1
|
Watanabe T, Hayashi S, Zhaoyu Y, Inada H, Nagaoka K, Tateyama M, Tanaka Y. A novel, small anti-HBV compound reduces HBsAg and HBV-DNA by destabilizing HBV-RNA. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:315-328. [PMID: 38315437 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, standard treatments for chronic hepatitis B such as nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs), effectively reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) loads but rarely result in a functional cure (defined as sustained HBsAg loss). We report the discovery of a novel, 4-pyridone compound, SAG-524, a potent and orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of HBV replication. METHODS The antiviral characteristics and selectivity of SAG-524 and its derivative compound against HBV were evaluated in HBV-infection assays and HBV-infected chimeric urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficiency mice with humanized livers (PXB mice), alone or in combination with entecavir. Toxicity studies were conducted in mice and monkeys. RESULTS SAG-524 reduced HBV-DNA (IC50 = 0.92 nM) and HBsAg (IC50 = 1.4 nM) in the supernatant of the HepG2.2.15 cells. SAG-524 selectively destabilized HBV-RNA via PAPD5, but not GAPDH or albumin mRNA, by shortening the poly(A) tail. PAPD5 may also be involved in HBV regulation via ELAVL1. In a study of HBV-infected PXB mice, SAG-524 produced potent reductions of serum HBsAg and HBcrAg, and the minimum effective dose was estimated to be 6 mg/kg/day. The combination therapy with entecavir greatly reduced HBsAg and cccDNA in the liver due to reduction of human hepatocytes with good tolerability. Administration of SAG-524 to monkeys, up to 1000 mg/kg/day for two weeks, led to no significant toxicity, as determined by blood tests and pathological images. CONCLUSIONS We have identified SAG-524 as novel and orally bioavailable HBV-RNA destabilizers which can reduce HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels, and possibly contribute a functional cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Sanae Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yan Zhaoyu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroki Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masakuni Tateyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Hwang N, Snedeker A, Lemon SM, Noe D, Sun L, Clement JA, Zhou T, Tang L, Block T, Du Y. "PROTAC" modified dihydroquinolizinones (DHQs) that cause degradation of PAPD-5 and inhibition of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus, in vitro. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 102:129680. [PMID: 38428537 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Dihydroquinolizinones (DHQs) that inhibit cellular polyadenylating polymerases 5 and 7 (PAPD5 & 7), such as RG7834, have been shown to inhibit both hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro and in vivo. In this report, we describe RG7834-based proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), such as compound 12b, (6S)-9-((1-((2-(2,6-dioxopiperidin-3-yl)-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-4-yl)amino)-21-oxo-3,6,9,12,15,18-hexaoxa-22-azapentacosan-25-yl)oxy)-6-isopropyl-10-methoxy-2-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. The PROTAC DHQs described here inhibited an HAV reporter virus in vitro with an IC50 of 277 nM. Although the PROTAC DHQs were also inhibitory to HBV, their activities were substantially less potent against HBV in vitro, being in the 10 to 20 µM range, based on the reduction of HBsAg and HBV mRNA levels. Importantly, unlike RG7834, the incubation of cells in vitro with PROTAC DHQ 12b resulted in the degradation of PAPD5, as expected for a PROTAC compound, but curiously not PAPD7. PAPD5 polypeptide degradation was prevented when a proteasome inhibitor, epoxomicin, was used, indicating that proteasome mediated proteolysis was associated with the observed activities of 12b. Taken together, these data show that 12b is the first example of a PROTAC that suppresses both HAV and HBV that is based on a small molecule warhead. The possibility that it has mechanisms that differ from its parent compound, RG7834, and has clinical value, is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7292, USA
| | - Nicky Hwang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Andrew Snedeker
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Stanley M Lemon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7292, USA.
| | - Daisy Noe
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Liren Sun
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Jason A Clement
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Liudi Tang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Timothy Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mouzannar K, Schauer A, Liang TJ. The Post-Transcriptional Regulatory Element of Hepatitis B Virus: From Discovery to Therapy. Viruses 2024; 16:528. [PMID: 38675871 PMCID: PMC11055085 DOI: 10.3390/v16040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-transcriptional regulatory element (PRE) is present in all HBV mRNAs and plays a major role in their stability, nuclear export, and enhancement of viral gene expression. Understanding PRE's structure, function, and mode of action is essential to leverage its potential as a therapeutic target. A wide range of PRE-based reagents and tools have been developed and assessed in preclinical and clinical settings for therapeutic and biotechnology applications. This manuscript aims to provide a systematic review of the characteristics and mechanism of action of PRE, as well as elucidating its current applications in basic and clinical research. Finally, we discuss the promising opportunities that PRE may provide to antiviral development, viral biology, and potentially beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mouzannar
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | | | - T. Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lam AM, Dugyala RR, Sheraz M, Liu F, Thi EP, Graves IE, Cuconati A, Steuer HM, Ardzinski A, Overholt N, Mason JD, Gotchev D, Cole AG, Harasym TO, Sofia MJ. Preclinical Antiviral and Safety Profiling of the HBV RNA Destabilizer AB-161. Viruses 2024; 16:323. [PMID: 38543689 PMCID: PMC10975527 DOI: 10.3390/v16030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
HBV RNA destabilizers are a class of small-molecule compounds that target the noncanonical poly(A) RNA polymerases PAPD5 and PAPD7, resulting in HBV RNA degradation and the suppression of viral proteins including the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). AB-161 is a next-generation HBV RNA destabilizer with potent antiviral activity, inhibiting HBsAg expressed from cccDNA and integrated HBV DNA in HBV cell-based models. AB-161 exhibits broad HBV genotype coverage, maintains activity against variants resistant to nucleoside analogs, and shows additive effects on HBV replication when combined with other classes of HBV inhibitors. In AAV-HBV-transduced mice, the dose-dependent reduction of HBsAg correlated with concentrations of AB-161 in the liver reaching above its effective concentration mediating 90% inhibition (EC90), compared to concentrations in plasma which were substantially below its EC90, indicating that high liver exposure drives antiviral activities. In preclinical 13-week safety studies, minor non-adverse delays in sensory nerve conductance velocity were noted in the high-dose groups in rats and dogs. However, all nerve conduction metrics remained within physiologically normal ranges, with no neurobehavioral or histopathological findings. Despite the improved neurotoxicity profile, microscopic findings associated with male reproductive toxicity were detected in dogs, which subsequently led to the discontinuation of AB-161's clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela M. Lam
