supporting HBV replication significantly reduced the amounts of cccDNA as well as its precursor, deproteinized relaxed circular (rc) DNA, expression of TREX1 in sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide-expressing human hepatoma cells did not inhibit cccDNA synthesis from de novo HBV infection. The results from this cytoplasmic nuclease protection assay imply that the disassembly of progeny mature nucleocapsids and removal of viral DNA polymerase covalently linked to the 5′ end of minus strand of rcDNA take place in the cytoplasm. On the contrary, the disassembly of virion-derived nucleocapsids during de novo infection may occur at a different subcellular compartment and possibly via distinct mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liudi Tang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
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7
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Lee S, Goyal A, Perelson AS, Ishida Y, Saito T, Gale M. Suppression of hepatitis B virus through therapeutic activation of RIG-I and IRF3 signaling in hepatocytes. iScience 2021; 24:101969. [PMID: 33458618 PMCID: PMC7797372 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mediates persistent infection, chronic hepatitis, and liver disease. HBV covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA is central to viral persistence such that its elimination is considered the cornerstone for HBV cure. Inefficient detection by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) in the infected hepatocyte facilitates HBV persistence via avoidance of innate immune activation and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 induction of antiviral gene expression. We evaluated a small molecule compound, F7, and 5'-triphosphate-poly-U/UC pathogen-associated-molecular-pattern (PAMP) RNA agonists of RIG-I, a PRR that signals innate immunity, for ability to suppress cccDNA. F7 and poly-U/UC PAMP treatment of HBV-infected cells induced RIG-I signaling of IRF3 activation to induce antiviral genes for suppression of cccDNA formation and accelerated decay of established cccDNA, and were additive to the actions of entecavir. Our study shows that activation of the RIG-I pathway and IRF3 to induce innate immune actions offers therapeutic benefit toward elimination of cccDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyoung Lee
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ashish Goyal
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Alan S. Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Yuji Ishida
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd., Research and Development Unit, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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8
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Megahed FAK, Zhou X, Sun P. The Interactions between HBV and the Innate Immunity of Hepatocytes. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030285. [PMID: 32151000 PMCID: PMC7150781 DOI: 10.3390/v12030285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects ~350 million people and poses a major public health problem worldwide. HBV is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Fewer than 5% of HBV-infected adults (but up to 90% of HBV-infected infants and children) develop chronic HBV infection as indicated by continued, detectable expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for at least 6 months after the initial infection. Increasing evidence indicates that HBV interacts with innate immunity signaling pathways of hepatocytes to suppress innate immunity. However, it is still not clear how HBV avoids monitoring by the innate immunity of hepatocytes and whether the innate immunity of hepatocytes can be effective against HBV if re-triggered. Moreover, a deep understanding of virus-host interactions is important in developing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HBV infection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding how HBV represses innate immune recognition, as well as recent progress with respect to in vitro models for studying HBV infection and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayed Attia Koutb Megahed
- Stem Cell Research Center, Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Department of Nucleic Acid Researches, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, General Autority-City of Scientific Researches and Technological Applications, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Stem Cell Research Center, Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (P.S.)
| | - Pingnan Sun
- Stem Cell Research Center, Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China;
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (P.S.)
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9
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Relationship Between HBsAb Response, Expression of TLR 2, 3 and 4, and Birth Season in 3 - 5-Year-Old Children. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm.91649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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10
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Zhang X, Liu B, Tang L, Su Q, Hwang N, Sehgal M, Cheng J, Ma J, Zhang X, Tan Y, Zhou Y, Duan Z, DeFilippis VR, Viswanathan U, Kulp J, Du Y, Guo JT, Chang J. Discovery and Mechanistic Study of a Novel Human-Stimulator-of-Interferon-Genes Agonist. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:1139-1149. [PMID: 31060350 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an integral ER-membrane protein that can be activated by 2'3'-cGAMP synthesized by cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) upon binding of double-stranded DNA. It activates interferon (IFN) and inflammatory cytokine responses to defend against infection by microorganisms. Pharmacologic activation of STING has been demonstrated to induce an antiviral state and boost antitumor immunity. We previously reported a cell-based high-throughput-screening assay that allowed for identification of small-molecule cGAS-STING-pathway agonists. We report herein a compound, 6-bromo-N-(naphthalen-1-yl)benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carboxamide (BNBC), that induces a proinflammatory cytokine response in a human-STING-dependent manner. Specifically, we showed that BNBC induced type I and III IFN dominant cytokine responses in primary human fibroblasts and peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). BNBC also induced cytokine response in PBMC-derived myeloid dendritic cells and promoted their maturation, suggesting that STING-agonist treatment could potentially regulate the activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. As anticipated, treatment of primary human fibroblast cells with BNBC induced an antiviral state that inhibited the infection of several kinds of flaviviruses. Taken together, our results indicate that BNBC is a human-STING agonist that not only induces innate antiviral immunity against a broad spectrum of viruses but may also stimulate the activation of adaptive immune responses, which is important for the treatment of chronic viral infections and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Xitoutiao, Fengtai, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Bowei Liu
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 7 Weiwu Road, Jinshui, Zhengzhou, Henan 450016, China
| | - Liudi Tang
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, United States
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Nicky Hwang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Mohit Sehgal
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Julia Ma
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Xuexiang Zhang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Yinfei Tan
- Genomics Facilities, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Yan Zhou
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 8 Xitoutiao, Fengtai, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Victor R. DeFilippis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 Northwest 185th Avenue, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, United States
| | - Usha Viswanathan
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - John Kulp
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Yanming Du
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
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11
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Thomas E, Baumert TF. Hepatitis B Virus-Hepatocyte Interactions and Innate Immune Responses: Experimental Models and Molecular Mechanisms. Semin Liver Dis 2019; 39:301-314. [PMID: 31266064 PMCID: PMC7377277 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1685518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of liver disease and cancer worldwide. While current therapeutic approaches can efficiently control viral infection, efficient curative antivirals are absent. The understanding of virus-hepatocyte interactions and sensing of viral infection is an important prerequisite for the development of novel antiviral therapies for cure. Hepatocyte intrinsic innate immunity provides a rapid first line of defense to combat viral infection through the upregulation of antiviral and inflammatory genes. However, the functional relevance of many of these antiviral signaling pathways in the liver and their role in HBV pathogenesis is still only partially understood. The recent identification of intracellular RNA and DNA sensing pathways and their involvement in disease biology, including viral pathogenesis and carcinogenesis, is currently transforming our understanding of virus-host interactions. Here the authors review the current knowledge on intrinsic antiviral innate immune responses including the role of viral nucleic acid sensing pathways in the liver. Since HBV has been designated as a "stealth virus," the study of the impact of HBV on signaling pathways in the hepatocyte is of significant interest to understand viral pathogenesis. Characterizing the mechanism underlying these HBV-host interactions and targeting related pathways to enhance antiviral innate responses may open new strategies to trigger noncytopathic clearance of covalently closed circular DNA to ultimately cure patients with chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Thomas
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France,Laboratory of Excellence HEPSYS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
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12
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Khan M, Imam H, Siddiqui A. Subversion of cellular autophagy during virus infection: Insights from hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. LIVER RESEARCH 2018; 2:146-156. [PMID: 31803515 PMCID: PMC6892584 DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-eating process, in which the damaged or excessed cell organelles and misfolded protein aggregates are removed from the cellular microenvironment. Autophagy is generally thought of as a pro-survival mechanism which is not only important for balancing energy supply at times of nutrient deprivation but also in the removal of various stress stimuli to ensure homeostasis. In addition to the target materials of "self" origin, autophagy can also eliminate intracellular pathogens and acts as a defense mechanism to curb infections. In addition, autophagy is linked to the host cell's innate immune response. However, viruses have evolved various strategies to manipulate and overtake host cell machinery to establish productive replication and maintain infectious process. In fact, replication of many viruses has been found to be autophagy-dependent and suppression of autophagy can potentially affect the viral replication. Thus, autophagy can either serve as an anti-viral defense mechanism or a pro-viral process that supports viral replication. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are known to co-opt cellular autophagy process as a pro-viral tool. Both viruses also induce mitophagy, which contributes to the establishment of chronic hepatitis. This review focuses on the roles of autophagy and mitophagy in the chronic liver disease pathogenesis associated with HBV and HCV infections.
