1
|
Rau F, Elsner C, Meister TL, Gömer A, Kallies R, Dittmer U, Steinmann E, Todt D. Monitoring of hepatitis E virus in wastewater can identify clinically relevant variants. Liver Int 2024; 44:637-643. [PMID: 38291853 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15842] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is prevalent worldwide and can cause persistent infection with severe morbidity. Antiviral treatment approaches can lead to the emergence of viral variants encoding escape mutations that may impede viral clearance. The frequency of these variants remains unknown in the human population as well as environment due to limited comprehensive data on HEV diversity. In this study, we investigated the HEV prevalence and diversity of circulating variants in environmental samples, that is, wastewater and rivers from North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany. HEV prevalence could be determined with 73% of samples tested positive for viral RNA via qRT-PCR. Using high-throughput sequencing, we were able to assess the overall genetic diversity in these samples and identified the presence of clinically relevant variants associated with drug resistance. In summary, monitoring variants from environmental samples could provide valuable insights into estimating HEV prevalence and identifying circulating variants that can impact treatment outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Rau
- Medical Faculty, Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Carina Elsner
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Toni Luise Meister
- Medical Faculty, Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute for Infection Research and Vaccine Development, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department for Clinical Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner siteHamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - André Gömer
- Medical Faculty, Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - René Kallies
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Medical Faculty, Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Medical Faculty, Department for Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gömer A, Klöhn M, Jagst M, Nocke MK, Pischke S, Horvatits T, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Müller T, Hardtke S, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H, Behrendt P, Steinmann E, Todt D. Emergence of resistance-associated variants during sofosbuvir treatment in chronically infected hepatitis E patients. Hepatology 2023; 78:1882-1895. [PMID: 37334496 PMCID: PMC10653298 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic HEV infections remain a serious problem in immunocompromised patients, as specifically approved antiviral drugs are unavailable. In 2020, a 24-week multicenter phase II pilot trial was carried out, evaluating the nucleotide analog sofosbuvir by treating nine chronically HEV-infected patients with sofosbuvir (Trial Number NCT03282474). During the study, antiviral therapy reduced virus RNA levels initially but did not lead to a sustained virologic response. Here, we characterize the changes in HEV intrahost populations during sofosbuvir treatment to identify the emergence of treatment-associated variants. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed high-throughput sequencing on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequences to characterize viral population dynamics in study participants. Subsequently, we used an HEV-based reporter replicon system to investigate sofosbuvir sensitivity in high-frequency variants. Most patients had heterogenous HEV populations, suggesting high adaptability to treatment-related selection pressures. We identified numerous amino acid alterations emerging during treatment and found that the EC 50 of patient-derived replicon constructs was up to ~12-fold higher than the wild-type control, suggesting that variants associated with lower drug sensitivity were selected during sofosbuvir treatment. In particular, a single amino acid substitution (A1343V) in the finger domain of ORF1 could reduce susceptibility to sofosbuvir significantly in 8 of 9 patients. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, viral population dynamics played a critical role during antiviral treatment. High population diversity during sofosbuvir treatment led to the selection of variants (especially A1343V) with lower sensitivity to the drug, uncovering a novel mechanism of resistance-associated variants during sofosbuvir treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michelle Jagst
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian K. Nocke
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sven Pischke
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
- Gastromedics Health Center, Eisenstadt, Austria
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Tobias Müller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK), Berlin, Germany
| | - Svenja Hardtke
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Infections Research and Vaccine, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
- Center for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); HepNet Study-House/German Liver Foundation (DLS), Hannover, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF); Partner Site Hannover Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Melchert J, Radbruch H, Hanitsch LG, Baylis SA, Beheim-Schwarzbach J, Bleicker T, Hofmann J, Jones TC, Drosten C, Corman VM. Whole genome sequencing reveals insights into hepatitis E virus genome diversity, and virus compartmentalization in chronic hepatitis E. J Clin Virol 2023; 168:105583. [PMID: 37716229 PMCID: PMC10643812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105583] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a leading cause of acute hepatitis and can cause chronic infections in immunocompromised patients. Although HEV infections can be treated with ribavirin, antiviral efficacy is hampered by resistance mutations, normally detected by virus sequencing. OBJECTIVES High-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows for cost-effective complete viral genome sequencing. This enables the discovery and delineation of new subtypes, and revised the recognition of quasispecies and putative resistance mutations. However, HTS is challenged by factors including low viral load, sample degradation, high host background, and high viral diversity. STUDY DESIGN We apply complete genome sequencing strategies for HEV, including a targeted enrichment approach. These approaches were used to investigate sequence diversity in HEV RNA-positive animal and human samples and intra-host diversity in a chronically infected patient. RESULTS Here, we describe the identification of potential novel subtypes in a blood donation (genotype 3) and in an ancient livestock sample (genotype 7). In a chronically infected patient, we successfully investigated intra-host virus diversity, including the presence of ribavirin resistance mutations. Furthermore, we found convincing evidence for HEV compartmentalization, including the central nervous system, in this patient. CONCLUSIONS Targeted enrichment of viral sequences enables the generation of complete genome sequences from a variety of difficult sample materials. Moreover, it enables the generation of greater sequence coverage allowing more advanced analyses. This is key for a better understanding of virus diversity. Investigation of existing ribavirin resistance, in the context of minorities or compartmentalization, may be critical in treatment strategies of HEV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Melchert
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Radbruch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif G Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sally A Baylis
- Viral Safety Section, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Jörn Beheim-Schwarzbach
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Tobias Bleicker
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Terry C Jones
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany; Centre for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing St., Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité--Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, Berlin 10117, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Charité, Berlin, Germany; Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin 13353, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang B, Mahsoub HM, Li W, Heffron CL, Tian D, Hassebroek AM, LeRoith T, Meng XJ. Ribavirin Treatment Failure-Associated Mutation, Y1320H, in the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase of Genotype 3 Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Enhances Virus Replication in a Rabbit HEV Infection Model. mBio 2023; 14:e0337222. [PMID: 36809085 PMCID: PMC10128057 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03372-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection has become a significant clinical problem that requires treatment in immunocompromised individuals. In the absence of an HEV-specific antiviral, ribavirin (RBV) has been used off-label, but treatment failure may occur due to mutations in the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), including Y1320H, K1383N, and G1634R. Chronic hepatitis E is mostly caused by zoonotic genotype 3 HEV (HEV-3), and HEV variants from rabbits (HEV-3ra) are closely related to human HEV-3. Here, we explored whether HEV-3ra, along with its cognate host, can serve as a model to study RBV treatment failure-associated mutations observed in human HEV-3-infected patients. By utilizing the HEV-3ra infectious clone and indicator replicon, we generated multiple single mutants (Y1320H, K1383N, K1634G, and K1634R) and a double mutant (Y1320H/K1383N) and assessed the role of mutations on replication and antiviral activity of HEV-3ra in cell culture. Furthermore, we also compared the replication of the Y1320H mutant with the wild-type HEV-3ra in experimentally infected rabbits. Our in vitro analyses revealed that the effects of these mutations on rabbit HEV-3ra are altogether highly consistent with those on human HEV-3. Importantly, we found that the Y1320H enhances virus replication during the acute stage of HEV-3ra infection in rabbits, which corroborated our in vitro results showing an enhanced viral replication of Y1320H. Taken together, our data suggest that HEV-3ra and its cognate host is a useful and relevant naturally occurring homologous animal model to study the clinical relevance of antiviral-resistant mutations observed in human HEV-3 chronically-infected patients. IMPORTANCE HEV-3 causes chronic hepatitis E that requires antiviral therapy in immunosuppressed individuals. RBV is the main therapeutic option for chronic hepatitis E as an off-label use. Several amino acid changes, including Y1320H, K1383N, and G1634R, in the RdRp of human HEV-3 have reportedly been associated with RBV treatment failure in chronic hepatitis E patients. In this study, we utilized an HEV-3ra from rabbit and its cognate host to investigate the effect of these RBV treatment failure-associated HEV-3 RdRp mutations on viral replication efficiency and antiviral susceptibility. The in vitro data using rabbit HEV-3ra was highly comparable to those from human HEV-3. We demonstrated that the Y1320H mutation significantly enhanced HEV-3ra replication in cell culture and enhanced virus replication during the acute stage of HEV-3ra infection in rabbits. The rabbit HEV-3ra infection model should be useful in delineating the role of human HEV-3 RBV treatment failure-associated mutations in antiviral resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Hassan M. Mahsoub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - C. Lynn Heffron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Debin Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Anna M. Hassebroek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Oechslin N, Ankavay M, Moradpour D, Gouttenoire J. Expanding the Hepatitis E Virus Toolbox: Selectable Replicons and Recombinant Reporter Genomes. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040869. [PMID: 37112849 PMCID: PMC10147066 DOI: 10.3390/v15040869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has received relatively little attention for decades although it is now considered as one of the most frequent causes of acute hepatitis worldwide. Our knowledge of this enterically-transmitted, positive-strand RNA virus and its life cycle remains scarce but research on HEV has gained momentum more recently. Indeed, advances in the molecular virology of hepatitis E, including the establishment of subgenomic replicons and infectious molecular clones, now allow study of the entire viral life cycle and to explore host factors required for productive infection. Here, we provide an overview on currently available systems, with an emphasis on selectable replicons and recombinant reporter genomes. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges in developing new systems which should enable to further investigate this widely distributed and important pathogen.