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA; (R.R.D.); (M.S.); (F.L.); (E.P.T.); (I.E.G.); (A.C.); (H.M.S.); (A.A.); (N.O.); (J.D.M.); (D.G.); (A.G.C.); (T.O.H.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael J. Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, USA; (R.R.D.); (M.S.); (F.L.); (E.P.T.); (I.E.G.); (A.C.); (H.M.S.); (A.A.); (N.O.); (J.D.M.); (D.G.); (A.G.C.); (T.O.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gotchev D, Dorsey BD, Nguyen D, Kakarla R, Dugan B, Chen S, Gao M, Bailey L, Liu F, Harasym T, Chiu T, Tang S, Lee ACH, Cole AG, Sofia MJ. Structure-Activity Relationships and Discovery of ( S)-6-Isopropyl-2-methoxy-3-(3-methoxypropoxy)-10-oxo-5,10-dihydro-6 H-pyrido[1,2- h][1,7]naphthyridine-9-carboxylic Acid (AB-452), a Novel Orally Available HBV RNA Destabilizer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1421-1446. [PMID: 38190324 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Approved therapies for hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment include nucleos(t)ides and interferon alpha (IFN-α) which effectively suppress viral replication, but they rarely lead to cure. Expression of viral proteins, especially surface antigen of the hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) from covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the integrated genome, is believed to contribute to the persistence of HBV. This work focuses on therapies that target the expression of HBV proteins, in particular HBsAg, which differs from current treatments. Here we describe the identification of AB-452, a dihydroquinolizinone (DHQ) analogue. AB-452 is a potent HBV RNA destabilizer by inhibiting PAPD5/7 proteins in vitro with good in vivo efficacy in a chronic HBV mouse model. AB-452 showed acceptable tolerability in 28-day rat and dog toxicity studies, and a high degree of oral exposure in multiple species. Based on its in vitro and in vivo profiles, AB-452 was identified as a clinical development candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Gotchev
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Bruce D Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Duyan Nguyen
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Ramesh Kakarla
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Benjamin Dugan
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Shuai Chen
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Min Gao
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Laurèn Bailey
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Fei Liu
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Troy Harasym
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Tim Chiu
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Sunny Tang
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Amy C-H Lee
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Andrew G Cole
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, Pennsylvania 18974, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wen X, Irshad A, Jin H. The Battle for Survival: The Role of RNA Non-Canonical Tails in the Virus-Host Interaction. Metabolites 2023; 13:1009. [PMID: 37755289 PMCID: PMC10537345 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13091009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal nucleotidyltransferases (TENTs) could generate a 'mixed tail' or 'U-rich tail' consisting of different nucleotides at the 3' end of RNA by non-templated nucleotide addition to protect or degrade cellular messenger RNA. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that the decoration of virus RNA terminus with a mixed tail or U-rich tail is a critical way to affect viral RNA stability in virus-infected cells. This paper first briefly introduces the cellular function of the TENT family and non-canonical tails, then comprehensively reviews their roles in virus invasion and antiviral immunity, as well as the significance of the TENT family in antiviral therapy. This review will contribute to understanding the role and mechanism of non-canonical RNA tailing in survival competition between the virus and host.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hua Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Beijing 100081, China; (X.W.); (A.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bopst M, Dinklo T, Funk J, Greiter-Wilke A, Lenz B, Kustermann S, Jiang T, Xie J. Unexpected neurotoxicity in chronic toxicity studies with a HBV viral expression inhibitor. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 141:105407. [PMID: 37141985 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The non-clinical safety profile of the small molecule hepatitis B virus viral expression inhibitor RG7834 was studied in a package consisting of safety pharmacology, genotoxicity, repeat dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity studies. The chronic monkey toxicity study identified dose- and time-dependent symptoms of polyneuropathy, with correlating nerve conduction velocity reductions and axonal degeneration in peripheral nerves and spinal cord, in all compound treatment groups with no evidence of reversibility after approximately 3 months of treatment cessation. Similar histopathological findings were observed in the chronic rat toxicity study. Subsequent in vitro neurotoxicity investigations and ion channel electrophysiology did not elucidate a potential mechanism for the late toxicity. However, based on similar findings observed with a structurally different molecule, an inhibition of their common pharmacological targets, PAPD5 & PAPD 7, was considered as a possible mechanism of toxicity. In conclusion, the marked neuropathies, only observed after chronic dosing, did not support further clinical development of RG7834 because of its foreseen clinical treatment duration of up to 48 weeks in chronic HBV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bopst
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Theo Dinklo
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juergen Funk
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Greiter-Wilke
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Lenz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Kustermann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tianyi Jiang
- Roche Pharma and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Shanghai, 201023, China
| | - Jianxun Xie
- Roche Pharma and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Shanghai, 201023, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pregenomic RNA Launch Hepatitis B Virus Replication System Facilitates the Mechanistic Study of Antiviral Agents and Drug-Resistant Variants on Covalently Closed Circular DNA Synthesis. J Virol 2022; 96:e0115022. [PMID: 36448800 PMCID: PMC9769369 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01150-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its genomic DNA by reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate, termed pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), within nucleocapsid. It had been shown that transfection of in vitro-transcribed pgRNA initiated viral replication in human hepatoma cells. We demonstrated here that viral capsids, single-stranded DNA, relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) became detectable sequentially at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post-pgRNA transfection into Huh7.5 cells. The levels of viral DNA replication intermediates and cccDNA peaked at 24 and 48 h post-pgRNA transfection, respectively. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) became detectable in culture medium at day 4 posttransfection. Interestingly, the early robust viral DNA replication and cccDNA synthesis did not depend on the expression of HBV X protein (HBx), whereas HBsAg production was strictly dependent on viral DNA replication and expression of HBx, consistent with the essential role of HBx in the transcriptional activation of cccDNA minichromosomes. While the robust and synchronized HBV replication within 48 h post-pgRNA transfection is particularly suitable for the precise mapping of the HBV replication steps, from capsid assembly to cccDNA formation, targeted by distinct antiviral agents, the treatment of cells starting at 48 h post-pgRNA transfection allows the assessment of antiviral agents on mature nucleocapsid uncoating, cccDNA synthesis, and transcription, as well as viral RNA stability. Moreover, the pgRNA launch system could be used to readily assess the impacts of drug-resistant variants on cccDNA formation and other replication steps in the viral life cycle. IMPORTANCE Hepadnaviral pgRNA not only serves as a template for reverse transcriptional replication of viral DNA but also expresses core protein and DNA polymerase to support viral genome replication and cccDNA synthesis. Not surprisingly, cytoplasmic expression of duck hepatitis B virus pgRNA initiated viral replication leading to infectious virion secretion. However, HBV replication and antiviral mechanism were studied primarily in human hepatoma cells transiently or stably transfected with plasmid-based HBV replicons. The presence of large amounts of transfected HBV DNA or transgenes in cellular chromosomes hampered the robust analyses of HBV replication and cccDNA function. As demonstrated here, the pgRNA launch HBV replication system permits the accurate mapping of antiviral target and investigation of cccDNA biosynthesis and transcription using secreted HBsAg as a convenient quantitative marker. The effect of drug-resistant variants on viral capsid assembly, genome replication, and cccDNA biosynthesis and function can also be assessed using this system.