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13
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The human C-type lectin 18 is a potential biomarker in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Biomed Sci 2018; 25:59. [PMID: 30055605 PMCID: PMC6064175 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common disease worldwide and is known to cause liver disease. C-type lectin 18 (CLEC18) is a novel secretory lectin highly expressed in human hepatocytes. Because the liver is the major target of HBV infection, we investigated whether the expression of CLEC18 can be used as a biomarker for HBV infection. Methods The expression level of CLEC18 in human liver chimeric mice with/without HBV infection was measured by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Baseline plasma CLEC18 levels in 271 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy and 35 healthy donors were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the relationships to other clinical data were analyzed. Results The expression of CLEC18 was down-regulated in the human liver chimeric mice after HBV infection. Plasma CLEC18 levels were lower in the patients with CHB compared to the healthy donors and positively correlated with HBV DNA and HBsAg levels (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis identified a baseline plasma CLEC18 level of 320–2000 pg/mL to be an independent predictor of HBeAg loss (hazard ratio (HR): 2.077, P = 0.0318), seroconversion (HR: 2.041, P = 0.0445) and virological response (HR: 1.850, P = 0.0184) in 101 HBeAg-positive patients with CHB undergoing NUC therapy. Conclusions Plasma CLEC18 levels were correlated with the stage of HBV infection and could predict HBeAg loss and seroconversion in the patients with CHB undergoing NUC therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12929-018-0460-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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14
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Jiang H, Cao F, Cao H, Rao Q, Yang Y. Associations of human leukocyte antigen and interleukin-18 gene polymorphisms with viral load in patients with hepatitis B infection. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e11249. [PMID: 30045250 PMCID: PMC6078658 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000011249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the associations of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and interleukin (IL)-18 gene polymorphisms with hepatitis B virus (HBV).Clinical data were retrospectively reviewed between December 2006 and December 2015 at Xiangyang Central Hospital. HBV patients were assigned to the high and low viral load groups, respectively, according to HBV copies. HLA-DRB1*03 polymorphisms and IL-18 polymorphisms were detected by sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) and PCR-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR), respectively. T cell subgroups were identified by flow cytometry, and IL-18, IL-12, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, and IL-10 expression levels were assessed by ELISA. A total of 630 subjects were included in the analysis.Compared with healthy controls, the chronic HBV group showed significantly lower IL-18 (P < .001), IL-12 (P < .001), and IFN-γ (P < .001) expression levels, and markedly increased IL-4 (P < .001) and IL-10 (P < .001) amounts. Th2 cytokine expression was high in HLA-DRB1*03 positive (+) HBV patients, with low Th1 cytokine levels. The ratios of CD4+/CD8+ and Th1/Th2 cells decreased with increasing HBV DNA levels. The chronic HBV group showed a relatively high frequency of -137G in the IL-18 gene, while IL-18 expression was low in homozygous GG genotype individuals.Polymorphisms in the HLA-DRB1*03 and IL-18 genes are associated with viral load in HBV. HLA-DRB1 and IL-18 gene polymorphisms are involved in the regulation of the Th1/Th2 balance and expression of relevant cytokines that influence immune responses in HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hong Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory
| | - Qun Rao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Affiliated to Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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15
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Lin Y, Huang X, Wu J, Liu J, Chen M, Ma Z, Zhang E, Liu Y, Huang S, Li Q, Zhang X, Hou J, Yang D, Lu M, Xu Y. Pre-Activation of Toll-Like Receptor 2 Enhances CD8 + T-Cell Responses and Accelerates Hepatitis B Virus Clearance in the Mouse Models. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1495. [PMID: 30008718 PMCID: PMC6033958 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in activation of innate immunity, which is essential for inducing effective adaptive immune responses. Our previous studies have shown that toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) is required to induce effective virus-specific T-cell responses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vivo. However, the contribution of TLR2 activation to adaptive immunity and HBV clearance remains to be clarified. In this study, we explored the hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse models for HBV infection and examined how the TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK (P3C) influences HBV control and modulates HBV-specific T-cell response if applied in vivo. We found that TLR2 activation by P3C injection leads to the rapid but transient production of serum proinflammatory factors interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α and activation of CD8+ T cells in vivo. Then, the anti-HBV effect and HBV-specific T-cell immunity were investigated by TLR2 activation in the mouse models for persistent or acute HBV infections using HBV plasmids pAAV-HBV1.2 and pSM2, respectively. Both P3C application at early stage and pre-activation promoted HBV clearance, while only TLR2 pre-activation enhanced HBV-specific T-cell response in the liver. In the mouse model for acute HBV infection, P3C application had no significant effect on HBV clearance though P3C significantly enhanced the HBV-specific T-cell response. Collectively, TLR2 pre-activation enhances HBV-specific T-cell responses and accelerates HBV clearance in HI mouse models. Thus, the modulation of host immune status by TLR2 agonists may be explored for immunotherapeutic strategies to control HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Lin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingfa Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shunmei Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Li
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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16
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Lipid rafts promote liver cancer cell proliferation and migration by up-regulation of TLR7 expression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:63856-63869. [PMID: 27588480 PMCID: PMC5325409 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in innate immune responses and TLR signaling has been associated with various chronic liver diseases. Lipid rafts provide the necessary microenvironment for certain specialized signaling events to take place, such as the innate immune recognition. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of TLR7 expression in HCC, how to recruit TLR7 into lipid rafts responded to ligands and whether targeting TLR7 might have beneficial effects. The study group was comprised of 130 human liver tissues: 23 chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 18 liver cirrhosis (LC), 68 HCC and 21 normal livers. The expression of TLR7 was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and flow cytometry. Proliferation and migration of human HepG2 cells were studied following stimulation of TLR7 using the agonist gardiquimod and inhibition with a specific antagonist 20S-protopanaxadiol (aPPD). The activation of lipid raft-associated TLR7 signaling was measured using western blotting, double immunohistochemistry and immunoprecipitation in liver tissues and HepG2 cells. TLR7 expression was up-regulated in human HCC tissues and hepatoma cell line. Proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells in vitro increased significantly in response to stimulation of TLR7. TLR7 inhibition using aPPD significantly reduced HepG2 cell migration in vitro. The lipid raft protein caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 were involved with enhanced TLR7 signaling in HCC.