Collapse
|
6
|
LeDesma R, Heller B, Biswas A, Maya S, Gili S, Higgins J, Ploss A. Structural features stabilized by divalent cation coordination within hepatitis E virus ORF1 are critical for viral replication. eLife 2023; 12:e80529. [PMID: 36852909 PMCID: PMC9977285 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an RNA virus responsible for over 20 million infections annually. HEV's open reading frame (ORF)1 polyprotein is essential for genome replication, though it is unknown how the different subdomains function within a structural context. Our data show that ORF1 operates as a multifunctional protein, which is not subject to proteolytic processing. Supporting this model, scanning mutagenesis performed on the putative papain-like cysteine protease (pPCP) domain revealed six cysteines essential for viral replication. Our data are consistent with their role in divalent metal ion coordination, which governs local and interdomain interactions that are critical for the overall structure of ORF1; furthermore, the 'pPCP' domain can only rescue viral genome replication in trans when expressed in the context of the full-length ORF1 protein but not as an individual subdomain. Taken together, our work provides a comprehensive model of the structure and function of HEV ORF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert LeDesma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Brigitte Heller
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Abhishek Biswas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Stephanie Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Stefania Gili
- Department of Geosciences, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - John Higgins
- Department of Geosciences, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton UniversityPrincetonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quasispecies Fitness Partition to Characterize the Molecular Status of a Viral Population. Negative Effect of Early Ribavirin Discontinuation in a Chronically Infected HEV Patient. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314654. [PMID: 36498981 PMCID: PMC9739305 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The changes occurring in viral quasispecies populations during infection have been monitored using diversity indices, nucleotide diversity, and several other indices to summarize the quasispecies structure in a single value. In this study, we present a method to partition quasispecies haplotypes into four fractions according to their fitness: the master haplotype, rare haplotypes at two levels (those present at <0.1%, and those at 0.1−1%), and a fourth fraction that we term emerging haplotypes, present at frequencies >1%, but less than that of the master haplotype. We propose that by determining the changes occurring in the volume of the four quasispecies fitness fractions together with those of the Hill number profile we will be able to visualize and analyze the molecular changes in the composition of a quasispecies with time. To develop this concept, we used three data sets: a technical clone of the complete SARS-CoV-2 spike gene, a subset of data previously used in a study of rare haplotypes, and data from a clinical follow-up study of a patient chronically infected with HEV and treated with ribavirin. The viral response to ribavirin mutagenic treatment was selection of a rich set of synonymous haplotypes. The mutation spectrum was very complex at the nucleotide level, but at the protein (phenotypic/functional) level the pattern differed, showing a highly prevalent master phenotype. We discuss the putative implications of this observation in relation to mutagenic antiviral treatment.
Collapse
|
8
|
Two mutations in the ORF1 of genotype 1 hepatitis E virus enhance virus replication and may associate with fulminant hepatic failure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2207503119. [PMID: 35969750 PMCID: PMC9407470 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207503119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in pregnant women has a high incidence of developing fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) with significant mortality. Multiple amino acid changes in genotype 1 HEV (HEV-1) are reportedly linked to FHF clinical cases, but experimental confirmation of the roles of these changes in FHF is lacking. By utilizing the HEV-1 indicator replicon and infectious clone, we generated 11 HEV-1 single mutants, each with an individual mutation, and investigated the effect of these mutations on HEV replication and infection in human liver cells. We demonstrated that most of the mutations actually impaired HEV-1 replication efficiency compared with the wild type (WT), likely due to altered physicochemical properties and structural conformations. However, two mutations, A317T and V1120I, significantly increased HEV-1 replication. Notably, these two mutations simultaneously occurred in 100% of 21 HEV-1 variants from patients with FHF in Bangladesh. We further created an HEV-1 A317T/V1120I double mutant and found that it greatly enhanced HEV replication, which may explain the rapid viral replication and severe disease. Furthermore, we tested the effect of these FHF-associated mutations on genotype 3 HEV (HEV-3) replication and found that all the mutants had a reduced level of replication ability and infectivity, which is not unexpected due to distinct infection patterns between HEV-1 and HEV-3. Additionally, we demonstrated that these FHF-associated mutations do not appear to alter their sensitivity to ribavirin (RBV), suggesting that ribavirin remains a viable option for antiviral therapy for patients with FHF. The results have important implications for understanding the mechanism of HEV-1-associated FHF.
Collapse
|
9
|
A ribavirin-induced ORF2 single-nucleotide variant produces defective hepatitis E virus particles with immune decoy function. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202653119. [PMID: 35969792 PMCID: PMC9407633 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202653119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has increasing prevalence worldwide. However, little is known about the impact of single-nucleotide variants (SNV) on the replication cycle. Here, we report a ribavirin-induced open reading frame 2 (ORF2) SNV that demonstrats reduced RNA copies released in the supernatant and an impairment in the production of infectious particles. Furthermore, the P79S variant displays an altered subcellular distribution of the ORF2 protein and is able to impair antibody-mediated neutralization of HEV in a competition assay potentially acting as an immune decoy. These findings provide insights in understanding the biology of circulating HEV variants and may guide development of personalized antiviral strategies in the future. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans and is the leading cause of enterically transmitted viral hepatitis worldwide. Ribavirin (RBV) is currently the only treatment option for many patients; however, cases of treatment failures or posttreatment relapses have been frequently reported. RBV therapy was shown to be associated with an increase in HEV genome heterogeneity and the emergence of distinct HEV variants. In this study, we analyzed the impact of eight patient-derived open reading frame 2 (ORF2) single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), which occurred under RBV treatment, on the replication cycle and pathogenesis of HEV. The parental HEV strain and seven ORF2 variants showed comparable levels of RNA replication in human hepatoma cells and primary human hepatocytes. However, a P79S ORF2 variant demonstrated reduced RNA copy numbers released in the supernatant and an impairment in the production of infectious particles. Biophysical and biochemical characterization revealed that this SNV caused defective, smaller HEV particles with a loss of infectiousness. Furthermore, the P79S variant displayed an altered subcellular distribution of the ORF2 protein and was able to interfere with antibody-mediated neutralization of HEV in a competition assay. In conclusion, an SNV in the HEV ORF2 could be identified that resulted in altered virus particles that were noninfectious in vitro and in vivo, but could potentially serve as immune decoys. These findings provide insights in understanding the biology of circulating HEV variants and may guide development of personalized antiviral strategies in the future.