Collapse
|
9
|
Gorsuch CL, Nemec P, Yu M, Xu S, Han D, Smith J, Lape J, van Buuren N, Ramirez R, Muench RC, Holdorf MM, Feierbach B, Falls G, Holt J, Shoop W, Sevigny E, Karriker F, Brown RV, Joshi A, Goodwin T, Tam YK, Lin PJC, Semple SC, Leatherbury N, Delaney Iv WE, Jantz D, Rhoden Smith A. Targeting the hepatitis B cccDNA with a sequence-specific ARCUS nuclease to eliminate hepatitis B virus in vivo. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2909-2922. [PMID: 35581938 PMCID: PMC9481990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is attributed to maintenance of the intrahepatic pool of the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which serves as the transcriptional template for all viral gene products required for replication. Current nucleos(t)ide therapies for CHB prevent virus production and spread but have no direct impact on cccDNA or expression of viral genes. We describe a potential curative approach using a highly specific engineered ARCUS nuclease (ARCUS-POL) targeting the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome. Transient ARCUS-POL expression in HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes produced substantial reductions in both cccDNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). To evaluate ARCUS-POL in vivo, we developed episomal adeno-associated virus (AAV) mouse and non-human primate (NHP) models containing a portion of the HBV genome serving as a surrogate for cccDNA. Clinically relevant delivery was achieved through systemic administration of lipid nanoparticles containing ARCUS-POL mRNA. In both mouse and NHP, we observed a significant decrease in total AAV copy number and high on-target indel frequency. In the case of the mouse model, which supports HBsAg expression, circulating surface antigen was durably reduced by 96%. Together, these data support a gene-editing approach for elimination of cccDNA toward an HBV cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paige Nemec
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Mei Yu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Simin Xu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Dong Han
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Jeff Smith
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Janel Lape
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Greg Falls
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Jason Holt
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Wendy Shoop
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Emma Sevigny
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | | | | | - Amod Joshi
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | | | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Derek Jantz
- Precision BioSciences Inc, Durham, NC 27701, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Novel Neplanocin A Derivatives as Selective Inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus with a Unique Mechanism of Action. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0207321. [PMID: 35604213 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02073-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel neplanocin A derivatives have been identified as potent and selective inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro. These include (1S,2R,5R)-5-(5-bromo-4-methyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-7-yl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1,2-diol (AR-II-04-26) and (1S,2R,5R)-5-(4-amino-3-iodo-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)-3-(hydroxylmethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1,2-diol (MK-III-02-03). The 50% effective concentrations of AR-II-04-26 and MK-III-02-03 were 0.77 ± 0.23 and 0.83 ± 0.36 μM in HepG2.2.15.7 cells, respectively. These compounds reduced intracellular HBV RNA levels in HepG2.2.15.7 cells and infected primary human hepatocytes. Accordingly, they could reduce HBs and HBe antigen production in the culture supernatants, which was not observed with clinically approved anti-HBV nucleosides and nucleotides (reverse transcriptase inhibitors). The neplanocin A derivatives also inhibited HBV RNA derived from cccDNA. In addition, unlike neplanocin A itself, the compounds did not inhibit S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase activity. Thus, it appears that the mechanism of action of AR-II-04-26 and MK-III-02-03 differs from that of the clinically approved anti-HBV agents. Although their exact mechanism (target molecule) remains to be elucidated, the novel neplanocin A derivatives are considered promising candidate drugs for inhibition of HBV replication.
Collapse
|
11
|
(-)-Lariciresinol Isolated from the Roots of Isatis indigotica Fortune ex Lindl. Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus by Regulating Viral Transcription. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103223. [PMID: 35630700 PMCID: PMC9143483 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem, leading to hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although the currently approved medications can reliably decrease the virus load and prevent the development of hepatic diseases, they fail to induce durable off-drug control of HBV replication in the majority of patients. The roots of Isatis indigotica Fortune ex Lindl., a traditional Chinese medicine, were frequently used for the prevention of viral disease in China. In the present study, (-)-lariciresinol ((-)-LRSL), isolated from the roots of Isatis indigotica Fortune ex Lindl., was found to inhibit HBV DNA replication of both wild-type and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs)-resistant strains in vitro. Mechanism studies revealed that (-)-LRSL could block RNA production after treatment, followed by viral proteins, and then viral particles and DNA. Promoter reporter assays and RNA decaying dynamic experiments indicated that (-)-LRSL mediated HBV RNA reduction was mainly due to transcriptional inhibition rather than degradation. Moreover, (-)-LRSL in a dose-dependent manner also inhibited other animal hepadnaviruses, including woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). Combining the analysis of RNA-seq, we further found that the decrease in HBV transcriptional activity by (-)-LRSL may be related to hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α). Taken together, (-)-LRSL represents a novel chemical entity that inhibits HBV replication by regulating HNF1α mediated HBV transcription, which may provide a new perspective for HBV therapeutics.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, estimated to be globally responsible for ∼800,000 deaths annually. Although effective vaccines are available to prevent new HBV infection, treatment of existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is limited, as the current standard-of-care antiviral drugs can only suppress viral replication without achieving cure. In 2016, the World Health Organization called for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a global public health threat by 2030. The United States and other nations are working to meet this ambitious goal by developing strategies to cure CHB, as well as prevent HBV transmission. This review considers recent research progress in understanding HBV pathobiology and development of therapeutics for the cure of CHB, which is necessary for elimination of hepatitis B by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, USA;
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Host Poly(A) Polymerases PAPD5 and PAPD7 Provide Two Layers of Protection That Ensure the Integrity and Stability of Hepatitis B Virus RNA. J Virol 2021; 95:e0057421. [PMID: 34191584 PMCID: PMC8387043 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00574-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncanonical poly(A) polymerases PAPD5 and PAPD7 (PAPD5/7) stabilize hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA via the interaction with the viral posttranscriptional regulatory element (PRE), representing new antiviral targets to control HBV RNA metabolism, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) production, and viral replication. Inhibitors targeting these proteins are being developed as antiviral therapies; therefore, it is important to understand how PAPD5/7 coordinate to stabilize HBV RNA. Here, we utilized a potent small-molecule AB-452 as a chemical probe, along with genetic analyses to dissect the individual roles of PAPD5/7 in HBV RNA stability. AB-452 inhibits PAPD5/7 enzymatic activities and reduces HBsAg both in vitro (50% effective concentration [EC50] ranged from 1.4 to 6.8 nM) and in vivo by 0.94 log10. Our genetic studies demonstrate that the stem-loop alpha sequence within PRE is essential for both maintaining HBV poly(A) tail integrity and determining sensitivity toward the inhibitory effect of AB-452. Although neither single knockout (KO) of PAPD5 nor PAPD7 reduces HBsAg RNA and protein production, PAPD5 KO does impair poly(A) tail integrity and confers partial resistance to AB-452. In contrast, PAPD7 KO did not result in any measurable changes within the HBV poly(A) tails, but cells with both PAPD5 and PAPD7 KO show reduced HBsAg production and conferred complete resistance to AB-452 treatment. Our results indicate that PAPD5 plays a dominant role in stabilizing viral RNA by protecting the integrity of its poly(A) tail, while PAPD7 serves as a second line of protection. These findings inform PAPD5-targeted therapeutic strategies and open avenues for further investigating PAPD5/7 in HBV replication. IMPORTANCE Chronic hepatitis B affects more than 250 million patients and is a major public health concern worldwide. HBsAg plays a central role in maintaining HBV persistence, and as such, therapies that aim at reducing HBsAg through destabilizing or degrading HBV RNA have been extensively investigated. Besides directly degrading HBV transcripts through antisense oligonucleotides or RNA silencing technologies, small-molecule compounds targeting host factors such as the noncanonical poly(A) polymerase PAPD5 and PAPD7 have been reported to interfere with HBV RNA metabolism. Herein, our antiviral and genetic studies using relevant HBV infection and replication models further characterize the interplays between the cis element within the viral sequence and the trans elements from the host factors. PAPD5/7-targeting inhibitors, with oral bioavailability, thus represent an opportunity to reduce HBsAg through destabilizing HBV RNA.