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17
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Identification of Residues Controlling Restriction versus Enhancing Activities of IFITM Proteins on Entry of Human Coronaviruses. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01535-17. [PMID: 29263263 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01535-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are restriction factors that inhibit the infectious entry of many enveloped RNA viruses. However, we demonstrated previously that human IFITM2 and IFITM3 are essential host factors facilitating the entry of human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43. In a continuing effort to decipher the molecular mechanism underlying IFITM differential modulation of HCoV entry, we investigated the roles of structural motifs important for IFITM protein posttranslational modifications, intracellular trafficking, and oligomerization in modulating the entry of five HCoVs. We found that three distinct mutations in IFITM1 or IFITM3 converted the host restriction factors to enhance entry driven by the spike proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and/or Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). First, replacement of IFITM3 tyrosine 20 with either alanine or aspartic acid to mimic unphosphorylated or phosphorylated IFITM3 reduced its activity to inhibit the entry of HCoV-NL63 and -229E but enhanced the entry of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Second, replacement of IFITM3 tyrosine 99 with either alanine or aspartic acid reduced its activity to inhibit the entry of HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV but promoted the entry of MERS-CoV. Third, deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 12 amino acid residues from IFITM1 enhanced the entry of MERS-CoV and HCoV-OC43. These findings suggest that these residues and structural motifs of IFITM proteins are key determinants for modulating the entry of HCoVs, most likely through interaction with viral and/or host cellular components at the site of viral entry to modulate the fusion of viral envelope and cellular membranes.IMPORTANCE The differential effects of IFITM proteins on the entry of HCoVs that utilize divergent entry pathways and membrane fusion mechanisms even when using the same receptor make the HCoVs a valuable system for comparative investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying IFITM restriction or promotion of virus entry into host cells. Identification of three distinct mutations that converted IFITM1 or IFITM3 from inhibitors to enhancers of MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV spike protein-mediated entry revealed key structural motifs or residues determining the biological activities of IFITM proteins. These findings have thus paved the way for further identification of viral and host factors that interact with those structural motifs of IFITM proteins to differentially modulate the infectious entry of HCoVs.
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18
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Block TM, Alter H, Brown N, Brownstein A, Brosgart C, Chang KM, Chen PJ, Cohen C, El-Serag H, Feld J, Gish R, Glenn J, Greten TF, Guo JT, Hoshida Y, Kowdley KV, Li W, Lok AS, McMahon B, Mehta A, Perrillo R, Rice CM, Rinaudo J, Schinazi RF, Shetty K. Research priorities for the discovery of a cure for chronic hepatitis B: Report of a workshop. Antiviral Res 2017; 150:93-100. [PMID: 29248746 PMCID: PMC6309822 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In early 2017, the Hepatitis B Foundation invited 30 experts in the fields of hepatitis B and liver cancer research to identify projects they deemed important to the goal of finding a cure for chronic hepatitis B and D and the diseases with which these viral infections are associated. They were also asked to identify general categories of research and to prioritize sub-project topics within those areas. The experts generally agreed on broadly defined areas of research, but there was usually little difference between the highest and lowest scoring projects; for the most part, all programs described in this document were considered valuable and necessary. An executive summary of this discussion was recently published (Alter et al., Hepatology 2017). The present manuscript reports the areas of research identified by the workshop participants, provides a brief rationale for their selection, and attempts to express differences among the priorities assigned to each area of research, when such distinctions were expressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Block
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA; Baruch S Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.
| | - Harvey Alter
- Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nathaniel Brown
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA; Baruch S Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | | | - Carol Brosgart
- U. California San Francisco School of Medicine and U. California at Berkeley School of Public Health, National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, USA
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Philadelphia Veterans Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Chari Cohen
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA; Baruch S Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Robert Gish
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA; Stanford University Medical Center and Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey Glenn
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Anna S Lok
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Anand Mehta
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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19
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Liu B, Tang L, Zhang X, Ma J, Sehgal M, Cheng J, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Du Y, Kulp J, Guo JT, Chang J. A cell-based high throughput screening assay for the discovery of cGAS-STING pathway agonists. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:37-46. [PMID: 28982551 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is an endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein that serves as a molecular hub for activation of interferon and inflammatory cytokine response by multiple cellular DNA sensors. Not surprisingly, STING has been demonstrated to play an important role in host defense against microorganisms and pharmacologic activation of STING is considered as an attractive strategy to treat viral diseases and boost antitumor immunity. In light of this we established a HepAD38-derived reporter cell line that expresses firefly luciferase in response to the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING pathway for high throughput screening (HTS) of small molecular human STING agonists. This cell-based reporter assay required only 4 h treatment with a reference STING agonist to induce a robust luciferase signal and was demonstrated to have an excellent performance in HTS format. By screening 16,000 compounds, a dispiro diketopiperzine (DSDP) compound was identified to induce cytokine response in a manner dependent on the expression of functional human STING, but not mouse STING. Moreover, we showed that DSDP induced an interferon-dominant cytokine response in human skin fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which in turn potently suppressed the replication of yellow fever virus, dengue virus and Zika virus. We have thus established a robust cell-based assay system suitable for rapid discovery and mechanistic analyses of cGAS-STING pathway agonists. Identification of DSDP as a human STING agonist enriches the pipelines of STING-targeting drug development for treatment of viral infections and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowei Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA; Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Liudi Tang
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA; Artificial Liver Center, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Julia Ma
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Mohit Sehgal
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Xuexiang Zhang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - John Kulp
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA.
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA.
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20
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Guo F, Zhao Q, Sheraz M, Cheng J, Qi Y, Su Q, Cuconati A, Wei L, Du Y, Li W, Chang J, Guo JT. HBV core protein allosteric modulators differentially alter cccDNA biosynthesis from de novo infection and intracellular amplification pathways. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006658. [PMID: 28945802 PMCID: PMC5629035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein assembles viral pre-genomic (pg) RNA and DNA polymerase into nucleocapsids for reverse transcriptional DNA replication to take place. Several chemotypes of small molecules, including heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs) and sulfamoylbenzamides (SBAs), have been discovered to allosterically modulate core protein structure and consequentially alter the kinetics and pathway of core protein assembly, resulting in formation of irregularly-shaped core protein aggregates or “empty” capsids devoid of pre-genomic RNA and viral DNA polymerase. Interestingly, in addition to inhibiting nucleocapsid assembly and subsequent viral genome replication, we have now demonstrated that HAPs and SBAs differentially modulate the biosynthesis of covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA from de novo infection and intracellular amplification pathways by inducing disassembly of nucleocapsids derived from virions as well as double-stranded DNA-containing progeny nucleocapsids in the cytoplasm. Specifically, the mistimed cuing of nucleocapsid uncoating prevents cccDNA formation during de novo infection of hepatocytes, while transiently accelerating cccDNA synthesis from cytoplasmic progeny nucleocapsids. Our studies indicate that elongation of positive-stranded DNA induces structural changes of nucleocapsids, which confers ability of mature nucleocapsids to bind CpAMs and triggers its disassembly. Understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the dual effects of the core protein allosteric modulators on nucleocapsid assembly and disassembly will facilitate the discovery of novel core protein-targeting antiviral agents that can more efficiently suppress cccDNA synthesis and cure chronic hepatitis B. Persistent HBV infection relies on stable maintenance of a nuclear episomal viral genome called covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, the sole transcriptional template supporting viral replication. The currently available antiviral therapeutics fail to cure chronic HBV infection due to their failure to eradicate or inactivate cccDNA. In addition to packaging viral pregenomic (pg) RNA and DNA polymerase complex into nucleocapsids for reverse transcriptional DNA replication to take place, HBV core protein also participates in and regulates virion particle assembly, capsid uncoating and cccDNA formation. We report herein an intriguing observation that selected core protein allosteric modulators not only inhibit nucleocapsid assembly, but can also act on assembled, nucleus-bound nucleocapsids to promote their uncoating and consequentially interfere with cccDNA biosynthesis. This finding establishes molecular basis for development of novel core protein targeting antiviral agents with improved efficacy of suppressing cccDNA synthesis and curing chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Muhammad Sheraz
- Microbiology and Immunology graduate program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yonghe Qi
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Su
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrea Cuconati
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lai Wei
- Hepatology Institute, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JTG); (JC)
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JTG); (JC)
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21
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Activation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes in Hepatocytes Suppresses the Replication of Hepatitis B Virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.00771-17. [PMID: 28717041 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00771-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of interferon and proinflammatory cytokines is a hallmark of the infection of many different viruses. However, hepatitis B virus (HBV) does not elicit a detectable cytokine response in infected hepatocytes. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the innate immune evasion, a functional cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway was reconstituted in a human hepatoma cell line supporting tetracycline-inducible HBV replication. It was demonstrated that induction of HBV replication neither activated nor inhibited this cytosolic DNA sensing pathway. However, human hepatoma cells, as well as immortalized mouse hepatocytes, express low levels of STING, which upon activation by cGAMP, the natural ligand of STING, led to induction of a proinflammatory cytokine response. Treatment of immortalized mouse hepatocytes supporting HBV replication with either cGAMP or a small molecule pharmacologic STING agonist significantly reduced viral DNA in a STING- and Janus kinase 1-dependent manner. Moreover, cGAMP treatment was able to induce inflammatory cytokine gene expression and inhibit the transcription of covalently closed circular DNA in HBV-infected human hepatoma cells expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, an essential receptor for HBV infection of hepatocytes. The studies reported here and previously (F. Guo et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 59:1273-1281, 2015, https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.04321-14) thus support the notion that pharmacological activation of STING in macrophages and hepatocytes induces host innate responses that can efficiently control HBV replication. Hence, despite not playing a significant role in host innate immune response to HBV infection of hepatocytes, STING is potentially a valuable target for immunotherapy of chronic hepatitis B.