Collapse
|
10
|
Praditya DF, Klöhn M, Brüggemann Y, Brown LE, Porco JA, Zhang W, Kinast V, Kirschning A, Vondran FWR, Todt D, Steinmann E. Identification of structurally re-engineered rocaglates as inhibitors against hepatitis E virus replication. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105359. [PMID: 35728703 PMCID: PMC9731315 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans and pose a considerable threat to public health. Current standard of care treatment is limited to the off-label use of nucleoside-analog ribavirin (RBV) and PEGylated interferon-α, both of which are associated with significant side effects and provide limited efficacy. In the past few years, a promising natural product compound class of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) inhibitors (translation initiation inhibitors), called rocaglates, were identified as antiviral agents against RNA virus infections. In the present study, we evaluated a total of 205 synthetic rocaglate derivatives from the BU-CMD compound library for their antiviral properties against HEV. At least eleven compounds showed inhibitory activities against the HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) subgenomic replicon below 30 nM (EC50 value) as determined by Gaussia luciferase assay. Three amidino-rocaglates (ADRs) (CMLD012073, CMLD012118, and CMLD012612) possessed antiviral activity against HEV with EC50 values between 1 and 9 nM. In addition, these three selected compounds inhibited subgenomic replicons of different genotypes (HEV-1 [Sar55], wild boar HEV-3 [83-2] and human HEV-3 [p6]) in a dose-dependent manner and at low nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, tested ADRs tend to be better tolerated in primary hepatocytes than hepatoma cancer cell lines and combination treatment of CMLD012118 with RBV and interferon-α (IFN-α) showed that CMLD012118 acts additive to RBV and IFN-α treatment. In conclusion, our results indicate that ADRs, especially CMLD012073, CMLD012118, and CMLD012612 may prove to be potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of HEV infections and may contribute to the discovery of pan-genotypic inhibitors in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimas F Praditya
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, The National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Lauren E Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - John A Porco
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Wenhan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Volker Kinast
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kirschning
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Florian W R Vondran
- ReMediES, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu DQ, Ding QY, Tao NN, Tan M, Zhang Y, Li F, Zhou YJ, Dong ML, Cheng ST, Ren F, Chen J, Ren JH. SIRT2 Promotes HBV Transcription and Replication by Targeting Transcription Factor p53 to Increase the Activities of HBV Enhancers and Promoters. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:836446. [PMID: 35663860 PMCID: PMC9161175 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.836446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although the major drugs against CHB including nucleos(t)ide analogs and PEG-interferon can effectively control human hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, complete cure of HBV infection is quite rare. Targeting host factors involved in the viral life cycle contributes to developing innovative therapeutic strategies to improve HBV clearance. In this study, we found that the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT2, a class III histone deacetylase, were significantly upregulated in CHB patients, and that SIRT2 protein level was positively correlated with HBV viral load, HBsAg/HBeAg levels, HBcrAg, and ALT/AST levels. Functional analysis confirmed that ectopic SIRT2 overexpression markedly increased total HBV RNAs, 3.5-kb RNA and HBV core DNA in HBV-infected HepG2-Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide cells and primary human hepatocytes. In contrast, SIRT2 silencing inhibited HBV transcription and replication. In addition, we found a positive correlation between SIRT2 expression and HBV RNAs synthesis as well as HBV covalently closed circular DNA transcriptional activity. A mechanistic study suggested that SIRT2 enhances the activities of HBV enhancer I/HBx promoter (EnI/Xp) and enhancer II/HBc promoter (EnII/Cp) by targeting the transcription factor p53. The levels of HBV EnI/Xp and EnII/Cp-bound p53 were modulated by SIRT2. Both the mutation of p53 binding sites in EnI/Xp and EnII/Cp as well as overexpression of p53 abolished the effect of SIRT2 on HBV transcription and replication. In conclusion, our study reveals that, in terms of host factors, a SIRT2-targeted program might be a more effective therapeutic strategy for HBV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Qing Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiu-Ying Ding
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Centre for Lipid Research, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Na-Na Tao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Jiao Zhou
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sheng-Tao Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji-Hua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases (Chinese Ministry of Education), Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Ji-Hua Ren,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chirohepevirus from Bats: Insights into Hepatitis E Virus Diversity and Evolution. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050905. [PMID: 35632647 PMCID: PMC9146828 DOI: 10.3390/v14050905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Homologs of the human hepatitis E virus (HEV) have been identified in more than a dozen animal species. Some of them have been evidenced to cross species barriers and infect humans. Zoonotic HEV infections cause chronic liver diseases as well as a broad range of extrahepatic manifestations, which increasingly become significant clinical problems. Bats comprise approximately one-fifth of all named mammal species and are unique in their distinct immune response to viral infection. Most importantly, they are natural reservoirs of several highly pathogenic viruses, which have induced severe human diseases. Since the first discovery of HEV-related viruses in bats in 2012, multiple genetically divergent HEV variants have been reported in a total of 12 bat species over the last decade, which markedly expanded the host range of the HEV family and shed light on the evolutionary origin of human HEV. Meanwhile, bat-borne HEV also raised critical public health concerns about its zoonotic potential. Bat HEV strains resemble genomic features but exhibit considerable heterogeneity. Due to the close evolutionary relationships, bat HEV altogether has been recently assigned to an independent genus, Chirohepevirus. This review focuses on the current state of bat HEV and provides novel insights into HEV genetic diversity and molecular evolution.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans. A convenient small mammalian model for basic research and antiviral testing is still greatly needed. Although a small rodent, the Mongolian gerbil, was reported to be susceptible to swine genotype-4 HEV infection, whether the previous results were reliable and consistent needs to be validated by using biologically pure HEV stocks or infectious RNA. In this study, we revisited this gerbil infection model for human HEV of genotype 1, 3, or 4 (G1, G3, or G4) by HEV reverse genetics. Gerbils inoculated intrahepatically with capped G3 HEV RNA transcripts or intraperitoneally with infectious G3 cloned HEV produced robust infection, as evidenced by presence of HEV in livers, spleens, and feces for up to 7 weeks post inoculation, seroconversion, and pathological liver lesions. Furthermore, the value of the gerbil model in antiviral testing and type I IFN in host defense was assessed. We demonstrated the effectiveness of peg-IFNα-2a and ribavirin in inhibiting HEV replication in gerbils. By treatment with two molecule inhibitors of TBK1, we also revealed a role of RIG-I like receptor-interferon regulatory factor 3 in host anti-HEV innate immune sensing in this in vivo model. Finally, susceptibility of G4 HEV was demonstrated in intrahepatically inoculated gerbils with infectious HEV RNA transcripts, whereas no evidence for G1 HEV susceptibility was found. The availability of the convenient gerbil model will greatly facilitate HEV-specific antiviral development and assess the mechanism of host immune response during HEV infection. IMPORTANCE HEV infects >20 million people annually, causing acute viral hepatitis as well as chronic hepatitis, neurological diseases, and pregnancy-associated high mortality, which require therapeutic intervention. The HEV antiviral research is largely limited by the lack of a convenient small animal model. Here we revisit the Mongolian gerbil model for three genotypes of human HEV by infectious HEV clones and recognized standards of experimental procedures. Fecal virus shedding, seroconversion, and pathological liver lesions could be detected in HEV-inoculated gerbils. We demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of this model in testing antiviral drugs, and in assessing the mechanism of host innate immune response upon HEV infection. This conventional rodent model will aid in future antiviral development and delineating mechanism of host immune response.
Collapse
|
14
|
Development of recombinant infectious hepatitis E virus harboring the nanoKAZ gene and its application in drug screening. J Virol 2022; 96:e0190621. [PMID: 35107380 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01906-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped virus with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome belonging to family Hepeviridae. Studies on molecular aspects of HEV and drug screening have benefited from the discovery of bioluminescent reporter genes. However, the stability of large foreign genes is difficult to maintain after insertion into the viral genome. Currently, ribavirin is used to treat HEV-infected patients who require antiviral therapy. This has several major drawbacks. Thus, the development of novel anti-HEV drugs is of great importance. We developed a system consisting of recombinant infectious HEV harboring small luciferase gene (nanoKAZ) in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) (HEV-nanoKAZ). It replicated efficiently in cultured cells, was genetically stable, and had morphological characteristics similar to the parental virus. Both membrane-associated (eHEV-nanoKAZ) and membrane-unassociated (neHEV-nanoKAZ) particles were infectious. HEV particles circulating in the blood stream and attaching to hepatocytes in HEV-infected patients are membrane-associated, thus, eHEV-nanoKAZ was applied in drug screening. The eHEV-nanoKAZ system is able to cover at least the inhibitor of HEV entry and inhibitor of HEV RNA replication. Four drugs with anti-HEV activity were identified. Their effectiveness in cultured cells was confirmed in naïve and HEV-producing PLC/PRF/5 cells. Two hit drugs (azithromycin and ritonavir) strongly inhibited HEV production in culture supernatants, as well as intracellular expression of ORF2 protein, and may therefore be candidate novel anti-HEV drugs. The HEV-nanoKAZ system was developed and applied in drug screening, and is expected to be useful for investigating the HEV life cycle. IMPORTANCE Bioluminescent reporter viruses are essential tools in molecular virological research. It has been widely used to investigate viral life cycles and in the development of antiviral drugs. For drug screening, the use of a bioluminescent reporter virus helps shorten the time required to perform the assay. A system, consisting of recombinant infectious HEV harboring the nanoKAZ gene in the HVR of ORF1 (HEV-nanoKAZ), was developed in this study, and was successfully applied to drug screening in which four hit drugs with anti-HEV activity were identified. The results of this study provide evidence supporting the use of this system in more variable HEV studies. In addition, both forms of viral particles (eHEV-nanoKAZ and neHEV-nanoKAZ) are infectious, which will enable their application in HEV studies requiring both forms of viral particles, such as in the investigation of unknown HEV receptors and the elucidation of host factors important for HEV entry.