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Qu B, Brown RJP. Strategies to Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus at the Transcript Level. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071327. [PMID: 34372533 PMCID: PMC8310268 DOI: 10.3390/v13071327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), despite four decades of effective HBV vaccination. During chronic infection, HBV forms two distinct templates responsible for viral transcription: (1) episomal covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and (2) host genome-integrated viral templates. Multiple ubiquitous and liver-specific transcription factors are recruited onto these templates and modulate viral gene transcription. This review details the latest developments in antivirals that inhibit HBV gene transcription or destabilize viral transcripts. Notably, nuclear receptor agonists exhibit potent inhibition of viral gene transcription from cccDNA. Small molecule inhibitors repress HBV X protein-mediated transcription from cccDNA, while small interfering RNAs and single-stranded oligonucleotides result in transcript degradation from both cccDNA and integrated templates. These antivirals mediate their effects by reducing viral transcripts abundance, some leading to a loss of surface antigen expression, and they can potentially be added to the arsenal of drugs with demonstrable anti-HBV activity. Thus, these candidates deserve special attention for future repurposing or further development as anti-HBV therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Qu
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
| | - Richard J. P. Brown
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hwang N, Sun L, Noe D, Lam PYS, Zhou T, Block TM, Du Y. Hepatoselective Dihydroquinolizinone Bis-acids for HBsAg mRNA Degradation. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1130-1136. [PMID: 34267883 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is characterized by high levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) in blood circulation. A major goal of CHB interventions is reducing or eliminating this antigenemia; however, there are currently no approved methods that can do this. A novel family of compounds with a dihydroquinolizinone (DHQ) scaffold has been shown to reduce circulating levels of HBsAg in animals, representing a first for a small molecule. Reductions of HBsAg were a result of the compound's effect on HBsAg mRNA levels. However, commercial development by Roche of a DHQ lead compound, RG-7834, was stopped due to undisclosed toxicity issues. Herein we report our effort to convert the systemic RG7834 compound to a hepatoselective DHQ analog to limit its distribution to the bloodstream and thus to other body tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Hwang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Liren Sun
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Daisy Noe
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Patrick Y. S. Lam
- Lam Drug Discovery Consulting, LLC, 6 Ridgway Drive, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania 19317, United States
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Timothy M. Block
- Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Yanming Du
- Medicinal Chemisty, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tsounis EP, Tourkochristou E, Mouzaki A, Triantos C. Toward a new era of hepatitis B virus therapeutics: The pursuit of a functional cure. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2727-2757. [PMID: 34135551 PMCID: PMC8173382 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i21.2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, although preventable by vaccination, remains a global health problem and a major cause of chronic liver disease. Although current treatment strategies suppress viral replication very efficiently, the optimal endpoint of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is rarely achieved. Moreover, the thorny problems of persistent chromatin-like covalently closed circular DNA and the presence of integrated HBV DNA in the host genome are ignored. Therefore, the scientific community has focused on developing innovative therapeutic approaches to achieve a functional cure of HBV, defined as undetectable HBV DNA and HBsAg loss over a limited treatment period. A deeper understanding of the HBV life cycle has led to the introduction of novel direct-acting antivirals that exert their function through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of viral entry, transcriptional silencing, epigenetic manipulation, interference with capsid assembly, and disruption of HBsAg release. In parallel, another category of new drugs aims to restore dysregulated immune function in chronic hepatitis B accompanied by lethargic cellular and humoral responses. Stimulation of innate immunity by pattern-recognition receptor agonists leads to upregulation of antiviral cytokine expression and appears to contribute to HBV containment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered T cells are breakthrough technologies currently being explored that may elicit potent HBV-specific T-cell responses. In addition, several clinical trials are attempting to clarify the role of therapeutic vaccination in this setting. Ultimately, it is increasingly recognized that elimination of HBV requires a treatment regimen based on a combination of multiple drugs. This review describes the rationale for progressive therapeutic interventions and discusses the latest findings in the field of HBV therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efthymios P Tsounis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Evanthia Tourkochristou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Athanasia Mouzaki
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras 26504, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The Dihydroquinolizinone Compound RG7834 Inhibits the Polyadenylase Function of PAPD5 and PAPD7 and Accelerates the Degradation of Matured Hepatitis B Virus Surface Protein mRNA. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 65:AAC.00640-20. [PMID: 33046485 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00640-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mRNA metabolism is dependent upon host proteins PAPD5 and PAPD7 (PAPD5/7). PAPD5/7 are cellular, noncanonical, poly(A) polymerases (PAPs) whose main function is to oligoadenylate the 3' end of noncoding RNA (ncRNA) for exosome degradation. HBV seems to exploit these two ncRNA quality-control factors for viral mRNA stabilization, rather than degradation. RG7834 is a small-molecule compound that binds PAPD5/7 and inhibits HBV gene production in both tissue culture and animal study. We reported that RG7834 was able to destabilize multiple HBV mRNA species, ranging from the 3.5-kb pregenomic/precore mRNAs to the 2.4/2.1-kb hepatitis B virus surface protein (HBs) mRNAs, except for the smallest 0.7-kb X protein (HBx) mRNA. Compound-induced HBV mRNA destabilization was initiated by a shortening of the poly(A) tail, followed by an accelerated degradation process in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. In cells expressing HBV mRNA, both PAPD5/7 were found to be physically associated with the viral RNA, and the polyadenylating activities of PAPD5/7 were susceptible to RG7834 repression in a biochemical assay. Moreover, in PAPD5/7 double-knockout cells, viral transcripts with a regular length of the poly(A) sequence could be initially synthesized but became shortened in hours, suggesting that participation of PAPD5/7 in RNA 3' end processing, either during adenosine oligomerization or afterward, is crucial for RNA stabilization.