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22
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Hoan NX, Van Tong H, Giang DP, Cuong BK, Toan NL, Wedemeyer H, Bock CT, Kremsner PG, Song LH, Velavan TP. SOCS3 genetic variants and promoter hypermethylation in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Oncotarget 2017; 8:17127-17139. [PMID: 28179578 PMCID: PMC5370028 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestations of hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) include chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The contribution of negative regulator suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) promoter variants in HBV disease and SOCS3 hypermethylation in tumor tissues were investigated The SOCS3 promoter region was screened for polymorphisms in 878 HBV patients and in 272 healthy individuals. SOCS3 promoter methylation was examined by bisulfite sequencing. SOCS3 mRNA expression was quantified in 37 tumor and adjacent non-tumor liver tissue specimens. The minor allele rs12953258A was associated with increased susceptibility to HBV infection (OR=1.3, 95%CI=1.1-1.6, adjusted P=0.03). The minor allele rs111033850C and rs12953258A were observed in increased frequencies in HCC and LC patients compared to CHB patients (HCC: OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.1-2.9, adjusted P=0.046; LC: OR=1.4, 95%CI=1.1-1.9, adjusted P=0.017, respectively). HBV patients with rs111033850CC major genotype had decreased viral load (P=0.034), whereas the rs12953258AA major genotype contributed towards increased viral load (P=0.029). Tumor tissues revealed increased hypermethylation compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues (OR=5.4; 95%CI= 1.9-17.1; P=0.001). Increased SOCS3 expression was observed in HBV infested tumor tissues than non-HBV related tumor tissues (P=0.0048). SOCS3 promoter hypermethylation was associated with relatively low mRNA expression in tumor tissues (P=0.0023). In conclusion, SOCS3 promoter variants are associated with HBV susceptibility and SOCS3 hypermethylation stimulates HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dao Phuong Giang
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui Khac Cuong
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- German Center for Infection Research, Department for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - C Thomas Bock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter G Kremsner
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Song
- Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
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23
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Cao L, Zhang T, Zhu J, Li A, Zheng K, Zhang N, Su B, Xia W, Wu H, Li N, He Q. Polymorphism of TLR5 rs5744174 is associated with disease progression in Chinese patients with chronic HBV infection. APMIS 2017; 125:708-716. [PMID: 28543911 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity, protecting the host from viral pathogens. Studies have implicated that TLR5 is associated with various diseases such as autoimmune and inflammation related diseases. However, little is known about the relationship between TLR5 and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We studied the effect of TLR5 gene polymorphisms on susceptibility to and disease progression of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in Chinese. Blood samples were taken from 636 patients with CHB, HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 273 controls. Polymorphisms of TLR5 (1775A>G rs2072493 and 1846T>C rs5744174) were analyzed by PCR-based sequencing. No difference in genotypic and allelic frequencies of TLR5 rs2072493 and rs5744174 was observed between patients and controls. Significant difference was found in frequency of TLR5 rs5744174 TT genotype between men with CHB and LC (p = 0.035). Frequency of TT genotype of TLR5 rs5744174 in patients positive for HBeAg was increased from 53.2% in patients with CHB to 74.1% in those with HCC (p = 0.024). Our results indicate that in Chinese genetic variation of TLR5 may be not a determinant of susceptibility to HBV-related diseases but may play a role in development of HBV-related severe liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Cao
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Research Centre of Microbiome, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junping Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Research Centre of Microbiome, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aixin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Research Centre of Microbiome, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Research Centre of Microbiome, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiushui He
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Research Centre of Microbiome, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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24
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Yao WL, Ikeda S, Tsukamoto Y, Shindo K, Otakaki Y, Qin M, Iwasawa Y, Takeuchi F, Kaname Y, Chou YC, Chang C, Watashi K, Wakita T, Noda T, Kato H, Fujita T. Establishment of a human hepatocellular cell line capable of maintaining long-term replication of hepatitis B virus. Int Immunol 2017; 29:109-120. [PMID: 28338936 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxx012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus whose replication cycle cannot be completely reproduced using cultured cell lines. Here, we report an engineered cell line capable of supporting the complete HBV life cycle. We generated HepG2 cells over-expressing the HBV entry receptor human NTCP (sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide), and defective in RIG-I (retinoic acid-inducible gene-I)-like receptor signaling, by knocking down the IPS-1 (IFNβ-promoter stimulator-1) adaptor molecule. The resultant NtG20.i7 cells were susceptible to HBV, and its replication was detectable at 14 days post-infection and persisted for at least 35 days with a gradual increase of HBV core expression. The cells produced infectious HBV in the culture supernatant, and the addition of preS1 peptide myr47-WT, which blocks HBV entry, impaired the persistence of the infection. These findings suggest that the persistence of the infection was maintained by continuous release of infectious HBV virions and their re-infection. This system is useful for expanding our basic understanding of the HBV replication cycle and for screening of anti-HBV chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ling Yao
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Sotaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuta Tsukamoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Keiko Shindo
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yukie Otakaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mian Qin
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Iwasawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Kaname
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yu-Chi Chou
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chungming Chang
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, No.155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Tokyo University of Science, 1-3, Kagurazaka Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
- CREST, JST, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
| | - Takeshi Noda
- Laboratory of Ultrastructural Virology, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory Ultrastructural Virology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kato
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Fujita
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Yoshida-Konoecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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25
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Fulminant Hepatic Failure in a Patient with Crohn's Disease on Infliximab Possibly Related to Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Infection. Case Reports Hepatol 2016; 2016:2132056. [PMID: 27818806 PMCID: PMC5080523 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2132056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
HSV hepatitis is a rare but often fatal cause of liver failure which tends to affect immunocompromised individuals. Early treatment with Acyclovir has been shown to reduce mortality in HSV hepatitis making recognition of the condition critically important. Here, we present a case of HSV hepatitis in a young woman with Crohn's disease on Prednisone, Azathioprine, and Infliximab. We discuss the clinical presentation of HSV hepatitis as well as the possible causes of hepatitis in a patient on these medications. This case helps demonstrate the importance of early clinical suspicion for HSV in undifferentiated fulminate liver failure. It is also the first reported case of HSV hepatitis in a patient on Infliximab, raising the possibility of HSV reactivation in patients on Infliximab.