Collapse
|
15
|
Cheung CKM, Wong SH, Law AWH, Law MF. Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis E: What we know so far? World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:47-75. [PMID: 35125819 PMCID: PMC8793017 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of viral hepatitis globally. There is growing concern about transfusion-transmitted HEV (TT-HEV) as an emerging global health problem. HEV can potentially result in chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, leading to a higher risk of liver cirrhosis and even death. Between 0.0013% and 0.281% of asymptomatic blood donors around the world have HEV viremia, and 0.27% to 60.5% have anti-HEV immunoglobulin G. HEV is infectious even at very low blood concentrations of the virus. Immunosuppressed patients who develop persistent hepatitis E infection should have their immunosuppressant regimen reduced; ribavirin may be considered as treatment. Pegylated interferon can be considered in those who are refractory or intolerant to ribavirin. Sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analog, showed modest antiviral activity in some clinical studies but sustained viral response was not achieved. Therefore, rescue treatment remains an unmet need. The need for HEV screening of all blood donations remains controversial. Universal screening has been adopted in some countries after consideration of risk and resource availability. Various pathogen reduction methods have also been proposed to reduce the risk of TT-HEV. Future studies are needed to define the incidence of transmission through transfusion, their clinical features, outcomes and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 852, China
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | | | - Man Fai Law
- Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong 852, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Oechslin N, Da Silva N, Szkolnicka D, Cantrelle F, Hanoulle X, Moradpour D, Gouttenoire J. Hepatitis E virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is involved in RNA replication and infectious particle production. Hepatology 2022; 75:170-181. [PMID: 34387882 PMCID: PMC9300124 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the most common causes of acute hepatitis worldwide. Its positive-strand RNA genome encodes three open reading frames (ORF). ORF1 is translated into a large protein composed of multiple domains and is known as the viral replicase. The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) domain is responsible for the synthesis of viral RNA. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, we identified a highly conserved α-helix located in the RDRP thumb subdomain. Nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated an amphipathic α-helix extending from amino acids 1628 to 1644 of the ORF1 protein. Functional analyses revealed a dual role of this helix in HEV RNA replication and virus production, including assembly and release. Mutations on the hydrophobic side of the amphipathic α-helix impaired RNA replication and resulted in the selection of a second-site compensatory change in the RDRP palm subdomain. Other mutations enhanced RNA replication but impaired virus assembly and/or release. CONCLUSIONS Structure-function analyses identified a conserved amphipathic α-helix in the thumb subdomain of the HEV RDRP with a dual role in viral RNA replication and infectious particle production. This study provides structural insights into a key segment of the ORF1 protein and describes the successful use of reverse genetics in HEV, revealing functional interactions between the RDRP thumb and palm subdomains. On a broader scale, it demonstrates that the HEV replicase, similar to those of other positive-strand RNA viruses, is also involved in virus production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Oechslin
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLausanne University Hospital and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Nathalie Da Silva
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLausanne University Hospital and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Dagmara Szkolnicka
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLausanne University Hospital and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - François‐Xavier Cantrelle
- UMR1167University of LilleINSERMLille University HospitalInstitut Pasteur de LilleLilleFrance,CNRS, ERL9002 ‐ Integrative Structural BiologyLilleFrance
| | - Xavier Hanoulle
- UMR1167University of LilleINSERMLille University HospitalInstitut Pasteur de LilleLilleFrance,CNRS, ERL9002 ‐ Integrative Structural BiologyLilleFrance
| | - Darius Moradpour
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLausanne University Hospital and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Jérôme Gouttenoire
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLausanne University Hospital and University of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lampejo T. Sofosbuvir in the Treatment of Hepatitis E virus Infection: A Review of in vitro and in vivo Evidence. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1225-1237. [PMID: 35814503 PMCID: PMC9257862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, which occurs almost exclusively in immunocompromised patients, if untreated may progress to cirrhosis and possibly hepatocellular carcinoma. The reduction of immunosuppression and/or administration of ribavirin is frequently curative but there remain many immunocompromised individuals whose HEV infection is refractory to these therapeutic strategies. Moreover, the haematological toxicity of ribavirin limits its use. Pegylated interferon has demonstrated success in a small number of patients with chronic HEV infection; however, the potentially increased risk of graft rejection associated with its use renders it unsuitable for many transplant recipients. Alternative therapeutic strategies are therefore required. This article reviews the in vitro and in vivo literature to date of the antiviral agent sofosbuvir (well established in the treatment of hepatitis C) in the treatment of HEV infection.
Collapse
|
18
|
Li Y, Li P, He Q, Zhang R, Li Y, Kamar N, Peppelenbosch MP, de Man RA, Wang L, Pan Q. Niclosamide inhibits hepatitis E virus through suppression of NF-kappaB signalling. Antiviral Res 2021; 197:105228. [PMID: 34929248 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can cause severe acute hepatitis in pregnant women and chronic infection in immunocompromised patients, promoting the development of effective antiviral therapies. In this study, we identified niclosamide, a widely used anthelmintic drug, as a potent inhibitor of HEV replication in a range of subgenomic and full-length HEV models, which are based on human cell lines and liver organoids harbouring genotype 1 and 3 HEV strains. Niclosamide is known to have multiple cellular targets including the inhibition of STAT3 and NFκB signaling pathways. Although HEV activates STAT3, we excluded its involvement in the anti-HEV activity of niclosamide. Interestingly, HEV infection activated NFκB and activation of NFκB promoted viral replication. Consistently, stable silencing of NFκB by lentiviral RNAi inhibited HEV replication. By targeting NFκB signaling, we further revealed its role in mediating the anti-HEV action of niclosamide. These results demonstrated that niclosamide potently inhibits HEV replication by inhibiting NFκB signaling but independent of STAT3. Our findings support the potential of repurposing niclosamide for treating HEV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunlong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pengfei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Qiyu He
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Centre, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Centre, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Lo KHY, Wu S, Situ J, Chew NFS, Leung KH, Chan HSY, Wong SCY, Leung AWS, Tse CWS, Fung KSC, Tsang OTY, Hon KL, Cheng VCC, Ng KHL, Yuen KY. Hepatitis E virus species C infection in humans, Hong Kong. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 75:288-296. [PMID: 34718428 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) variants belonging to Orthohepevirus species A (HEV-A) are the primary cause of human hepatitis E. However, we previously reported that Orthohepevirus C (HEV-C1), a divergent HEV variant commonly found in rats, also causes hepatitis in humans. Here, we present a clinical-epidemiological investigation of human HEV-C1 infections detected in Hong Kong, with an emphasis on outcomes in immunocompromised individuals.. METHODS A surveillance system for detecting human HEV-C1 infections was established in Hong Kong. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HEV-C1 cases identified via this system between August 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020 were retrieved. Phylogenetic analysis of HEV-C1 strain sequences was performed. Infection outcomes of immunocompromised individuals with HEV-A and HEV-C1 infections were analyzed. RESULTS HEV-C1 accounted for 8/53 (15.1%) RT-PCR confirmed hepatitis E infections in Hong Kong during the study period, raising the total number of HEV-C1 infections detected in the city to 16. Two distinct HEV-C1 strain groups caused human infections. Patients were elderly and/or immunocompromised; half tested negative for HEV IgM. Cumulatively, HEV-C1 accounted for 9/21 (42.9%) cases of hepatitis E recorded in immunocompromised patients in Hong Kong. Immunocompromised HEV-C1 patients progressed to persistent hepatitis at similar rates (7/9; 77.8%) as HEV-A patients (10/12; 75%). HEV-C1 patients responded to oral ribavirin although response to first course was sometimes poor or delayed. CONCLUSIONS Dedicated RT-PCR-based surveillance detected human HEV-C1 cases that evade conventional hepatitis E diagnostic testing. Immunosuppressed HEV-C1-infected patients frequently progress to persistent HEV-C1 infection for which ribavirin is a suitable treatment option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin Hon-Yin Lo
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwen Situ
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicholas Foo-Siong Chew
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kam-Lun Hon
- The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Ho-Leung Ng
- Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Department of Health, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kamani L, Padhani ZA, Das JK. Hepatitis E: Genotypes, strategies to prevent and manage, and the existing knowledge gaps. JGH Open 2021; 5:1127-1134. [PMID: 34621997 PMCID: PMC8485408 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emergent source of viral hepatitis worldwide, with an increasing burden of jaundice, liver failure, extrahepatic illnesses, and deaths in developed countries. With the scarcity of data from efficient animal models, there are still open-ended questions about designing new models to study pathogenesis, types, virology, and evolution of these viruses. With an emphasis on available data and updates, there is still enough information to understand the HEV life cycle, pathogen interaction with the host, and the valuation of the role of vaccine and new anti-HEV therapies. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) preferred to stress prevention and control measures of HEV infections in animals, zoonotic transmission, and foodborne transmission. It is being reviewed that with current knowledge on HEV and existing prevention tools, there is an excellent room for in-depth information about the virus strains, their replication, pathogenicity, and virulence. The current knowledge set also has gaps regarding standardized and validated diagnostic tools, efficacy and safety of the vaccine, and extrahepatic manifestations specifically in pregnant females, immunocompromised patients, and others. This review highlights the areas for more research exploration, focusing on enlisted research questions based on HEV infection to endorse the need for significant improvement in the current set of knowledge for this public health problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Kamani
- Associate Professor & Director, GI Residency Program, Department of GastroenterologyLiaquat National Hospital and Medical CollegeKarachiPakistan
- ConsultantAga Khan University HospitalKarachiPakistan
| | - Zahra Ali Padhani
- Health Policy and Management, Manager (Research)Aga Khan University HospitalKarachiPakistan
| | - Jai K Das
- Assistant Professor and Head, Section of Public Health and EpidemiologyAga Khan University HospitalKarachiPakistan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cellular Organelles Involved in Hepatitis E Virus Infection. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091206. [PMID: 34578238 PMCID: PMC8469867 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide, infects approximately 20 million individuals annually. HEV can infect a wide range of mammalian and avian species, and cause frequent zoonotic spillover, increasingly raising public health concerns. To establish a successful infection, HEV needs to usurp host machineries to accomplish its life cycle from initial attachment to egress. However, relatively little is known about the HEV life cycle, especially the functional role(s) of cellular organelles and their associated proteins at different stages of HEV infection. Here, we summarize current knowledge regarding the relation of HEV with the different cell organelles during HEV infection. Furthermore, we discuss the underlying mechanisms by which HEV infection is precisely regulated in infected cells and the modification of host cell organelles and their associated proteins upon HEV infection.
