Toll-like receptor 9 polymorphisms and Hepatitis B virus clearance in Moroccan chronic carriers

Relationship of Toll-Like Receptor 7, 9, and 10 Polymorphisms and the Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic that is still affecting people and has caused many deaths. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have an important role in the binding of disease agents to the host cell, disease susceptibility and severity, and host disease resistance. In this study, we investigated the frequencies of TLR7 (C.4-151 A/G), TLR9 (T-1486C and G2848A), and TLR10 (720A/C and 992T/A) single nucleotide polymorphisms in 150 cases with COVID-19 and 171 control samples. We also examined whether TLR7, TLR9, and TLR10 were related to COVID-19 severity. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between COVID-19 and some clinical parameters. Polymerase chain reaction based on restriction fragment length polymorphisms performed for the TLR7, TLR9, and TLR10 single nucleotide polymorphisms. TLR7 C.4-151 A/G G allele and GG genotype; TLR9 T-1486C C allele and TC, CC genotypes; and TLR10 720A/C C allele; TLR10 992T/A A allele and AA genotype frequencies were statistically significant in cases with COVID-19 compared with controls (P < 0.05*). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of TLR7, TLR9, and TLR10 allele and genotype frequencies between the severity groups (P < 0.05*). Our findings suggest that TLR7, TLR9, and TLR10 polymorphisms may be crucial for the clinical course and susceptibility to infection.

Recent advances in different interactions between toll-like receptors and hepatitis B infection: a review

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) B infections remain a primary global health concern. The immunopathology of the infection, specifically the interactions between HBV and the host immune system, remains somewhat unknown. It has been discovered that innate immune reactions are vital in eliminating HBV. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an essential category of proteins that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They begin pathways of intracellular signals to stimulate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus forming adaptive immune reactions. HBV TLRs include TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9. Each TLR has its particular molecule to recognize; various TLRs impact HBV and play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. TLR gene polymorphisms may have an advantageous or disadvantageous efficacy on HBV infection, and some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can influence the progression or prognosis of infection. Additionally, it has been discovered that similar SNPs in TLR genes might have varied effects on distinct populations due to stress, diet, and external physical variables. In addition, activation of TLR-interceded signaling pathways could suppress HBV replication and increase HBV-particular T-cell and B-cell reactions. By identifying these associated polymorphisms, we can efficiently advance the immune efficacy of vaccines. Additionally, this will enhance our capability to forecast the danger of HBV infection or the threat of dependent liver disease development via several TLR SNPs, thus playing a role in the inhibition, monitoring, and even treatment guidance for HBV infection. This review will show TLR polymorphisms, their influence on TLR signaling, and their associations with HBV diseases.

Association of TLR4 and TLR9 gene polymorphisms with the risk and progression of cervical lesions in HPV-infected women

Aim: Toll-like receptors involved in tumor-associated inflammatory response, this study aimed to investigate the role of TLR4 and TLR9 gene polymorphisms in the risk and progression of HPV-related cervical lesions. Materials & methods: A total of 220 cervical lesion patients and 227 healthy controls were enrolled. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results: A significantly decreased risk of cervical lesions was observed to be associated with the TLR4 rs10116253 (C), rs1927911 (T) and rs10759931 (G) mutant alleles. rs187084-rs1927911-HPV-16/18 was the best interaction model to affect cervical lesion risk. Conclusion: TLR4 rs10116253, rs1927911 and rs10759931 were potential biomarkers for cervical lesion susceptibility.

Association of TLR4 and TLR9 gene polymorphisms with cervical HR-HPV infection status in Chinese Han population

BACKGROUND

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may be involved in the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association of TLR4 (rs10116253, rs1927911, rs10759931) and TLR9 (rs187084, rs352140) gene polymorphisms with cervical persistent high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection, as well as multiple HR-HPV infections.

METHODS

A total of 269 study subjects were enrolled and grouped by retrospectively analyzing the HR-HPV testing results and other clinical data of 2647 gynecological outpatients from Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University. We conducted a case-control study to compare the role of TLR4/TLR9 gene polymorphisms between HR-HPV transient and persistent infections, as well as between HR-HPV single and multiple infections. HR-HPV genotypes were detected using Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to determine TLR4 and TLR9 gene polymorphisms. Analyses of the different outcome variables (HR-HPV infection status and time for HR-HPV clearance) with respect to TLR4/TLR9 polymorphisms were carried out. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of TLR4/TLR9 genotypes and alleles with HR-HPV infection status. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was used to analyze the relationship between TLR4/TLR9 genotypes and the time for HR-HPV clearance.