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26
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Khan M, Syed GH, Kim SJ, Siddiqui A. Hepatitis B Virus-Induced Parkin-Dependent Recruitment of Linear Ubiquitin Assembly Complex (LUBAC) to Mitochondria and Attenuation of Innate Immunity. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005693. [PMID: 27348524 PMCID: PMC4922663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppresses innate immune signaling to establish persistent infection. Although HBV is a DNA virus, its pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) can be sensed by RIG-I and activates MAVS to mediate interferon (IFN) λ synthesis. Despite of the activation of RIG-I-MAVS axis by pgRNA, the underlying mechanism explaining how HBV infection fails to induce interferon-αβ (IFN) synthesis remained uncharacterized. We demonstrate that HBV induced parkin is able to recruit the linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC) to mitochondria and abrogates IFN β synthesis. Parkin interacts with MAVS, accumulates unanchored linear polyubiquitin chains on MAVS via LUBAC, to disrupt MAVS signalosome and attenuate IRF3 activation. This study highlights the novel role of parkin in antiviral signaling which involves LUBAC being recruited to the mitochondria. These results provide avenues of investigations on the role of mitochondrial dynamics in innate immunity. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection is one of the major causes of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV infection is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. We previously showed that persistent infection of HBV requires rapid clearance of impaired mitochondria by mitophagy, a cellular quality control process that insures survival of HBV infected cells. During the process, Parkin, an RBR E3 ligase, is recruited to mitochondria to induce mitophagy. In this study, we show that the Parkin, plays a critical role in the modulation of innate immune signaling. Using HBV expressing cells, we show that the Parkin recruits linear ubiquitin assembly complex (LUBAC) to the mitochondria and subsequently inhibits downstream signaling of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Mitochondrial LUBAC then catalyzes linear ubiquitin chains on MAVS, which abrogates its downstream events such as MAVS-TRAFs interaction and abolishes IRF3 phosphorylation. The results of this study highlight the molecular details explaining how HBV can suppress interferon synthesis implicating a mitophagy-independent role of Parkin. HBV-induced mitochondrial damage serves as the platform for recruitment of Parkin and LUBAC, which together modify MAVS by ubiquitination and cripples its downstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Khan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Gulam Hussain Syed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Aleem Siddiqui
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Huan SL, Zhao JG, Wang ZL, Gao S, Wang K. Relevance of serum interleukin-33 and ST2 levels and the natural course of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:200. [PMID: 27180842 PMCID: PMC4868038 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1543-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and ST2 have been demonstrated to be associated with liver damage. However, their potential value in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the change of serum IL-33 and ST2 levels in the natural course of chronic HBV infection. Methods A total of 120 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 20 chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in immunotolerant phase and 28 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All patients with CHB were divided into four groups according to their serum ALT levels. The serum levels of IL-33 and ST2 of all participants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and compared between each two out of those six groups. Results No significant differences were found in serum levels of IL-33 and ST2 between the group of CHB with ALT 1–2 upper limit of normal and the healthy controls (P = 0.354 for IL-33 and P = 0.815 for ST2). Other than that, there were significant differences when serum levels of IL-33 and ST2 were compared between any other two out of those six groups (P < 0.05, respectively). The overall correlation analysis indicated that changes of serum IL-33 and ST2 levels were positively associated with ALT levels in patients with chronic HBV infection (rs = 0.879, P < 0.001 for IL-33 and rs = 0.923, P < 0.001 for ST2). No significant differences were found when the serum levels of ALT, IL-33 and ST2 were compared between patients with HBeAg-positive CHB and HBeAg-negative CHB. Conclusions Our study revealed that the serum levels of IL-33 and ST2 varied in different courses of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The serum levels of IL-33 and ST2 elevated as serum ALT levels increased in patients with CHB. They might indicate liver damage for patients with CHB, just like ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ling Huan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ji-Guang Zhao
- Department of clinical laboratory, Qingdao Municipal Infectious Disease Hospital, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen-Li Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Institute of Hepatology, Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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28
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Honda T. Links between Human LINE-1 Retrotransposons and Hepatitis Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Chem 2016; 4:21. [PMID: 27242996 PMCID: PMC4863659 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2016.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 80% of liver cancers, the third most frequent cause of cancer mortality. The most prevalent risk factors for HCC are infections by hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Findings suggest that hepatitis virus-related HCC might be a cancer in which LINE-1 retrotransposon, often termed L1, activity plays a potential role. Firstly, hepatitis viruses can suppress host defense factors that also control L1 mobilization. Secondly, many recent studies also have indicated that hypomethylation of L1 affects the prognosis of HCC patients. Thirdly, endogenous L1 retrotransposition was demonstrated to activate oncogenic pathways in HCC. Fourthly, several L1 chimeric transcripts with host or viral genes are found in hepatitis virus-related HCC. Such lines of evidence suggest a linkage between L1 retrotransposons and hepatitis virus-related HCC. Here, I briefly summarize current understandings of the association between hepatitis virus-related HCC and L1. Then, I discuss potential mechanisms of how hepatitis viruses drive the development of HCC via L1 retrotransposons. An increased understanding of the contribution of L1 to hepatitis virus-related HCC may provide unique insights related to the development of novel therapeutics for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Honda
- Department of Viral Oncology, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto UniversityKyoto, Japan; Division of Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of MedicineSuita, Japan
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29
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Zhang P, Liu F, Guo F, Zhao Q, Chang J, Guo JT. Characterization of novel hepadnaviral RNA species accumulated in hepatoma cells treated with viral DNA polymerase inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2016; 131:40-8. [PMID: 27083116 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of hepadnaviral DNA polymerases are predicted to inhibit both minus and plus strand of viral DNA synthesis and arrest viral DNA replication at the stage of pregenomic (pg) RNA-containing nucleocapsids. However, analyses of the RNA species of human and duck hepatitis B viruses (HBV and DHBV, respectively) in hepatoma cells treated with viral DNA polymerase inhibitors revealed the genesis of novel RNA species migrating slightly faster than the full-length pgRNA. The DNA polymerase inhibitor-induced accumulation of these RNA species were abolished in the presence of alpha-interferon or HBV nucleocapsid assembly inhibitors. Moreover, they were protected from microccocal nuclease digestion and devoid of a poly-A tail. These characteristics suggest that the novel RNA species are most likely generated from RNase H cleavage of encapsidated pgRNA, after primer translocation and synthesis of the 5' terminal portion of minus strand DNA. In support of this hypothesis, DNA polymerase inhibitor treatment of chicken hepatoma cells transfected with a DHBV genome encoding an RNase H inactive DNA polymerase (E696H) failed to produce such RNA species. Our results thus suggest that the currently available DNA polymerase inhibitors do not efficiently arrest minus strand DNA synthesis at the early stage in hepatocytes. Hence, development of novel antiviral agents that more potently suppress viral DNA synthesis or viral nucleocapsid assembly inhibitors that are mechanistically complementary to the currently available DNA polymerase inhibitors are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinghu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening & Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation & State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Fang Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA.
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30
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31
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Araujo P, Latini F, Cardoso J, Diaz RS. WITHDRAWN: T-cell responses to the hepatitis B core antigen identified occult hepatitis B infection genotype F with HBV DNA fluctuation between undetectable and high viral loads. IDCases 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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32
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Rauff B, Douglas MW. Role of fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in HCV-induced fibrosis. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HCV is one of the main causative agents of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver inflammation resulting from HCV infection triggers fibrosis. In HCV-related fibrosis, differentiated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) known as myofibroblasts participate in the fibrogenic and inflammatory response. TGF-β1 and CTGF, released from these HSCs, have been implicated as master cytokines mediating HCV induced hepatic fibrosis. PDGF is another potent mitogen, which facilitates the progression of liver fibrosis by enhancing the proliferation and migration of HSCs. In addition to these major cytokines, the release of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1b and IL-10 by immune cells also promotes the effect of HCV induced fibrosis. Targeting these cytokines may offer the potential for treatments to prevent or cure fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisma Rauff
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
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33
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Chronic Hepatitis B with Spontaneous Severe Acute Exacerbation. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28126-45. [PMID: 26703566 PMCID: PMC4691034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem with an estimated 400 million HBV carriers worldwide. In the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), spontaneous acute exacerbation (AE) is not uncommon, with a cumulative incidence of 10%–30% every year. While exacerbations can be mild, some patients may develop hepatic decompensation and even die. The underlying pathogenesis is possibly related to the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated immune response against HBV. An upsurge of serum HBV DNA usually precedes the rise of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and bilirubin. Whether antiviral treatment can benefit CHB with severe AE remains controversial, but early nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment seemed to be associated with an improved outcome. There has been no randomized study that compared the effects of different nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in the setting of CHB with severe AE. However, potent NAs with good resistance profiles are recommended. In this review, we summarized current knowledge regarding the natural history, pathogenetic mechanisms, and therapeutic options of CHB with severe AE.