Collapse
|
22
|
Nadeem M, Ahmad T, Kakar SJ, Adnan F, Anjum S. Hepatitis E virus genotyping in Pakistan: a regional study to explore the implications for pregnant females. Future Virol 2021. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2020-0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has different genotypes 1–4, which is generally associated with mild to severe complications among immunocompromised patients and pregnant women. Materials & methods: Immunoglobulin M (IgM) HEV-positive samples were collected from the diagnostic center. HEV infection was further confirmed by RT-based PCR and genotyping was done to affirm the prevailing genotype. Results: This study identified 28 patients from Islamabad who were confirmed to have immunoglobulins type M against HEV showing acute infection, of which 17 were pregnant and 11 were non-pregnant women. All pregnant women were in their third trimester of pregnancy. Conclusion: Genotype-1 is commonly associated with pregnant females presenting with HEV infections in Islamabad. There is a need to further identify both the sources & route of infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahnoor Nadeem
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Ahmad
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Salik Javed Kakar
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Fazal Adnan
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Anjum
- Department of Biology, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Velavan TP, Pallerla SR, Johne R, Todt D, Steinmann E, Schemmerer M, Wenzel JJ, Hofmann J, Shih JWK, Wedemeyer H, Bock CT. Hepatitis E: An update on One Health and clinical medicine. Liver Int 2021; 41:1462-1473. [PMID: 33960603 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main causes of acute hepatitis and the de facto global burden is underestimated. HEV-related clinical complications are often undetected and are not considered in the differential diagnosis. Convincing findings from studies suggest that HEV is clinically relevant not only in developing countries but also in industrialized countries. Eight HEV genotypes (HEV-1 to HEV-8) with different human and animal hosts and other HEV-related viruses are in circulation. Transmission routes vary by genotype and location, with large waterborne outbreaks in developing countries and zoonotic food-borne infections in developed countries. An acute infection can be aggravated in pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, patients with pre-existing liver disease and immunosuppressed patients. HEV during pregnancy affects the fetus and newborn with an increased risk of vertical transmission, preterm and stillbirth, neonatal jaundice and miscarriage. Hepatitis E is associated with extrahepatic manifestations that include neurological disorders such as neuralgic amyotrophy, Guillain-Barré syndrome and encephalitis, renal injury and haematological disorders. The risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV is increasingly recognized in Western countries where the risk may be because of a zoonosis. RNA testing of blood components is essential to determine the risk of transfusion-transmitted HEV. There are currently no approved drugs or vaccines for HEV infections. This review focuses on updating the latest developments in zoonoses, screening and diagnostics, drugs in use and under development, and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Srinivas R Pallerla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, VG-CARE, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Reimar Johne
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), Jena, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mathias Schemmerer
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen J Wenzel
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, National Consultant Laboratory for HAV and HEV, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Labor Berlin-Charité-Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Partner Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Claus-Thomas Bock
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hartard C, Fenaux H, Gentilhomme A, Murray JM, Akand E, Laugel E, Berger S, Maul A, de Rougemont A, Jeulin H, Remen T, Bensenane M, Bronowicki JP, Gantzer C, Bertrand I, Schvoerer E. Variability in molecular characteristics of Hepatitis E virus quasispecies could modify viral surface properties and transmission. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1078-1090. [PMID: 33877740 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) usually causes self-limited liver diseases but can also result in severe cases. Genotypes 1 (G1) and 2 circulate in developing countries are human-restricted and waterborne, while zoonotic G3 and G4 circulating in industrialized countries preferentially infect human through consumption of contaminated meat. Our aims were to identify amino acid patterns in HEV variants that could be involved in pathogenicity or in transmission modes, related to their impact on antigenicity and viral surface hydrophobicity. HEV sequences from human (n = 37) and environmental origins (wild boar [n = 3], pig slaughterhouse effluent [n = 6] and urban wastewater [n = 2]) were collected for the characterization of quasispecies using ultra-deep sequencing (ORF2/ORF3 overlap). Predictive and functional assays were carried out to investigate viral particle antigenicity and hydrophobicity. Most quasispecies showed a major variant while a mixture was observed in urban wastewater and in one chronically infected patient. Amino acid signatures were identified, as a rabbit-linked HEV pattern in two infected patients, or the S68L (ORF2) / H81C (ORF3) residue mostly identified in wild boars. By comparison with environmental strains, molecular patterns less likely represented in humans were identified. Patterns impacting viral hydrophobicity and/or antigenicity were also observed, and the higher hydrophobicity of HEV naked particles compared with the enveloped forms was demonstrated. HEV variants isolated from human and environment present molecular patterns that could impact their surface properties as well as their transmission. These molecular patterns may concern only one minor variant of a quasispecies and could emerge under selective pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Hartard
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
| | - Honorine Fenaux
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
| | - Alexis Gentilhomme
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - John M Murray
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elma Akand
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elodie Laugel
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
| | - Sibel Berger
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Armand Maul
- LIEC (Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux), Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Metz, France
| | - Alexis de Rougemont
- CHU de Dijon, Centre national de référence des virus entériques, Dijon, France
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
| | - Thomas Remen
- DRCI, Délégation à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation, Unité de Méthodologie, Data Management et Statistique, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Mouni Bensenane
- Service d'hépato-gastro-entérologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Bronowicki
- Service d'hépato-gastro-entérologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | | | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHRU de Nancy Brabois, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.,Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LCPME, Nancy, France
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kamar N, Abravanel F, Behrendt P, Hofmann J, Pageaux GP, Barbet C, Moal V, Couzi L, Horvatits T, De Man RA, Cassuto E, Elsharkawy AM, Riezebos-Brilman A, Scemla A, Hillaire S, Donnelly MC, Radenne S, Sayegh J, Garrouste C, Dumortier J, Glowaki F, Matignon M, Coilly A, Figueres L, Mousson C, Minello A, Dharancy S, Rerolle JP, Lebray P, Etienne I, Perrin P, Choi M, Marion O, Izopet J, Cointault O, Del Bello A, Espostio L, Hebral AL, Lavayssière L, Lhomme S, Mansuy JM, Wedemeyer H, Nickel P, Bismuth M, Stefic K, Büchler M, D’Alteroche L, Colson P, Bufton S, Ramière C, Trimoulet P, Pischke S, Todesco E, Sberro Soussan R, Legendre C, Mallet V, Johannessen I, Simpson K. Ribavirin for Hepatitis E Virus Infection After Organ Transplantation: A Large European Retrospective Multicenter Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:1204-1211. [PMID: 31793638 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ribavirin is currently recommended for treating chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. This retrospective European multicenter study aimed to assess the sustained virological response (SVR) in a large cohort of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with chronic HEV infection treated with ribavirin monotherapy (N = 255), to identify the predictive factors for SVR, and to evaluate the impact of HEV RNA mutations on virological response. METHODS Data from 255 SOT recipients with chronic HEV infection from 30 European centers were analyzed. Ribavirin was given at the median dose of 600 (range, 29-1200) mg/day (mean, 8.6 ± 3.6 mg/kg/day) for a median duration of 3 (range, 0.25-18) months. RESULTS After a first course of ribavirin, the SVR rate was 81.2%. It increased to 89.8% when some patients were offered a second course of ribavirin. An increased lymphocyte count at the initiation of therapy was a predictive factor for SVR, while poor hematological tolerance of ribavirin requiring its dose reduction (28%) and blood transfusion (15.7%) were associated with more relapse after ribavirin cessation. Pretreatment HEV polymerase mutations and de novo mutations under ribavirin did not have a negative impact on HEV clearance. Anemia was the main adverse event. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale retrospective study confirms that ribavirin is highly efficient for treating chronic HEV infection in SOT recipients and shows that the predominant HEV RNA polymerase mutations found in this study do not affect the rate of HEV clearance.This large-scale retrospective study that included 255 solid organ transplant recipients confirms that ribavirin is highly efficient for treating chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and shows that HEV RNA polymerase mutations do not play a role in HEV clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Rangueil, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1043, Institut Fédératif de Recherche Bio-médicale de Toulouse (IFR-BMT), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Florence Abravanel