RESULTS

The mutant genotypes of TLR9 rs187084 and rs352140 were associated with persistent (rs187084: CT and CT+CC; rs352140: CT and CT+TT) and multiple (rs187084: CT and CT+CC; rs352140: CT+TT) (all P < 0.05) HR-HPV infection. However, no association was found between TLR4 polymorphisms and HR-HPV infection status. Kaplan-Meier time to HR-HPV clearance analysis demonstrated that women carrying rs187084 and rs352140 mutant genotypes take longer duration to clear HR-HPV infection compared with wild-type genotype carriers (P1 = 0.012; P2 = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that TLR9 polymorphisms, but not TLR4, were associated with cervical persistent and multiple HR-HPV infections, which could be useful as a potential predictor of HR-HPV infection status.

Polymorphisms and haplotypes of TLR-4/9 associated with bacterial infection, gingival inflammation/recession and oral cancer

BACKGROUND

The expression and SNPs of innate immunity genes TLR-4/9 for bacterial infection, gingival inflammation/gingival recession (GIGR), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are largely unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

235 specimens (120 OSCC cases, among which 85 cases with either Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum or Treponema denticola infection and GIGR) and 115 healthy controls were used to know the expression and polymorphisms (TLR-4: N1:rs10759931, N2:rs11536889, N3:rs1927911, N4:rs4986790; TLR-9: N5:rs5743836, N6:rs352140, N7:rs187084 and N8:rs352139) of TLR-4/9 by western blot, RT-PCR, and allele-specific (AS)-PCR followed by sequencing.

RESULTS

Increased TLR-4/9 mRNA/protein expression, bacterial infection (BI) and GIGR were associated with OSCC incidence. One of the three BI and GIGR was observed in 70.83% of OSCC cases, whereas all the HC used were free from any of these three BI/GIGR. The N3: CT-genotype (Odds Ratio hereafter as O.R.=1.811, p = 0.0338), TT-genotype (O.R.=3.094, p = 0.0124), 'T'-allele (O.R.=1.821, p = 0.003), N4: AG-genotype (O.R.=2.015, p = 0.0222) and 'G'-allele (O.R.=1.86, p = 0.018) of TLR-4 as well as the N5: CC-genotype (O.R.=3.939, p = 0.0017), 'C'-allele (O.R.=1.839, p = 0.0042), N6: AA-genotype (O.R.=2.195, p = 0.0234), 'A'-allele (O.R.=1.569, p = 0.0163), N7: TC-genotype (O.R.=2.083, p = 0.0136), CC-genotype (O.R.=2.984, p = 0.003) and 'C'-allele (O.R.=1.885, p = 0.0008) of TLR-9 were associated with increased OSCC risk. Similarly, the N2:'C'-allele (O.R.=1.615, p = 0.0382), N3: TT-genotype (O.R.=2.829, p = 0.0336), 'T'-allele (O.R.=1.742, p = 0.0115), N4: AG-genotype (O.R.=2.221, p = 0.0147) and 'G'-allele (O.R.=1.890, p = 0.0238) of TLR-4 as well as the N5: CC-genotype (O.R.=2.830, p = 0.031), N6: AA-genotype (O.R.=2.6, p = 0.0122) and 'A'-allele (O.R.=1.746, p = 0.0064), N7:CC-genotype (O.R.2.706, p = 0.0111) and 'C'-allele (O.R. 1.774, p = 0.0055) of TLR-9 were correlated with GIGR and BI. TLR-4 (N1-N2-N3-N4: A-C-T-A (O.R.=2.1, p = 0.0069) and TLR-9 (N5-N6-N7-N8: T-A-C-A (O.R.=2.019, p = 0.0263); C-A-C-A (O.R.=6.0, p = 0.0084); C-A-C-G (O.R.=4.957, p = 0.0452) haplotypes were linked with OSCC vulnerability, while the TLR-4 (N1-N2-N3-N4: G-C-C-A (O.R.=0.5752, p = 0.0131) and TLR-9 (N5-N6-N7-N8: T-G-T-A (O.R.=0.5438, p = 0.0314); T-G-T-G (O.R.=0.5241, p = 0.036) haplotypes offered protection.

CONCLUSION

TLR-4/9 expression, polymorphisms, and BI-induced GIGR could increase OSCC risk. This may be used in pathogenesis and oral cancer prediction.