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34
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Zhang E, Kosinska A, Lu M, Yan H, Roggendorf M. Current status of immunomodulatory therapy in chronic hepatitis B, fifty years after discovery of the virus: Search for the "magic bullet" to kill cccDNA. Antiviral Res 2015; 123:193-203. [PMID: 26476376 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is currently treated with IFN-α and nucleos(t)ide analogues, which have many clinical benefits, but there is no ultimate cure. The major problem consists in the persistence of cccDNA in infected hepatocytes. Because no antiviral drug has been evaluated which significantly reduces copies of cccDNA, cytolytic and noncytolytic approaches are needed. Effective virus-specific T- and B-cell responses remain crucial in eliminating cccDNA-carrying hepatocytes and for the long-term control of HBV infection. Reduction of viremia by antiviral drugs provides a window for reconstitution of an HBV-specific immune response. Preclinical studies in mice and woodchucks have shown that immunostimulatory strategies, such as prime-boost vaccination and PD-1 blockade, can boost a weak virus-specific T cell response and lead to effective control of HBV infection. Based on data obtained in our preclinical studies, the combination of antiviral drugs and immunomodulators may control HBV viremia during a patient's drug-off period. In this article, we review current immune-modulatory approaches for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and the elimination of cccDNA in preclinical models. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "An unfinished story: from the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Ejuan Zhang
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Anna Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Huimin Yan
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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35
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Viral DNA-Dependent Induction of Innate Immune Response to Hepatitis B Virus in Immortalized Mouse Hepatocytes. J Virol 2015; 90:486-96. [PMID: 26491170 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01263-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and causes acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV is an enveloped virus with a relaxed circular (RC) DNA genome. In the nuclei of infected human hepatocytes, conversion of RC DNA from the incoming virion or cytoplasmic mature nucleocapsid (NC) to the covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA, which serves as the template for producing all viral transcripts, is essential to establish and sustain viral replication. A prerequisite for CCC DNA formation is the uncoating (disassembly) of NCs to expose their RC DNA content for conversion to CCC DNA. We report here that in an immortalized mouse hepatocyte cell line, AML12HBV10, in which RC DNA exposure is enhanced, the exposed viral DNA could trigger an innate immune response that was able to modulate viral gene expression and replication. When viral gene expression and replication were low, the innate response initially stimulated these processes but subsequently acted to shut off viral gene expression and replication after they reached peak levels. Inhibition of viral DNA synthesis or cellular DNA sensing and innate immune signaling diminished the innate response. These results indicate that HBV DNA, when exposed in the host cell cytoplasm, can function to trigger an innate immune response that, in turn, modulates viral gene expression and replication. IMPORTANCE Chronic infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) afflicts hundreds of millions worldwide and is sustained by the episomal covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. Release of viral genomic DNA from cytoplasmic nucleocapsids (NCs) (NC disassembly or uncoating) is a prerequisite for its conversion to CCC DNA, which can also potentially expose the viral DNA to host DNA sensors and trigger an innate immune response. We have found that in an immortalized mouse hepatocyte cell line in which efficient CCC DNA formation was associated with enhanced exposure of nucleocapsid-associated DNA, the exposed viral DNA indeed triggered host cytoplasmic DNA sensing and an innate immune response that was able to modulate HBV gene expression and replication. Thus, HBV can, under select conditions, be recognized by the host innate immune response through exposed viral DNA, which may be exploited therapeutically to clear viral persistence.
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Chang J, Guo JT. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with pattern recognition receptor agonists: Current status and potential for a cure. Antiviral Res 2015. [PMID: 26205674 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been considered to be a "stealth virus" that induces negligible innate immune responses during the early phase of infection. However, recent studies with newly developed experimental systems have revealed that virus infection can be recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRR), eliciting a cytokine response that controls the replication of the virus. The molecular mechanisms by which interferons and other inflammatory cytokines suppress HBV replication and modulate HBV cccDNA metabolism and function are just beginning to be revealed. In agreement with the notion that the developmental and functional status of intrahepatic innate immunity determines the activation and maturation of the HBV-specific adaptive immune response and thus the outcome of HBV infection, pharmacological activation of intrahepatic innate immune responses with TLR7/8/9 or STING agonists efficiently controls HBV infection in preclinical studies and thus holds great promise for the cure of chronic hepatitis B. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "An unfinished story: from the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis B."
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Chang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Hepatitis B Foundation, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
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Chen J, Wu M, Liu K, Zhang W, Li Y, Zhou X, Bai L, Yuan Z. New insights into hepatitis B virus biology and implications for novel antiviral strategies. Natl Sci Rev 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwv044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a small DNA virus with a unique replication mode, can cause chronic hepatitis (CHB), which is characterized by the persistence of the viral covalently closed circular DNA that serves as the template for HBV replication and the production of large amounts of secreted HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) that is present in excess of the levels of infectious virus. Despite the success of currently approved antiviral treatments for CHB patients, including interferon and nucleotide analogs, which suppress HBV replication and reduce the risk of CHB-related liver diseases, these therapies fail to eradicate the virus in most of the patients. With the development of the cell and animal models for HBV study, a better understanding of the HBV life cycle has been achieved and a series of novel antiviral strategies that target different stages of HBV replication have been designed to overcome the viral factors that contribute to HBV persistence. Such basic HBV research advancements and therapeutic developments are the subject of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Min Wu
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Kuancheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institutes of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Yaming Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, and Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Institutes of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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The Interferon-Inducible Protein Tetherin Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Virion Secretion. J Virol 2015; 89:9200-12. [PMID: 26109732 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00933-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is an approved medication for chronic hepatitis B therapy. Besides acting as an immunomodulator, IFN-α elicits a pleiotropic antiviral state in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected hepatocytes, but whether or not IFN-α impedes the late steps of the HBV life cycle, such as HBV secretion, remains elusive. Here we report that IFN-α treatment of HepAD38 cells with established HBV replication selectively reduced HBV virion release without altering intracellular viral replication or the secretion of HBV subviral particles and nonenveloped capsids. In search of the interferon-stimulated gene(s) that is responsible for the reduction of HBV virion release, we found that tetherin, a broad-spectrum antiviral transmembrane protein that inhibits the egress of a variety of enveloped viruses, was highly induced by IFN-α in HepAD38 cells and in primary human hepatocytes. We further demonstrated that the expression of full-length tetherin, but not the C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor-truncated form, inhibited HBV virion egress from HepAD38 cells. In addition, GPI anchor-truncated tetherin exhibited a dominant-negative effect and was incorporated into the liberated virions. We also found colocalization of tetherin and HBV L protein at the intracellular multivesicular body, where the budding of HBV virions takes place. In line with this, electron microscopy demonstrated that HBV virions were tethered in the lumen of the cisterna membrane under tetherin expression. Finally, knockdown of tetherin or overexpression of dominant negative tetherin attenuated the IFN-α-mediated reduction of HBV virion release. Taken together, our study suggests that IFN-α inhibits HBV virion egress from hepatocytes through the induction of tetherin. IMPORTANCE Tetherin is a host restriction factor that blocks the egress of a variety of enveloped viruses through tethering the budding virions on the cell surface with its membrane anchor domains. Here we report that interferon directly and selectively inhibits the secretion of HBV virions, but not subviral particles or nonenveloped capsids, through the induction of tetherin in hepatocyte-derived cells. The antiviral function of tetherin requires the carboxyl-terminal GPI anchor, while the GPI anchor deletion mutant exhibits dominant negative activity and attaches to liberated HBV virions. Consistent with the fact that HBV is an intracellular budding virus, microscopy analyses demonstrated that the tethering of HBV virions occurs in the intracellular cisterna and that tetherin colocalizes with HBV virions on the multivesicular body, which is the HBV virion budding site. Our study not only expands the antiviral spectrum of tetherin but also sheds light on the mechanisms of interferon-elicited anti-HBV responses.