- Department of Virology, INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Behrendt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, and Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, a joint venture between the Medical School Hannover and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, German Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care and Institute of Virology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes-GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Christelle Barbet
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, Bretonneau Hospital, University Hospital, Tours, France
| | - Valérie Moal
- Aix Marseille Université, Asistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Institut Pour la Recherche Pour le Développement, Microbes, Evolution, Phylogénie et Infection, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire-Méditerranée Infection, Hôpital Conception, Centre de Néphrologie et Transplantation Rénale, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Couzi
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, CHU Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Horvatits
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert A De Man
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Annelies Riezebos-Brilman
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Scemla
- Service de néphrologie-transplantation, Hôpital Necker, Assitance publique- Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris et Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Mhairi C Donnelly
- Department of Hepatology and Scottish Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie Radenne
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, CHU de la Croix Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Johnny Sayegh
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cyril Garrouste
- Department of Nephrology, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Department of Hepatology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, CHU Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Marie Matignon
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Department, Groupe Hospitalier Henri-Mondor/Albert-Chenevier, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Département Hospitalo-Universitaire Virus-Immunité-Cancer, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Equipe 21, INSERM U 955, Créteil, France
| | - Audrey Coilly
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, AP-HP, INSERM U1193, Université Paris-Sud Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Lucile Figueres
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | | | - Anne Minello
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, CHU François Mitterrand, Dijon, France
| | - Sébastien Dharancy
- Hôpital Claude Huriez, Services Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, INSERM Unité 995, Lille, France
| | | | - Pascal Lebray
- Department of Hepatology, Pitié Salpétrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Peggy Perrin
- Department of Nephrology, CHU Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mira Choi
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Nephrology and Intensive Care and Institute of Virology, Labor Berlin Charité-Vivantes-GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olivier Marion
- Department of Virology, INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Department of Virology, INSERM U1043, IFR-BMT, University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a cosmopolitan foodborne pathogen. The viral agent infects humans through the consumption of contaminated food (uncooked or undercooked). Most cases of infection are asymptomatic and for this reason, this pathology is considered underdiagnosed. Domestic and wild animals are considered natural reservoirs: that is, domestic pig, wild boar, sheep, goat, deer, rabbit, and so on. Therefore, various work categories are at risk: that is, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, slaughterhouse workers, and so on. In these last decades, researchers found a high percentage of positivity to the molecular viral detection in several food matrices included: ready-to-eat products, processed meat products, milk, and shellfish. This review aims to provide an international scenario regarding HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) detection in several foodstuffs. From this investigative perspective, the study aims to highlight various gaps of the current knowledge about technologies treatments' impact on viral loads. The purpose was also to provide an innovative point of view "One Health"-based, pointing out the strategic role of environmental safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluigi Ferri
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Inspection, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alberto Vergara
- Post-Graduate Specialization School in Food Inspection "G. Tiecco," Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Inspection, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Nimgaonkar I, Archer NF, Becher I, Shahrad M, LeDesma RA, Mateus A, Caballero-Gómez J, Berneshawi AR, Ding Q, Douam F, Gaska JM, Savitski MM, Kim H, Ploss A. Isocotoin suppresses hepatitis E virus replication through inhibition of heat shock protein 90. Antiviral Res 2021; 185:104997. [PMID: 33326835 PMCID: PMC8649941 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes 14 million infections and 60,000 deaths per year globally, with immunocompromised persons and pregnant women experiencing severe symptoms. Although ribavirin can be used to treat chronic hepatitis E, toxicity in pregnant patients and the emergence of resistant strains are major concerns. Therefore there is an imminent need for effective HEV antiviral agents. The aims of this study were to develop a drug screening platform and to discover novel approaches to targeting steps within the viral life cycle. We developed a screening platform for molecules inhibiting HEV replication and selected a candidate, isocotoin. Isocotoin inhibits HEV replication through interference with heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a host factor not previously known to be involved in HEV replication. Additional work is required to understand the compound's translational potential, however this suggests that HSP90-modulating molecules, which are in clinical development as anti-cancer agents, may be promising therapies against HEV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ila Nimgaonkar
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas F Archer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Isabelle Becher
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohammad Shahrad
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Robert A LeDesma
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - André Mateus
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Javier Caballero-Gómez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Andrew R Berneshawi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Florian Douam
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jenna M Gaska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Mikhail M Savitski
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hahn Kim
- Princeton University Small Molecule Screening Center, Frick Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA; Department of Chemistry, Frick Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Virus-Host Cell Interplay during Hepatitis E Virus Infection. Trends Microbiol 2020; 29:309-319. [PMID: 32828646 PMCID: PMC7437515 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The molecular interplay between cellular host factors and viral proteins is a continuous process throughout the viral life cycle determining virus host range and pathogenesis. The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a long-neglected RNA virus and the major causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in humans worldwide. However, the mechanisms of liver pathology and clinical disease remain poorly understood for HEV infection. This review summarizes our current understanding of HEV-host cell interactions and highlights experimental strategies and techniques to identify novel host components required for the viral life cycle as well as restriction factors. Understanding these interactions will provide insight into the viral life cycle of HEV and might further help to devise novel therapeutic strategies and antiviral targets.