Impact of polymorphisms in genes orchestrating innate immune responses on replication kinetics of Torque teno virus after kidney transplantation

Background: Torque teno virus (TTV) DNAemia has been proposed as a surrogate marker of immunosuppression after kidney transplantation (KT), under the assumption that the control of viral replication is mainly exerted by T-cell-mediated immunity. However, Tthe impact on post-transplant TTV kinetics of single genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes orchestrating innate responses remains unknown. We aimed to characterize the potential association between 14 of these SNPs and TTV DNA levels in a single-center cohort of KT recipients.

Methods: Plasma TTV DNAemia was quantified by real-time PCR in 221 KT recipients before transplantation (baseline) and regularly through the first 12 post-transplant months. We performed genotyping of the following SNPs: CTLA4 (rs5742909, rs231775), TLR3 (rs3775291), TLR9 (rs5743836, rs352139), CD209 (rs735240, rs4804803), IFNL3 (rs12979860, rs8099917), TNF (rs1800629), IL10 (rs1878672, rs1800872), IL12B (rs3212227) and IL17A (rs2275913).

Results: The presence of the minor G allele of CD209 (rs4804803) in the homozygous state was associated with undetectable TTV DNAemia at the pre-transplant assessment (adjusted odds ratio: 36.96; 95% confidence interval: 4.72–289.67; p-value = 0.001). After applying correction for multiple comparisons, no significant differences across SNP genotypes were observed for any of the variables of post-transplant TTV DNAemia analyzed (mean and peak values, areas under the curve during discrete periods, or absolute increments from baseline to day 15 and months 1, 3, 6 and 12 after transplantation).

Conclusion: The minor G allele of CD209 (rs4804803) seems to exert a recessive protective effect against TTV infection in non-immunocompromised patients. However, no associations were observed between the SNPs analyzed and post-transplant kinetics of TTV DNAemia. These negative results would suggest that post-transplant TTV replication is mainly influenced by immunosuppressive therapy rather than by underlying genetic predisposition, reinforcing its clinical application as a biomarker of adaptive immunity.

Association of toll-like receptors single nucleotide polymorphisms with HBV and HCV infection: research status

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have become increasingly severe worldwide and are a threat to public health. There have been a number of studies conducted recently on the relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to innate immune receptor genes such as toll-like receptors (TLRs). Some literature suggests that SNPs of TLRs are associated with HBV and HCV infection. We summarized the role of TLRs gene polymorphisms associated with HBV and HCV infections and explored their possible mechanisms of action.

Methodology

PubMed and Web of Science were used to perform the literature review. Related articles and references were identified and used to analyze the role of TLRs gene polymorphism in HBV and HCV infection.

Results

TLRs gene polymorphisms may have beneficial or detrimental effects in HBV and HCV infection, and some SNPs can affect disease progression or prognosis. They affect the disease state by altering gene expression or protein synthesis; however, the mechanism of action is not clearly understood.

Conclusions

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of TLRs play a role in HBV and HCV infection, but the mechanism of action still needs to be explored in future studies.

Clearance of HBsAg in a patient with familial multiple myeloma after a bortezomib-based regimen combined with anti-HBV drug: A case report

RATIONALE

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) after treatment with bortezomib-based regimens in HBV-positive patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been reported in the past few years. Nevertheless, there is evidence of inhibition of HBV replication by bortezomib in transgenic mice. However, there is still no clinical evidence that bortezomib inhibits HBV.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 55-year-old MM patient with a family history of MM, who was also a chronic HBV carrier, achieved HBV clearance after treatment with a bortezomib-based regimen in combination with anti-HBV drugs.

DIAGNOSES

The diagnosis was MM with chronic carrier of HBV.

INTERVENTIONS

He received bortezomib-based regimen for MM as well as entecavir as a prophylaxis to prevent HBV reactivation.

OUTCOMES

This patient achieved HBsAg and HBV-DNA clearance after 2 months and the remission was maintained during the next 2 years. He also achieved complete remission of MM and underwent consolidation therapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

LESSONS

This is the first case of MM with HBV clearance after receiving a bortezomib-based regimen combined with anti-HBV drug. Research on related mechanisms might provide new suggestions and hope for better management of HBV positive patients with MM and for the treatment of HBV patients.