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang Q, Huang J, Chow HY, Wang J, Zhang Y, Fung YME, Ren Q, Li X. Development of DHQ-based chemical biology probe to profile cellular targets for HBV. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127615. [PMID: 33080351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127615] [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: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been a serious public health burden worldwide. Current anti-HBV therapies could not eliminate HBV ultimately. Considering the characteristics of HBV, it is impossible to be entirely cured based on current therapies. Therefore, it is urgently needed to develop novel therapeutic agents with new mechanism of action. The dihydroquinolizinone (DHQ) derivatives exhibited potent anti-HBV activity by decreasing HBV DNA and HBsAg level in an obscure mechanism of action. In this study, we have optimized the DHQ scaffold, developed the photoaffinity probe, with which to identify potential binding proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jianzhou Huang
- The State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infection Drug Development, HEC Pharma Group, Dong Guan 523871, China
| | - Hoi Yee Chow
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Jinzheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yingjun Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infection Drug Development, HEC Pharma Group, Dong Guan 523871, China
| | - Yi Man Eva Fung
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Qingyun Ren
- The State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infection Drug Development, HEC Pharma Group, Dong Guan 523871, China.
| | - Xuechen Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Block TM, Young JAT, Javanbakht H, Sofia MJ, Zhou T. Host RNA quality control as a hepatitis B antiviral target. Antiviral Res 2020; 186:104972. [PMID: 33242518 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the host RNA polyadenylating polymerases, PAPD5 and PAPD7 (PAPD5/7), with dihydroquinolizinone, a small orally available, molecule, results in a rapid and selective degradation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA, and hence reduction in the amounts of viral gene products. DHQ, is a first in class investigational agent and could represent an entirely new category of HBV antivirals. PAPD5 and PAPD7 are non-canonical, cell specified, polyadenylating polymerases, also called terminal nucleotidyl transferases 4B and 4A (TENT4B/A), respectively. They are involved in the degradation of poor-quality cell transcripts, mostly non-coding RNAs and in the maturation of a sub-set of transcripts. They also appear to play a role in shielding some mRNA from degradation. The results of studies with DHQ, along with other recent findings, provide evidence that repression of the PAPD5/7 arm of the cell "RNA quality control" pathway, causes a profound (multi-fold) reduction rather than increase, in the amount of HBV pre-genomic, pre-core and HBsAg mRNA levels in tissue culture and animal models, as well. In this review we will briefly discuss the need for new HBV therapeutics and provide background about HBV transcription. We also discuss cellular degradation of host transcripts, as it relates to a new family of anti-HBV drugs that interfere with these processes. Finally, since HBV mRNA maturation appears to be selectively sensitive to PAPD5/7 inhibition in hepatocytes, we discuss the possibility of targeting host RNA "quality control" as an antiviral strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John A T Young
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hassan Javanbakht
- SQZ Biotechnologies, 200 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Suite 210, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA.
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Luo M, Wu S, Kalkeri R, Ptak RG, Zhou T, Van Mellaert L, Wang C, Dumbre SG, Block T, Groaz E, De Jonghe S, Li Y, Herdewijn P. Scalable Synthesis, In Vitro cccDNA Reduction, and In Vivo Antihepatitis B Virus Activity of a Phosphonomethoxydeoxythreosyl Adenine Prodrug. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13851-13860. [PMID: 33191744 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Standard literature procedures for the chemical synthesis of l-threose nucleosides generally employ l-ascorbic acid as starting material. Herein, we have explored two alternative routes that start from either l-arabitol or l-diethyl tartrate, both affording 2-O-methyl-l-threofuranose as a key building block for nucleobase incorporation. The access to multigram quantities of this glycosyl donor in a reproducible fashion allows for the preparation of 2'-deoxy-α-l-threofuranosyl phosphonate nucleosides on a large scale. This methodology was applied to the gram scale synthesis of an aryloxy amidate prodrug of phosphonomethoxydeoxythreosyl adenine. This prodrug exerted potent activity against an entecavir-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) strain, while leading to a significant reduction in the levels of HBV covalently closed circular DNA in a cellular assay. Furthermore, its remarkable anti-HBV efficacy was also confirmed in vivo using a hydrodynamic injection-based HBV mouse model, without relevant toxicity and systemic exposure occurring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Luo
- Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shuo Wu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1, Tiantan Xili, 100050 Beijing, China
| | - Raj Kalkeri
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Southern Research Institute, 431 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Roger G Ptak
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Southern Research Institute, 431 Aviation Way, Frederick, Maryland 21701, United States
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Lieve Van Mellaert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49-box 1037, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chuanmin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Shrinivas G Dumbre
- Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timothy Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Elisabetta Groaz
- Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49-box 1043, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yuhuan Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No. 1, Tiantan Xili, 100050 Beijing, China
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Herestraat 49-box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hyrina A, Jones C, Chen D, Clarkson S, Cochran N, Feucht P, Hoffman G, Lindeman A, Russ C, Sigoillot F, Tsang T, Uehara K, Xie L, Ganem D, Holdorf M. A Genome-wide CRISPR Screen Identifies ZCCHC14 as a Host Factor Required for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Production. Cell Rep 2020; 29:2970-2978.e6. [PMID: 31801065 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is the presence of high circulating levels of non-infectious small lipid HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) vesicles. Although rare, sustained HBsAg loss is the idealized endpoint of any CHB therapy. A small molecule, RG7834, has been previously reported to inhibit HBsAg expression by targeting terminal nucleotidyltransferase proteins 4A and 4B (TENT4A and TENT4B). In this study, we describe a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify other potential host factors required for HBsAg expression and to gain further insights into the mechanism of RG7834. We report more than 60 genes involved in regulating HBsAg and identify additional factors involved in RG7834 activity, including a zinc finger CCHC-type containing 14 (ZCCHC14) protein. We show that ZCCHC14, together with TENT4A/B, stabilizes HBsAg expression through HBV RNA tailing, providing a potential new therapeutic target to achieve functional cure in CHB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Hyrina
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
| | - Christopher Jones
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Darlene Chen
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Scott Clarkson
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nadire Cochran
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Paul Feucht
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Gregory Hoffman
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alicia Lindeman
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carsten Russ
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Tiffany Tsang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Kyoko Uehara
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Lili Xie
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Don Ganem
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| | - Meghan Holdorf
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wei F, Kang D, Cherukupalli S, Zalloum WA, Zhang T, Liu X, Zhan P. Discovery and optimizing polycyclic pyridone compounds as anti-HBV agents. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:715-721. [PMID: 32746660 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1801641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B disease is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a DNA virus that belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family. It is a considerable health burden, with 257 million active cases globally. Long-standing infection may create a fundamental cause of liver disease and chronic infections, including cirrhosis, hepatocellular, and carcinoma liver failure. There is an urgent need to develop novel, safe, and effective drug candidates with a novel mechanism of action, improved activity, efficacy, and cure rate. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors provide a concise report focusing on a general and cutting-edge overview of the current state of polycyclic pyridone-related anti-HBV agent patents from 2016 to 2018 and some future perspectives. EXPERT OPINION In medicinal chemistry, high-throughput screening (HTS), hit-to-lead optimization (H2L), bioisosteric replacement, and scaffold hopping approaches are playing a major role in the discovery and development of HBV inhibitors. Developing polycyclic pyridone-related anti-HBV agents that could target host factors has attracted significant interest and attention in recent years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fenju Wei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Srinivasulu Cherukupalli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Waleed A Zalloum