Collapse
|
29
|
Kumar M, Hooda P, Khanna M, Patel U, Sehgal D. Development of BacMam Induced Hepatitis E Virus Replication Model in Hepatoma Cells to Study the Polyprotein Processing. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1347. [PMID: 32625196 PMCID: PMC7315041 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The processing of polyprotein(s) to form structural and non-structural components remains an enigma due to the non-existence of an efficient and robust Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) culture system. We used the BacMam approach to construct an HEV replication model in which the HEV genome was cloned in the BacMam vector under the CMV promoter. The recombinant BacMam was used to infect Huh7 cells to transfer the HEV genome. HEV replication was authenticated by the presence of RNAs of both the polarity (+) and (−) and formation of hybrid RNA, a replication intermediate. The presence of genes for Papain-like Cysteine Protease (PCP), methyltransferase (MeT), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and ORF2 was confirmed by PCR amplification. Further, the infectious nature of the culture system was established as evidenced by the cross-infection of uninfected cells using the cell lysate from the infected cells. The HEV replication model was validated by detection of the ORF1 (Open Reading Frame1) encoded proteins, identified by Western blotting and Immunofluorescence by using epitope-specific antibodies against each protein. Consequently, discrete bands of 18, 35, 37, and 56 kDa corresponding to PCP, MeT, RdRp, and ORF2, respectively, were seen. Besides demonstrating the presence of non-structural enzymes of HEV along with ORF2, activity of a key enzyme, HEV-methyltransferase has also been observed. A 20% decrease in the replicative forms of RNA could be seen in presence of 100 μM Ribavirin after 48 h of treatment. The inhibition gradually increased from 0 to 24 to 48 h post-treatment. Summarily, infectious HEV culture system has been established, which could demonstrate the presence of HEV replicative RNA forms, the structural and non-structural proteins and the methyltransferase in its active form. The system may also be used to study the mechanism of action of Ribavirin in inhibiting HEV replication and develop a therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Preeti Hooda
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Madhu Khanna
- Virology Lab, Department of Virology, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Utkarsh Patel
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Deepak Sehgal
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Thodou V, Bremer B, Anastasiou OE, Cornberg M, Maasoumy B, Wedemeyer H. Performance of Roche qualitative HEV assay on the cobas 6800 platform for quantitative measurement of HEV RNA. J Clin Virol 2020; 129:104525. [PMID: 32623349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an increasingly recognized cause of acute and chronic hepatitis in high-income countries and is the most frequent cause of acute viral hepatitis in many European countries. Appropriate tools to detect and quantify HEV RNA are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Roche cobas® HEV assay and compare it with the Fast Track Diagnostics (FTD) Hepatitis E RNA assay. METHODS HEV viral load determination and lower limit of detection (LOD, defined as the lowest amount of viral copies that could be detected in 95 % of repeats) were assessed using a WHO standard dilution panel, testing 240 samples of various concentrations. Reproducibility was tested at three different concentration levels, for different genotypes, and with different sample types (serum, plasma) in 30 samples. Sample stability was analyzed after three freeze/thaw cycles in 25 samples. RESULTS Cobas HEV assay showed a strong linear relationship between log of HEV WHO dilution series and Ct values over the reportable range from 200-5000 IU/mL HEV RNA copies. The amplification efficiency was higher than 92 %. LOD was 22 IU/mL (95 % CI: 17.4-31.8) and reproducibility tests showed a 100 % nucleic acid test (NAT) reactivity of cobas HEV for WHO dilution series (range 200-5000 IU/mL, n = 90). Cobas HEV assay detected all different HEV genotypes from biobank samples irrespective of the sample type. NAT reactivity of cobas HEV was not affected by three freeze/thaw cycles. CONCLUSIONS Roche cobas HEV assay is a powerful NAT tool in terms of robustness, reproducibility and linearity. It is a feasible alternative for high-volume testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Thodou
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital, German Center for Infection Research, Germany.
| | - Birgit Bremer
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Olympia E Anastasiou
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology & Institute of Virology, Essen University Hospital, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Center for Individualized Infection Medicine, Helmholotz Institute for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital, German Center for Infection Research, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hingane S, Joshi N, Surjit M, Ranjith-Kumar CT. Hepatitis E Virus ORF2 Inhibits RIG-I Mediated Interferon Response. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:656. [PMID: 32351484 PMCID: PMC7174656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the dynamics of host innate immune responses against a pathogen marks the first step toward developing intervention strategies against the pathogen. The cytosolic pattern recognition receptor retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) has been shown to be the major innate immune sensor for hepatitis E virus (HEV). Here, we show that HEV capsid protein (ORF2), a 660 amino acid long protein, interferes with the RIG-I signaling. Interestingly, only the full length ORF2 protein but not the 112-608 ORF2 protein inhibited RIG-I dependent interferon response. Both synthetic agonist and virus induced RIG-I activation was modulated by ORF2. Interference of interferon response was confirmed by reporter assays involving different interferon inducible promoters, qRT PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Neither glycosylation nor dimerization of the ORF2 protein had any effect on the observed inhibition. Further analyses revealed that the ORF2 protein antagonized Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways as well. ORF2 inhibited signaling by RIG-I and TLR adapters, IPS-1, MyD88, and TRIF but was unable to inhibit activation by ectopically expressed IRF3 suggesting that it may be acting at a site upstream of IRF3 and downstream of adapter proteins. Our data uncover a new mechanism by which HEV may interfere with the host antiviral signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smita Hingane
- Virology Laboratory, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Gurgaon, India
| | - Nishant Joshi
- Virology Laboratory, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Gurgaon, India
| | - Milan Surjit
- Virology Laboratory, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Gurgaon, India
| | - C T Ranjith-Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research Centre, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Gurgaon, India.,University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Dwarka, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Rituximab-Containing Treatment Regimens May Imply a Long-Term Risk for Difficult-To-Treat Chronic Hepatitis E. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17010341. [PMID: 31947836 PMCID: PMC6982013 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging disease in industrialized countries which is usually characterized by a self-limited course. However, there is an increased risk of HEV persistence in immunocompromised risk populations, comprising patients following solid organ transplantation or hematological malignancies. Recently, chronic HEV infection following rituximab-containing treatment regimens has been described. Here we report five patients with chronic hepatitis E after prior rituximab therapy for various indications. We determined the immunological characteristics of these patients and analyzed the development of ribavirin (RBV) treatment failure-associated mutations in the HEV genome. One patient became chronically HEV-infected 110 months after administration of rituximab (RTX). Immunological characterization revealed that all patients exhibited significant hypogammaglobulinemia and CD4+ T cell lymphopenia. One patient permanently cleared HEV following weight-based ribavirin treatment while three patients failed to reach a sustained virological response. In depth mutational analysis confirmed the presence of specific mutations associated with RBV treatment failure in these patients. Our cases indicate that rituximab-containing treatment regimens might imply a relevant risk for persistent HEV infection even years after the last rituximab application. Moreover, we provide further evidence to prior observations suggesting that chronically HEV infected patients following RTX-containing treatment regimens might be difficult to treat.
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Chronic HEV infections pose a significant clinical problem in immunocompromised individuals. The lack of an efficient cell culture system has severely limited investigation of the HEV life cycle and the development of effective antivirals. Here we report the establishment of a robust HEV cell culture system in human hepatocytes with viral titers up to 106 FFU/mL. These produced intracellular-derived HEVcc particles demonstrated replication to high viral loads in human liver chimeric mice and were able to efficiently infect primary human as well as porcine hepatocytes. This unique infectious cell culture model provides a powerful tool for the analysis of host–virus interactions that should facilitate the discovery of antiviral drugs for this important zoonotic pathogen. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans and the leading cause for acute viral hepatitis worldwide. The virus is classified as a member of the genus Orthohepevirus A within the Hepeviridae family. Due to the absence of a robust cell culture model for HEV infection, the analysis of the viral life cycle, the development of effective antivirals and a vaccine is severely limited. In this study, we established a protocol based on the HEV genotype 3 p6 (Kernow C-1) and the human hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and HepG2/C3A with different media conditions to produce intracellular HEV cell culture-derived particles (HEVcc) with viral titers between 105 and 106 FFU/mL. Viral titers could be further enhanced by an HEV variant harboring a mutation in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. These HEVcc particles were characterized in density gradients and allowed the trans-complementation of subgenomic reporter HEV replicons. In addition, in vitro produced intracellular-derived particles were infectious in liver-humanized mice with high RNA copy numbers detectable in serum and feces. Efficient infection of primary human and swine hepatocytes using the developed protocol could be observed and was inhibited by ribavirin. Finally, RNA sequencing studies of HEV-infected primary human hepatocytes demonstrated a temporally structured transcriptional defense response. In conclusion, this robust cell culture model of HEV infection provides a powerful tool for studying viral–host interactions that should facilitate the discovery of antiviral drugs for this important zoonotic pathogen.
Collapse
|
34
|
Early Detection of Hepatitis E Virus Ribavirin Resistance Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 64:AAC.01525-19. [PMID: 31685465 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01525-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
|
35
|
|
36
|
Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection during Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma and Ibrutinib Treatment. Pathogens 2019; 8:pathogens8030129. [PMID: 31443360 PMCID: PMC6789582 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens8030129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an increasingly recognised pathogen, affecting several hundred thousand individuals in western countries each year. Importantly, the majority of immunocompromised individuals are not able to clear HEV but develop a chronic course of infection. In the case of lymphoma, which is an inherent immunosuppressive disease per se, chemotherapy can even further exacerbate the immunosuppressive status. As the mechanism of HEV chronification is barely understood, it is important to gain knowledge about the influence of chemotherapeutic drugs on the HEV replication cycle to guide rational clinical management of HEV infection in such patients. In this case report, a 70 year old man was diagnosed with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. As we observed the occurrence of chronic HEV after treatment with the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib in vivo, we investigated the influence of BTK signaling and ibrutinib treatment in the HEV replication cycle in vitro. First, we detected an HEV-induced mobilisation of BTK in human liver cells during HEV replication. A moderate antiviral effect against HEV replicating isolates including genotypes 1 and 3 was observed, suggesting that ibrutinib did not support HEV replication in a direct manner. Combinatory treatments of ibrutinib with ribavirin indicated that ibrutinib did not influence the antiviral effect of ribavirin. Taken together, chemotherapy targeting cellular factors for the treatment of lymphomas may be a neglected risk factor for the chronification of HEV. For ibrutinib, despite the upregulation of its target BTK during HEV replication, we observed neither a proviral effect on HEV replication nor an influence on the antiviral effect of ribavirin, suggesting that the chronification of HEV may be favoured by its immunosuppressive effect.