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Block TM, Rawat S, Brosgart CL. Chronic hepatitis B: A wave of new therapies on the horizon. Antiviral Res 2015; 121:69-81. [PMID: 26112647 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Australia antigen (Blumberg et al., 1965), which in 1967 was identified to be the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen. Even though several antiviral medications have been in use for the management of chronic HBV infection for more than 20years, sustained clearance of HBsAg, similar to the sustained viral response (SVR) or cure in chronic hepatitis C, occurs in only a minority of treated patients. Moreover, even after 10years of effective suppression of HBV viremia with current therapy, there is only a 40-70% reduction in deaths from liver cancer. Recent success in developing antivirals for hepatitis C that are effective across all genotypes has renewed interest in a similar cure for chronic HBV infection. In this article, we review a wave of newly identified drug targets, investigational compounds and experimental strategies that are now under clinical evaluation or in preclinical development. The paper forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "An unfinished story: From the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis B."
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| | - Siddhartha Rawat
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Carol L Brosgart
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, USA
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40
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Gogoi D, Borkakoty B, Biswas D, Mahanta J. Activation and Exhaustion of Adaptive Immune Cells in Hepatitis B Infection. Viral Immunol 2015; 28:348-53. [PMID: 26331345 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2014.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the immune reaction is responsible for viral clearance and preventing their spread within the host. However, the immune system is dysfunctional in patients with chronic HBV infection, leading to an inadequate immune response against the virus. A major factor contributing to inefficient immune function is the phenomenon of immune exhaustion. Hence, understanding immune activation and exhaustion during HBV infection is important, as it would provide insight in developing immunotherapy to control chronic HBV infection. The aim of this review is to highlight the existing information on immune effector functions and immune exhaustion in response to HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimpu Gogoi
- Virology Section, Regional Medical Research Centre , ICMR-NE Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Biswajyoti Borkakoty
- Virology Section, Regional Medical Research Centre , ICMR-NE Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Dipankar Biswas
- Virology Section, Regional Medical Research Centre , ICMR-NE Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
| | - Jagadish Mahanta
- Virology Section, Regional Medical Research Centre , ICMR-NE Region, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
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41
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Zhang E, Lu M. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immune responses in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Med Microbiol Immunol 2014; 204:11-20. [PMID: 25550115 PMCID: PMC4305100 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-014-0370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The role of adaptive immune responses in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well accepted. The contribution of innate immune responses to the viral control is recognized but yet not fully understood. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense pathogen-associated molecule patterns and activate antiviral mechanisms including the intracellular antiviral pathways and the production of antiviral effectors like interferons (IFNs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Activation of the TLR3 pathway and the production of IFN-β represent one of the major mechanisms leading to the suppression of HBV replication in the liver, as shown in different in vitro and in vivo models. TLR4 signaling and TLR2 signaling result in the activation of intracellular pathways including MAPK and PI-3 K/Akt in hepatocytes and reduce HBV replication in an IFN-independent manner. HBV is able to counteract the actions of TLR3 and TLR2/4 through downregulation of TLR expression and attenuation of the cellular signaling pathways. Thus, TLR ligands are promising candidates as immunomodulators and therapeutics for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. Specific antiviral treatment against HBV could recover the TLR functions in chronic HBV infection and increase the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches based on TLR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ejuan Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany
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42
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STING agonists induce an innate antiviral immune response against hepatitis B virus. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 59:1273-81. [PMID: 25512416 DOI: 10.1128/aac.04321-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is due to the failure of a host to mount a sufficient immune response to clear the virus. The aim of this study was to identify small-molecular agonists of the pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-mediated innate immune response to control HBV infection. To achieve this goal, a coupled mouse macrophage and hepatocyte culture system mimicking the intrahepatic environment was established and used to screen small-molecular compounds that activate macrophages to produce cytokines, which in turn suppress HBV replication in a hepatocyte-derived stable cell line supporting HBV replication in a tetracycline-inducible manner. An agonist of the mouse stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING), 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA), was found to induce a robust cytokine response in macrophages that efficiently suppressed HBV replication in mouse hepatocytes by reducing the amount of cytoplasmic viral nucleocapsids. Profiling of cytokines induced by DMXAA and agonists of representative Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in mouse macrophages revealed that, unlike TLR agonists that induced a predominant inflammatory cytokine/chemokine response, the STING agonist induced a cytokine response dominated by type I IFNs. Moreover, as demonstrated in an HBV hydrodynamic mouse model, intraperitoneal administration of DMXAA significantly induced the expression of IFN-stimulated genes and reduced HBV DNA replication intermediates in the livers of mice. This study thus proves the concept that activation of the STING pathway induces an antiviral cytokine response against HBV and that the development of small-molecular human STING agonists as immunotherapeutic agents for treatment of chronic hepatitis B is warranted.
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Pei RJ, Chen XW, Lu MJ. Control of hepatitis B virus replication by interferons and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11618-11629. [PMID: 25206268 PMCID: PMC4155354 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at the different steps of viral life cycle. Indeed, IFN-α has been successfully used for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the role of the innate immune response in HBV replication and the mechanism of the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α are not completely explored. In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about the IFN-mediated anti-HBV effect in the HBV life cycle and the possible effectors downstream the IFN signaling pathway. The antiviral effect of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in HBV replication is briefly discussed. The strategies exploited by HBV to evade the IFN- and TLR-mediated antiviral actions are summarized.
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Therapeutic strategies for a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Acta Pharm Sin B 2014; 4:248-57. [PMID: 26579392 PMCID: PMC4629125 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with the viral DNA polymerase inhibitors or pegylated alpha-interferon has led to a significant retardation in HBV-related disease progression and reduction in mortality related to chronic hepatitis B associated liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, chronic HBV infection remains not cured. The reasons for the failure to eradicate HBV infection by long-term antiviral therapy are not completely understood. However, clinical studies suggest that the intrinsic stability of the nuclear form of viral genome, the covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, sustained low level viral replication under antiviral therapy and homeostatic proliferation of hepatocytes are the critical virological and pathophysiological factors that affect the persistence and therapeutic outcomes of HBV infection. More importantly, despite potent suppression of HBV replication in livers of the treated patients, the dysfunction of HBV-specific antiviral immunity persists. The inability of the immune system to recognize cells harboring HBV infection and to cure or eliminate cells actively producing virus is the biggest challenge to finding a cure. Unraveling the complex virus–host interactions that lead to persistent infection should facilitate the rational design of antivirals and immunotherapeutics to cure chronic HBV infection.