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, American University of Madaba , Amman, Jordan
| | - Tao Zhang
- Shandong Qidu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Neuroprotective Drugs , Zibo, China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University , Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wu M, Wang C, Shi B, Fang Z, Qin B, Zhou X, Zhang X, Yuan Z. A novel recombinant cccDNA-based mouse model with long term maintenance of rcccDNA and antigenemia. Antiviral Res 2020; 180:104826. [PMID: 32502604 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is critical for viral persistence in vivo. The lack of reliable, characterized and convenient small animal models for studying cccDNA persistence has long been a bottleneck for basic and translational research on HBV cure. A mouse model that can maintain intrahepatic cccDNA is urgently needed. Through combining the Cre/loxP-mediated recombination and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector delivery strategy, we establish a novel recombinant cccDNA (rcccDNA) mouse model. AAV-rcccDNA mice supported long-term maintenance of intrahepatic rcccDNA which could be easily detected by Southern blotting within 30 weeks after transduction. Quantitative PCR could detect the rcccDNA signal throughout the experiment duration (>51 weeks). Furthermore, rcccDNA supported persistent serum antigenemia (>72 weeks) and intrahepatic HBsAg and HBcAg expression (>51 weeks). Flow cytometry analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing showed that AAV-rcccDNA mice displayed a compromised CD8+ T cell response. Meanwhile, minimal intrahepatic inflammation and fibrosis were observed. Furthermore, three anti-HBV compounds, AKEX0007, a post-transcriptional inhibitor, Bay 41-4109, a capsid allosteric modulator, and Entecavir were assessed in this AAV-rcccDNA mouse model. The changes of viral markers by these drugs were consistent with their mode of action although neither of them diminished the level of rcccDNA. This mouse model recapitulated the immune tolerant state of HBV infection with long term maintenance of cccDNA and antigenemia, which will provide a suitable platform for studying cccDNA persistence and developing intervention strategies that would eventually break the tolerance and clear the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bisheng Shi
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Fang
- Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyin Qin
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Viral hijacking of the TENT4-ZCCHC14 complex protects viral RNAs via mixed tailing. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27:581-588. [PMID: 32451488 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-020-0427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
TENT4 enzymes generate 'mixed tails' of diverse nucleotides at 3' ends of RNAs via nontemplated nucleotide addition to protect messenger RNAs from deadenylation. Here we discover extensive mixed tailing in transcripts of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), generated via a similar mechanism exploiting the TENT4-ZCCHC14 complex. TAIL-seq on HBV and HCMV RNAs revealed that TENT4A and TENT4B are responsible for mixed tailing and protection of viral poly(A) tails. We find that the HBV post-transcriptional regulatory element (PRE), specifically the CNGGN-type pentaloop, is critical for TENT4-dependent regulation. HCMV uses a similar pentaloop, an interesting example of convergent evolution. This pentaloop is recognized by the sterile alpha motif domain-containing ZCCHC14 protein, which in turn recruits TENT4. Overall, our study reveals the mechanism of action of PRE, which has been widely used to enhance gene expression, and identifies the TENT4-ZCCHC14 complex as a potential target for antiviral therapeutics.
Collapse
|
26
|
Menne S, Wildum S, Steiner G, Suresh M, Korolowicz K, Balarezo M, Yon C, Murreddu M, Hong X, Kallakury BV, Tucker R, Yang S, Young JAT, Javanbakht H. Efficacy of an Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Expression in Combination With Entecavir and Interferon-α in Woodchucks Chronically Infected With Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:916-931. [PMID: 32490326 PMCID: PMC7262289 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RG7834 is a small‐molecule inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression that significantly reduces the levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA in a humanized liver HBV mouse model. In the current study, we evaluated the potency of RG7834 in the woodchuck model of chronic HBV infection, alone and in combination with entecavir (ETV) and/or woodchuck interferon‐α (wIFN‐α). RG7834 reduced woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) surface antigen (WHsAg) by a mean of 2.57 log10 from baseline and WHV DNA by a mean of 1.71 log10. ETV + wIFN‐α reduced WHsAg and WHV DNA by means of 2.40 log10 and 6.70 log10, respectively. The combination of RG7834, ETV, and wIFN‐α profoundly reduced WHsAg and WHV DNA levels by 5.00 log10 and 7.46 log10, respectively. However, both viral parameters rebounded to baseline after treatment was stopped and no antibody response against WHsAg was observed. Effects on viral RNAs were mainly seen with the triple combination treatment, reducing both pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and WHsAg RNA, whereas RG7834 mainly reduced WHsAg RNA and ETV mainly affected pgRNA. When WHsAg was reduced by the triple combination, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proliferated significantly in response to viral antigens, but the cellular response was diminished after WHsAg returned to baseline levels during the off‐treatment period. Consistent with this, Pearson correlation revealed a strong negative correlation between WHsAg levels and PBMC proliferation in response to peptides covering the entire WHsAg and WHV nucleocapsid antigen. Conclusion: A fast and robust reduction of WHsAg by combination therapy reduced WHV‐specific immune dysfunction in the periphery. However, the magnitude and/or duration of the induced cellular response were not sufficient to achieve a sustained antiviral response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Menne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Steffen Wildum
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Guido Steiner
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Manasa Suresh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Kyle Korolowicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Maria Balarezo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Changsuek Yon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Marta Murreddu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Xupeng Hong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | | | - Robin Tucker
- Department of Pharmacology Georgetown University Medical Center Washington DC
| | - Song Yang
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Shanghai Shanghai China
| | - John A T Young
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Hassan Javanbakht
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel Basel Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Cornberg M, Lok ASF, Terrault NA, Zoulim F. Guidance for design and endpoints of clinical trials in chronic hepatitis B - Report from the 2019 EASL-AASLD HBV Treatment Endpoints Conference ‡. J Hepatol 2020; 72:539-557. [PMID: 31730789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Representatives from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient groups convened in March 2019 with the primary goal of developing agreement on chronic HBV treatment endpoints to guide clinical trials aiming to 'cure' HBV. Agreement among the conference participants was reached on some key points. 'Functional' but not sterilising cure is achievable and should be defined as sustained HBsAg loss in addition to undetectable HBV DNA 6 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint of phase III trials should be functional cure; HBsAg loss in ≥30% of patients was suggested as an acceptable rate of response in these trials. Sustained virologic suppression (undetectable serum HBV DNA) without HBsAg loss 6 months after discontinuation of treatment would be an intermediate goal. Demonstrated validity for the prediction of sustained HBsAg loss was considered the most appropriate criterion for the approval of new HBV assays to determine efficacy endpoints. Clinical trials aimed at HBV functional cure should initially focus on patients with HBeAg-positive or negative chronic hepatitis, who are treatment-naïve or virally suppressed on nucleos(t)ide analogues. A hepatitis flare associated with an increase in bilirubin or international normalised ratio should prompt temporary or permanent cessation of an investigational treatment. New treatments must be as safe as existing nucleos(t)ide analogues. The primary endpoint for phase III trials for HDV coinfection should be undetectable serum HDV RNA 6 months after stopping treatment. On treatment HDV RNA suppression associated with normalisation of alanine aminotransferase is considered an intermediate goal. In conclusion, regarding HBV 'functional cure', the primary goal is sustained HBsAg loss with undetectable HBV DNA after completion of treatment and the intermediate goal is sustained undetectable HBV DNA without HBsAg loss after stopping treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany; Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany.