Insights into the toll-like receptors in sexually transmitted infections

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are like soldiers of an innate immune system, which protects vital biological processes against invading pathogens. TLR signalling pathways help in the removal of pathogens and mediate well-established inflammatory processes. However, these processes may also aid in the development or augmentation of an infection or an autoimmune disease. Recent studies have delineated TLR polymorphism's role in the loss of function, making hosts more resistant or vulnerable to the development of an infection. In this review, we have discussed the association of TLRs with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially to the pathogen-specific ligands. We have also assessed the impact on TLR downstream signalling and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis during immune responses. Besides, we have discussed the role of TLRs single nucleotide polymorphisms in various STIs. Since TLRs are known to play a part in defence mechanisms and in aiding infections therefore, a thorough understanding of TLRs structure and molecular mechanisms is required to explain how they can influence the outcome of an STI. Such a strategy may lead to the development of novel and useful immunotherapeutic approaches to control pathogen progression and prevent transmission.

Resveratrol prevents liver damage in MCD-induced steatohepatitis mice by promoting SIGIRR gene transcription

Persistent inflammation is one of the main reasons that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease develops into cirrhosis and liver cancer, and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors may be an effective strategy to alleviate the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). SIGIRR, a member of the interleukin-1 receptor family, has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines, and its down-regulation or deletion has been suggested to be an important cause of inflammatory damage to organs. In this study, we identified that resveratrol efficiently induced the transcriptional activity of the SIGIRR promoter and also increased SIGIRR mRNA levels in human hepatocytes and mouse livers. Furthermore, the potential effects of resveratrol on a methionine/choline-deficient diet-induced NASH mouse model were investigated. Resveratrol maintained the expression level of SIGIRR in the mouse liver. Resveratrol intervention alleviated NASH progression; decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase; and down-regulated tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and transforming growth factor-β mRNA and protein levels. Additionally, increased SIGIRR potentially blocked the activity of the Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, resveratrol pretreatment protected against hepatocyte injury caused by foamy macrophage-released inflammatory cytokines, which are involved in the development of NASH. However, resveratrol did not effectively induce hepatocyte SIGIRR gene transcription in the inflammatory cytokine microenvironment. In conclusion, resveratrol is practical and acts as an agonist of the SIGIRR protein to negatively regulate the expression of inflammatory factors in liver, suggesting that appropriate intake may be a potential way to prevent the occurrence and development of NASH.

Hepatitis B Virus Molecular Epidemiology, Host-Virus Interaction, Coinfection, and Laboratory Diagnosis in the MENA Region: An Update

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped partial double-stranded DNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 257 million people are living with HBV. Moreover, 20,900 acute hepatitis B cases were reported in 2016. Hepatitis B is highly prevalent in the African, Western Pacific, Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and European regions, respectively. Due to the high mutational rate of HBV and lack of reverse transcriptase proofreading activity, ten different genotypes with different geographical distributions have been identified. HBV pathogenesis and severity of infection depend on several host and viral factors, particularly, the genetic variability of both the host and virus. Although HBV infection is a global health concern, there is a lack of adequate studies and reports in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Here, we provide a review on HBV epidemiology, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, coinfection with selected viruses, and laboratory diagnosis, focusing on studies conducted in the MENA region to determine the current situation of the HBV infection and outline the future study areas.

Novel urokinase-plasminogen activator inhibitor SPINK13 inhibits growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that is a serious threat to the public health system of China. Urokinase-plasminogen activator (uPA) can promote the invasive growth and metastasis of HCC cells by activating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), leading to the breakage of the extra-cellular matrix. uPA is a promising target for advanced HCC treatment. In this stuy the expression of uPA was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in hepatic cell lines. Protein interaction between uPA and SPINK13 was identified by immunoprecipitation. In vitro biochemical assay was used to examine the inhibitory effect of the SPINK13 on the direct cleaving of the recombinant pro-MMP9 by uPA. The antitumor effect of SPINK13 was examined by transwell assay or the nude mice tumor model.The expression of uPA was much higher in highly aggressive HCC cell lines than in lowly aggressive HCC cell lines or non-tumor hepatic cell lines. SPINK13 interacted with uPA in HCC cells and directly inhibited the cleaving of MMP9 by uPA. Treatment of the recombinant SPINK13 protein inhibited the invasion of HCC cells in several experiments, such as transwell experiments or the intrahepatic growth model. The results of the study indicated that SPINK13 could function as a promising therapeutic approach for patients with advanced HCC.