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45
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Gürtler LG. Effect of antiretroviral HIV therapy on hepatitis B virus replication and pathogenicity. Intervirology 2014; 57:212-7. [PMID: 25034490 DOI: 10.1159/000360942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Coinfections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV are very frequent. Although HBV is a DNA virus, it replicates via reverse transcription like HIV. Structural similarities between the enzymatic pocket of the HBV DNA polymerase and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase are the basis that certain drugs inhibit both enzymes and thus the replication of both viruses. HBV components increase the pathogenic action of HIV and vice versa directly by certain proteins like HBsAg in the case of HBV and HIV-encoded Tat and Vpr and by disturbing the cytokine balance in affected cells. Antiretroviral therapy is highly beneficial for HIV/HBV-coinfected patients, but carries the risk of drug-induced resistance development and hepatotoxicity. Even with restoration of the immune capacity, signs of hepatic inflammation may develop even after 10 years of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutz G Gürtler
- Max von Pettenkofer Institute, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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46
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Urban S, Bartenschlager R, Kubitz R, Zoulim F. Strategies to inhibit entry of HBV and HDV into hepatocytes. Gastroenterology 2014; 147:48-64. [PMID: 24768844 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although there has been much research into the pathogenesis and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections, we still do not completely understand how these pathogens enter hepatocytes. This is because in vitro infection studies have only been performed in primary human hepatocytes. Development of a polarizable, HBV-susceptible human hepatoma cell line and studies of primary hepatocytes from Tupaia belangeri have provided important insights into the viral and cellular factors involved in virus binding and infection. The large envelope (L) protein on the surface of HBV and HDV particles has many different functions and is required for virus entry. The L protein mediates attachment of virions to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the surface of hepatocytes. The myristoylated N-terminal preS1 domain of the L protein subsequently binds to the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, encoded by SLC10A1), the recently identified bona fide receptor for HBV and HDV. The receptor functions of NTCP and virus entry are blocked, in vitro and in vivo, by Myrcludex B, a synthetic N-acylated preS1 lipopeptide. Currently, the only agents available to treat chronic HBV infection target the viral polymerase, and no selective therapies are available for HDV infection. It is therefore important to study the therapeutic potential of virus entry inhibitors, especially when combined with strategies to induce immune-mediated killing of infected hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Kubitz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM Unité 1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
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The Functional Difference of Dendritic Cells in HBeAg Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Three Different Spleen Deficiency Syndromes and the Therapeutic Evaluation of Chinese Medicine Intervention Based on Syndrome Differentiation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:802402. [PMID: 25093028 PMCID: PMC4100377 DOI: 10.1155/2014/802402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the dendritic cells (DCs) maturity differences of HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with different spleen deficiency (SD) syndromes and explore the role of syndrome differentiation in the therapeutic evaluation of Chinese medicine. Methods. 120 participants were recruited including three treatment groups in different SD syndrome categories as spleen deficiency with liver depression (SDLD), spleen deficiency with damp heat (SDDH), and spleen deficiency with kidney deficiency (SDKD) and one healthy control group; each group had 30 participants. Corresponding drugs were applied. The outcome measures included DC phenotype, liver function, IL-10, IL-12, and HBV-DNA levels. Results. The surface markers of mature DCs and cytokines levels were different in each group; the positive rate of CD80, CD1a, HLA-DR, and CD1a was the lowest in SDKD group. After 3-month intervention, the expression of CD80, CD86, CD1a, HLA-DR, and IL-12 significantly increased, while ALT, AST, and IL-10 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in treatment groups. HBV-DNA level also significantly reduced in both SDKD and SDLD groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions. HBeAg negative patients had DCs dysmaturity, and there were differences between different SD syndromes. Chinese medicine intervention according to syndrome differentiation could advance the maturity and function of DCs and improve the therapeutic effect.
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Lin J, Wu JF, Zhang Q, Zhang HW, Cao GW. Virus-related liver cirrhosis: molecular basis and therapeutic options. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:6457-69. [PMID: 24914367 PMCID: PMC4047331 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i21.6457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the major causes of cirrhosis globally. It takes 10-20 years to progress from viral hepatitis to cirrhosis. Intermediately active hepatic inflammation caused by the infections contributes to the inflammation-necrosis-regeneration process, ultimately cirrhosis. CD8(+) T cells and NK cells cause liver damage via targeting the infected hepatocytes directly and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokines. Hepatic stellate cells play an active role in fibrogenesis via secreting fibrosis-related factors. Under the inflammatory microenvironment, the viruses experience mutation-selection-adaptation to evade immune clearance. However, immune selection of some HBV mutations in the evolution towards cirrhosis seems different from that towards hepatocellular carcinoma. As viral replication is an important driving force of cirrhosis pathogenesis, antiviral treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs is generally effective in halting the progression of cirrhosis, improving liver function and reducing the morbidity of decompensated cirrhosis caused by chronic HBV infection. Interferon-α plus ribavirin and/or the direct acting antivirals such as Vaniprevir are effective for compensated cirrhosis caused by chronic HCV infection. The standard of care for the treatment of HCV-related cirrhosis with interferon-α plus ribavirin should consider the genotypes of IL-28B. Understanding the mechanism of fibrogenesis and hepatocyte regeneration will facilitate the development of novel therapies for decompensated cirrhosis.
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Jiang M, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Chen L, Zhang N, Huang T, Cai YD, Kong X. Identification of hepatocellular carcinoma related genes with k-th shortest paths in a protein-protein interaction network. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 9:2720-8. [PMID: 24056857 DOI: 10.1039/c3mb70089e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide and one of the deadliest cancers in Asia. But at present, effective targets for HCC clinical therapy are still limited. The "guilt by association" rule suggests that interacting proteins share the same or similar functions and hence may be involved in the same pathway. This assumption can be used to identify disease related genes from protein association networks constructed from existing PPI data. Given the close association between Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis B which may lead to HCC, here we develop a computational method to identify hepatocellular carcinoma related genes based on k-th shortest paths in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network (we set k=1, 2 in this study). Finally, we found 33 genes whose p-values were less than 0.05, and most of them have been reported to be involved in HCC tumorigenesis and development. The results also provide a new reference for research into HCC oncogenesis and for development of new strategies for HCC clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China.
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50
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Park IH, Kwon YC, Ryu WS, Ahn BY. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by ligand-mediated activation of RNase L. Antiviral Res 2014; 104:118-27. [PMID: 24509240 PMCID: PMC7119188 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Activation of RNase L inhibits HBV replication in infected and transfected hepatoma cells. Antiviral activity of RNase L depends on its ribonuclease function. OAS2 and OAS3 but not OAS1 are involved in RNase L activation in the process.
RNase L is a cellular endoribonuclease that is activated by 2′,5′-linked oligoadenylates (2–5A), which are unique and specific ligands synthesized by a family of interferon-inducible, dsRNA-activated enzymes named oligoadenylate synthetases. In the typical antiviral pathway, activated RNase L degrades viral and cellular RNAs, thus limiting viral replication and spread. Although the antiviral activity of RNase L has been demonstrated for several RNA viruses, there is little evidence regarding its role against DNA viruses. In the present study, the potential antiviral activity of RNase L against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was explored utilizing the recently reported infection protocol based on human hepatoma HepG2 cells stably complemented with the virus entry factor NTCP. Viral replication and expression in this cell type was markedly inhibited by poly(I:C)- or 2–5A-mediated activation of RNase L; however, the inhibition was significantly reversed by RNase L knockdown. Further analysis in HBV1.2-transfected Huh-7 hepatoma cells indicated that the antiviral activity of RNase L depends on its ribonuclease function. We also provide evidence for the specific roles of OAS family members in this process. These results suggest that HBV replication can be regulated through interferon-mediated RNA decay pathways and that activation of these host antiviral factors may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Hyun Park
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-1, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chan Kwon
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-1, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Wang-Shick Ryu
- Department of Biochemistry, Yonsei University, Yonsei-ro 50, Seoul 120-749, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Yoon Ahn
- Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5-1, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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