| | - Anna Suk-Fong Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM U1052, University of Lyon, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hu Z, Hu J, Ren F, Xu H, Tan M, Wang Q, Ren J. Nobiletin, a novel inhibitor, inhibits HBsAg production and hepatitis B virus replication. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 523:802-808. [PMID: 31954513 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.12.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious problem due to its extensive worldwide distribution and poor prognosis including cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. The hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg) is a vital serum marker in HBV infection and a major obstacle for effective and subsequently virus clearance. However, Current anti-HBV drugs, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA) and PegIFN, do not meet ideal result of sustained HBsAg loss (defined as functional cure). Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify a new compound targeting HBsAg. In this study, nobiletin was screened out from 1500 compounds due to its low cytotoxicity and high antiviral activity. The effect of nobiletin on HBV was determined in HepG2.2.15 and HepG2-NTCP cells. Furthermore, the antiviral capability of nobiletin was also verified in vivo. Unlike entecavir (ETV) therapy, which reduced HBV DNA but do not lead to an effective reduction in HBsAg, nobiletin significantly reduced the level of HBsAg as well as lowered HBV DNA in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, combination of nobiletin and ETV led to broad reductions of both HBV DNA and HBsAg level. This study may shed light on the development of a novel class of anti-HBV agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongwen Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jieli Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jihua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cornberg M, Lok ASF, Terrault NA, Zoulim F. Guidance for design and endpoints of clinical trials in chronic hepatitis B - Report from the 2019 EASL-AASLD HBV Treatment Endpoints Conference. Hepatology 2019; 71:1070-1092. [PMID: 31713892 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Representatives from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient groups convened in March 2019 with the primary goal of developing agreement on chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment endpoints to guide clinical trials aiming to 'cure' HBV. Agreement among the conference participants was reached on some key points. 'Functional' but not sterilizing cure is achievable and should be defined as sustained HBsAg loss in addition to undetectable HBV DNA 6 months post-treatment. The primary endpoint of phase 3 trials should be functional cure; HBsAg loss in ≥30% of patients was suggested as an acceptable rate of response in these trials. Sustained virologic suppression (undetectable serum HBV DNA) without HBsAg loss, 6 months after discontinuation of treatment would be an intermediate goal. Demonstrated validity in predicting sustained HBsAg loss was considered the most appropriate criterion for the approval of new HBV assays to determine efficacy endpoints. Clinical trials aimed at HBV functional cure should initially focus on patients with HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis, treatment-naïve or virally suppressed on nucleos(t)ide analogues. A hepatitis flare associated with increase in bilirubin or INR should prompt temporary or permanent cessation of investigational treatment. New treatments must be as safe as existing nucleos(t)ide analogues. The primary endpoint for phase 3 trials for hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infection should be undetectable serum HDV RNA 6 months after stopping treatment. On treatment HDV RNA suppression associated with normalization of ALT is considered an intermediate goal. CONCLUSION: For HBV 'functional cure', sustained HBsAg loss with undetectable HBV DNA after completion of treatment is the primary goal and sustained undetectable HBV DNA without HBsAg loss after stopping treatment an intermediate goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Germany
- Centre for Individualised Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Suk-Fong Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Keck Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM U1052, University of Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tramontano E, Tarbet B, Spengler JR, Seley-Radtke K, Meier C, Jordan R, Janeba Z, Gowen B, Gentry B, Esté JA, Bray M, Andrei G, Schang LM. Meeting report: 32nd International Conference on Antiviral Research. Antiviral Res 2019; 169:104550. [PMID: 31302149 PMCID: PMC7105345 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The 32nd International Conference on Antiviral Research (ICAR), sponsored by the International Society for Antiviral Research (ISAR), was held in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on May 12-15, 2019. This report gives an overview of the conference on behalf of the Society. It provides a general review of the meeting and awardees, summarizing the presentations, and their main conclusions from the perspective of researchers active in many different areas of antiviral research and development. As in past years, ICAR promoted and showcased the most recent progress in antiviral research, and continued to foster collaborations and interactions in drug discovery and development. The 33rd ICAR will be held in Seattle, Washington, USA, March 30th-April 3rd, 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Bart Tarbet
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Institute for Antiviral Research Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Jessica R. Spengler
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine Seley-Radtke
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chris Meier
- Department of Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Zlatko Janeba
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nam. 2, CZ-16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Brian Gowen
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Institute for Antiviral Research Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Brian Gentry
- Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - José A. Esté
- AIDS Research Institute - Irsicaixa, Hospital Germans Trias I Pujol, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Graciela Andrei
- KU Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luis M. Schang
- Baker Institute Cornell University, 235 Hungerford Hill Road, Ithaca, NY, USA,Corresponding author
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Fanning GC, Zoulim F, Hou J, Bertoletti A. Therapeutic strategies for hepatitis B virus infection: towards a cure. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:827-844. [PMID: 31455905 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of liver disease globally, with a disproportionately high burden in South-East Asia. Vaccines and nucleoside or nucleotide drugs are available and reduce both new infection rates and the development of liver disease in HBV-positive persons who adhere to long-term suppressive treatment. Although there is still considerable value in optimizing access to virus-suppressing regimens, the scientific and medical communities have embarked on a concerted journey to identify new antiviral drugs and immune interventions aimed at curing infection. The mechanisms and drug targets being explored are diverse; however, the field universally recognizes the importance of addressing the persistence of episomal covalently closed circular DNA, the existence of integrated HBV DNA in the host genome and the large antigen load, particularly of hepatitis B surface antigen. Another major challenge is to reinvigorate the exhausted immune response within the liver microenvironment. Ultimately, combinations of new drugs will be required to cure infection. Here we critically review the recent literature that describes the rationale for curative therapies and the resulting compounds that are being tested in clinical trials for hepatitis B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Fanning
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, China Research & Development, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon University, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hu J, Cheng J, Tang L, Hu Z, Luo Y, Li Y, Zhou T, Chang J, Guo JT. Virological Basis for the Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:659-674. [PMID: 29893548 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has infected one-third of world population, and 240 million people are chronic carriers, to whom a curative therapy is still not available. Similar to other viruses, persistent HBV infection relies on the virus to exploit host cell functions to support its replication and efficiently evade host innate and adaptive antiviral immunity. Understanding HBV replication and concomitant host cell interactions is thus instrumental for development of therapeutics to disrupt the virus-host interactions critical for its persistence and cure chronic hepatitis B. Although the currently available cell culture systems of HBV infection are refractory to genome-wide high throughput screening of key host cellular factors essential for and/or regulating HBV replication, classic one-gene (or pathway)-at-a-time studies in the last several decades have already revealed many aspects of HBV-host interactions. An overview of the landscape of HBV-hepatocyte interaction indicates that, in addition to more tightly suppressing viral replication by directly targeting viral proteins, disruption of key viral-host cell interactions to eliminate or inactivate the covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, the most stable HBV replication intermediate that exists as an episomal minichromosome in the nucleus of infected hepatocyte, is essential to achieve a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Moreover, therapeutic targeting of integrated HBV DNA and their transcripts may also be required to induce hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and prevent liver carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 1 Tian-tan Xi-li, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Liudi Tang