Collapse
|
37
|
Ankcorn M, Gallacher J, Ijaz S, Taha Y, Harvala H, Maclennan S, Thomson EC, Davis C, Singer JB, da Silva Filipe A, Smollett K, Niebel M, Semple MG, Tedder RS, McPherson S. Convalescent plasma therapy for persistent hepatitis E virus infection. J Hepatol 2019; 71:434-438. [PMID: 31075322 PMCID: PMC7126959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ankcorn
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK; Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK.
| | - Jennifer Gallacher
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Departments of Virology and Infectious Diseases, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK
| | - Sheila Maclennan
- Transfusion Medicine, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Leeds, UK
| | - Emma C. Thomson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Chris Davis
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Joshua B. Singer
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Marc Niebel
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Malcolm G. Semple
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Richard S. Tedder
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK,Transfusion Microbiology, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, London, UK,Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK; Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Nishiyama T, Kobayashi T, Jirintai S, Nagashima S, Primadharsini PP, Nishizawa T, Okamoto H. Antiviral candidates against the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and their combinations inhibit HEV growth in in vitro. Antiviral Res 2019; 170:104570. [PMID: 31362004 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a global public health problem. Ribavirin (RBV) and pegylated interferon alpha are currently administered to cure hepatitis E. Recently, in combination with RBV, sofosbuvir (SOF), an anti-hepatitis C virus nucleotide analog, is also given to patients with chronic hepatitis E. However, this combinatorial therapy sometimes fails to achieve a sustained virological response. In this study, we used 27 antiviral compounds, including 15 nucleos(t)ide analogs, for in vitro screening against a genotype 3 HEV strain containing a Gaussia luciferase reporter. RBV, SOF, 2'-C-methyladenosine, 2'-C-methylcytidine (2CMC), 2'-C-methylguanosine (2CMG), and two 4'-azido nucleoside analogs (R-1479 and RO-9187) suppressed replication of the reporter genome, while only RBV, SOF, 2CMC and 2CMG inhibited the growth of genotype 3 HEV in cultured cells. Although 2CMG and RBV (2CMG/RBV) exhibited a synergistic effect while SOF/RBV and 2CMC/RBV showed antagonistic effects on the reporter assay, these three nucleos(t)ide analogs acted additively with RBV in inhibiting HEV growth in cultured cells. Furthermore, SOF and 2CMG, with four interferons (IFN-α2b, IFN-λ1, IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3), inhibited HEV growth efficiently and cleared HEV in cultured cells. These results suggest that, in combination with RBV or interferons, SOF and 2CMG would be promising bases for developing anti-HEV nucleos(t)ide analogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nishiyama
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tominari Kobayashi
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Suljid Jirintai
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan; Division of Pathology, Department of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University College of Veterinary Medicine, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shigeo Nagashima
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Putu Prathiwi Primadharsini
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nishizawa
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke-Shi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Combination therapy of sofosbuvir and ribavirin fails to clear chronic hepatitis E infection in a multivisceral transplanted patient. J Hepatol 2019; 71:225-227. [PMID: 31027993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
40
|
Hepatitis E Virus Drug Development. Viruses 2019; 11:v11060485. [PMID: 31141919 PMCID: PMC6631701 DOI: 10.3390/v11060485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an underestimated disease, leading to estimated 20 million infections and up to 70,000 deaths annually. Infections are mostly asymptomatic but can reach mortality rates up to 25% in pregnant women or become chronic in immunocompromised patients. The current therapy options are limited to the unspecific antivirals Ribavirin (RBV) and pegylated Interferon-α (pegIFN-α). RBV leads to viral clearance in only 80% of patients treated, and is, similar to pegIFN-α, contraindicated in the major risk group of pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of new therapy options. In this review, we focus on the urgent need and current efforts in HEV drug development. We provide an overview of the current status of HEV antiviral research. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for drug development and the limitations of the approaches with respect to HEV.
Collapse
|
41
|
Sofosbuvir add-on to ribavirin for chronic hepatitis E in a cirrhotic liver transplant recipient: a case report. BMC Gastroenterol 2019; 19:76. [PMID: 31126238 PMCID: PMC6534895 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-019-0995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic hepatitis E represents an emerging challenge in organ transplantation, as there are currently no established treatment options for patients who fail to clear hepatitis E virus (HEV) following reduction of immunosuppressive therapy and/or treatment with ribavirin. Sofosbuvir has shown antiviral activity against HEV in vitro but clinical utility in vivo is unknown. Case presentation We describe a 57-year-old liver transplant recipient with decompensated graft cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis E. Reduction of immunosuppressive treatment as well ribavirin alone for 4 months did not result in viral clearance. Add-on of sofosbuvir for 6 months was associated with HEV RNA becoming undetectable in plasma. However, sustained viral clearance could not be achieved. Conclusions Sofosbuvir may have some antiviral activity against HEV when added to ribavirin. However, this did not suffice to yield sustained viral clearance. Our well-characterized observation emphasizes the need for new treatment options to cure chronic hepatitis E in the setting of organ transplantation.
Collapse
|
42
|
Meister TL, Bruening J, Todt D, Steinmann E. Cell culture systems for the study of hepatitis E virus. Antiviral Res 2019; 163:34-49. [PMID: 30653997 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of hepatitis E in humans and is the leading cause of enterically-transmitted viral hepatitis worldwide. Increasing numbers of HEV infections, together with no available specific anti-HEV treatment, contributes to the pathogen's major health burden. A robust cell culture system is required for virologic studies and the development of new antiviral drugs. Unfortunately, like other hepatitis viruses, HEV is difficult to propagate in conventional cell lines. Many different cell culture systems have been tested using various HEV strains, but viral replication usually progresses very slowly, and infection with low virion counts results in non-productive HEV replication. However, recent progress involving generation of cDNA clones and passaging primary patient isolates in distinct cell lines has improved in vitro HEV propagation. This review describes various approaches to cultivate HEV in cellular and animal models and how these systems are used to study HEV infections and evaluate anti-HEV drug candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni L Meister
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Janina Bruening
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Daniel Todt
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Ruhr-University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Webb GW, Dalton HR. Hepatitis E: an underestimated emerging threat. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2019; 6:2049936119837162. [PMID: 30984394 PMCID: PMC6448100 DOI: 10.1177/2049936119837162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis in the world. It is estimated that millions of people are infected every year, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths. However, these estimates do not include industrialized regions and are based on studies which employ assays now known to have inferior sensitivity. As such, this is likely to represent a massive underestimate of the true global burden of disease. In the developing world, HEV causes large outbreaks and presents a significant public-health problem. Until recently HEV was thought to be uncommon in industrialized countries, and of little relevance to clinicians in these settings. We now know that this is incorrect, and that HEV is actually very common in developed regions. HEV has proved difficult to study in vitro, with reliable models only recently becoming available. Our understanding of the lifecycle of HEV is therefore incomplete. Routes of transmission vary by genotype and location: endemic regions experience large waterborne epidemics, while sporadic cases in industrialized regions are zoonotic infections likely spread via the food chain. Both acute and chronic infection has been observed, and a wide range of extrahepatic manifestations have been reported. This includes neurological, haematological and renal conditions. As the complete clinical phenotype of HEV infection is yet to be characterized, a large proportion of cases go unrecognized or misdiagnosed. In many cases HEV infection does not feature in the differential diagnosis due to a lack of knowledge and awareness of the disease amongst clinicians. In combination, these factors have contributed to an underestimation of the threat posed by HEV. Improvements are required in terms of recognition and diagnosis of HEV infection if we are to understand the natural history of the disease, improve management and reduce the burden of disease around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glynn W. Webb
- University of Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, 7 Radnor Rd London NW6 6TT Manchester, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|