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, United States
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Yue Luo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Institute of Hepatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 1 Tian-tan Xi-li, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mueller H, Lopez A, Tropberger P, Wildum S, Schmaler J, Pedersen L, Han X, Wang Y, Ottosen S, Yang S, Young JAT, Javanbakht H. PAPD5/7 Are Host Factors That Are Required for Hepatitis B Virus RNA Stabilization. Hepatology 2019; 69:1398-1411. [PMID: 30365161 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RG7834 is a potent, orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression that belongs to the dihydroquinolizinone (DHQ) chemical class and uniquely blocks production of both viral DNA and antigens. In this study, we used DHQ compounds as tools in a compound-based adaptation version of the yeast three-hybrid screen to identify the cognate cellular protein targets, the non-canonical poly(A) RNA polymerase associated domain containing proteins 5 and 7 (PAPD5 and PAPD7). Interaction with RG7834 was mapped to the catalytic domains of the two cellular enzymes. The role of PAPD5 and PAPD7 in HBV replication was confirmed by oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown studies that phenocopied the result seen with RG7834-treated HBV-infected hepatocytes. The greatest effect on HBV gene expression was seen when PAPD5 and PAPD7 mRNAs were simultaneously knocked down, suggesting that the two cellular proteins play a redundant role in maintaining HBV mRNA levels. In addition, as seen previously with RG7834 treatment, PAPD5 and PAPD7 knockdown led to destabilization and degradation of HBV mRNA without impacting production of viral RNA transcripts. Conclusion: We identify PAPD5 and PAPD7 as cellular host factors required for HBV RNA stabilization and as therapeutic targets for the HBV cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Mueller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anaïs Lopez
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Tropberger
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Steffen Wildum
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Schmaler
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lykke Pedersen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xingchun Han
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongguang Wang
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Søren Ottosen
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Song Yang
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - John A T Young
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hassan Javanbakht
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Xia Y, Liang TJ. Development of Direct-acting Antiviral and Host-targeting Agents for Treatment of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:311-324. [PMID: 30243618 PMCID: PMC6340783 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects approximately 300 million people worldwide. Although antiviral therapies have improved the long-term outcomes, patients often require life-long treatment and there is no cure for HBV infection. New technologies can help us learn more about the pathogenesis of HBV infection and develop therapeutic agents to reduce its burden. We review recent advances in development of direct-acting antiviral and host-targeting agents, some of which have entered clinical trials. We also discuss strategies for unbiased high-throughput screens to identify compounds that inhibit HBV and for repurposing existing drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xia
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892
| | - T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mitra B, Thapa RJ, Guo H, Block TM. Host functions used by hepatitis B virus to complete its life cycle: Implications for developing host-targeting agents to treat chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2018; 158:185-198. [PMID: 30145242 PMCID: PMC6193490 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Similar to other mammalian viruses, the life cycle of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is heavily dependent upon and regulated by cellular (host) functions. These cellular functions can be generally placed in to two categories: (a) intrinsic host restriction factors and innate defenses, which must be evaded or repressed by the virus; and (b) gene products that provide functions necessary for the virus to complete its life cycle. Some of these functions may apply to all viruses, but some may be specific to HBV. In certain cases, the virus may depend upon the host function much more than does the host itself. Knowing which host functions regulate the different steps of a virus' life cycle, can lead to new antiviral targets and help in developing novel treatment strategies, in addition to improving a fundamental understanding of viral pathogenesis. Therefore, in this review we will discuss known host factors which influence key steps of HBV life cycle, and further elucidate therapeutic interventions targeting host-HBV interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ghany MG, Block TM. Disease Pathways and Mechanisms of Potential Drug Targets. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2018; 12:12-18. [PMID: 30988903 PMCID: PMC6385908 DOI: 10.1002/cld.735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marc G. Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Timothy M. Block
- Hepatitis B Foundation and Baruch S. Blumberg InstituteDoylestownPA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Levrero M, Subic M, Villeret F, Zoulim F. Perspectives and limitations for nucleo(t)side analogs in future HBV therapies. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 30:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
38
|
Preclinical Profile of AB-423, an Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Encapsidation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00082-18. [PMID: 29555628 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00082-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-423 is a member of the sulfamoylbenzamide (SBA) class of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid inhibitors in phase 1 clinical trials. In cell culture models, AB-423 showed potent inhibition of HBV replication (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 0.08 to 0.27 μM; EC90 = 0.33 to 1.32 μM) with no significant cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration > 10 μM). Addition of 40% human serum resulted in a 5-fold increase in the EC50s. AB-423 inhibited HBV genotypes A through D and nucleos(t)ide-resistant variants in vitro Treatment of HepDES19 cells with AB-423 resulted in capsid particles devoid of encapsidated pregenomic RNA and relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), indicating that it is a class II capsid inhibitor. In a de novo infection model, AB-423 prevented the conversion of encapsidated rcDNA to covalently closed circular DNA, presumably by interfering with the capsid uncoating process. Molecular docking of AB-423 into crystal structures of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines and an SBA and biochemical studies suggest that AB-423 likely also binds to the dimer-dimer interface of core protein. In vitro dual combination studies with AB-423 and anti-HBV agents, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs, RNA interference agents, or interferon alpha, resulted in additive to synergistic antiviral activity. Pharmacokinetic studies with AB-423 in CD-1 mice showed significant systemic exposures and higher levels of accumulation in the liver. A 7-day twice-daily administration of AB-423 in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model of HBV infection resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in serum HBV DNA levels, and combination with entecavir or ARB-1467 resulted in a trend toward antiviral activity greater than that of either agent alone, consistent with the results of the in vitro combination studies. The overall preclinical profile of AB-423 supports its further evaluation for safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Collapse
|
39
|
Chardès B, Lucifora J, Salvetti A. La protéine ISG20, un nouveau facteur de restriction contre le virus de l’hépatite B ? Med Sci (Paris) 2018; 34:388-391. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20183405006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
40
|
Zoulim F. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus gene expression: A step towards functional cure. J Hepatol 2018; 68:386-388. [PMID: 29217272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Zoulim
- Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, INSERM U1052 -Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), 151 Cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|