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Qi R, Fu R, Lei X, He J, Jiang Y, Zhang L, Wu Y, Wang S, Guo X, Chen F, Nie M, Yang M, Chen Y, Zeng J, Xu J, Xiong H, Fang M, Que Y, Yao Y, Wang Y, Cao J, Ye H, Zhang Y, Zheng Z, Cheng T, Zhang J, Lin X, Yuan Q, Zhang T, Xia N. Therapeutic vaccine-induced plasma cell differentiation is defective in the presence of persistently high HBsAg levels. J Hepatol 2024; 80:714-729. [PMID: 38336348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Mechanisms behind the impaired response of antigen-specific B cells to therapeutic vaccination in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remain unclear. The development of vaccines or strategies to overcome this obstacle is vital for advancing the management of chronic hepatitis B. METHODS A mouse model, denominated as E6F6-B, was engineered to feature a knock-in of a B-cell receptor (BCR) that specifically recognizes HBsAg. This model served as a valuable tool for investigating the temporal and spatial dynamics of humoral responses following therapeutic vaccination under continuous antigen exposure. Using a suite of immunological techniques, we elucidated the differentiation trajectory of HBsAg-specific B cells post-therapeutic vaccination in HBV carrier mice. RESULTS Utilizing the E6F6-B transfer model, we observed a marked decline in antibody-secreting cells 2 weeks after vaccination. A dysfunctional and atypical pre-plasma cell population (BLIMP-1+ IRF4+ CD40- CD138- BCMA-) emerged, manifested by sustained BCR signaling. By deploying an antibody to purge persistent HBsAg, we effectively prompted the therapeutic vaccine to provoke conventional plasma cell differentiation. This resulted in an enhanced anti-HBs antibody response and facilitated HBsAg clearance. CONCLUSIONS Sustained high levels of HBsAg limit the ability of therapeutic hepatitis B vaccines to induce the canonical plasma cell differentiation necessary for anti-HBs antibody production. Employing a strategy combining antibodies with vaccines can surmount this altered humoral response associated with atypical pre-plasma cells, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy in HBV carrier mice. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Therapeutic vaccines aimed at combatting HBV encounter suboptimal humoral responses in clinical settings, and the mechanisms impeding their effectiveness have remained obscure. Our research, utilizing the innovative E6F6-B mouse transfer model, reveals that the persistence of HBsAg can lead to the emergence of an atypical pre-plasma cell population, which proves to be relevant to the potency of therapeutic HBV vaccines. Targeting the aberrant differentiation process of these atypical pre-plasma cells stands out as a critical strategy to amplify the humoral response elicited by HBV therapeutic vaccines in carrier mouse models. This discovery suggests a compelling avenue for further study in the context of human chronic hepatitis B. Encouragingly, our findings indicate that synergistic therapy combining HBV-specific antibodies with vaccines offers a promising approach that could significantly advance the pursuit of a functional cure for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Rao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xing Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jinhang He
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yangtao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Siling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xueran Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Feng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Meifeng Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Man Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yiyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; Department of clinical laboratory, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hualong Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Mujin Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yuqiong Que
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Youliang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yingbin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jiali Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; Department of clinical laboratory, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Huiming Ye
- Department of clinical laboratory, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Zizheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Xu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Tianying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Public Health and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Infectious Disease Diagnostic Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China.
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Wang Z, Liu N, Yang Y, Tu Z. The novel mechanism facilitating chronic hepatitis B infection: immunometabolism and epigenetic modification reprogramming. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349867. [PMID: 38288308 PMCID: PMC10822934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections pose a global public health challenge. Despite extensive research on this disease, the intricate mechanisms underlying persistent HBV infection require further in-depth elucidation. Recent studies have revealed the pivotal roles of immunometabolism and epigenetic reprogramming in chronic HBV infection. Immunometabolism have identified as the process, which link cell metabolic status with innate immunity functions in response to HBV infection, ultimately contributing to the immune system's inability to resolve Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB). Within hepatocytes, HBV replication leads to a stable viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome located in the nucleus, and epigenetic modifications in cccDNA enable persistence of infection. Additionally, the accumulation or depletion of metabolites not only directly affects the function and homeostasis of immune cells but also serves as a substrate for regulating epigenetic modifications, subsequently influencing the expression of antiviral immune genes and facilitating the occurrence of sustained HBV infection. The interaction between immunometabolism and epigenetic modifications has led to a new research field, known as metabolic epigenomics, which may form a mutually reinforcing relationship with CHB. Herein, we review the recent studies on immunometabolism and epigenetic reprogramming in CHB infection and discuss the potential mechanisms of persistent HBV infection. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms will offer novel insights and targets for intervention strategies against chronic HBV infection, thereby providing new hope for the treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengmin Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhengkun Tu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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3
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Sabei FY, Y Safhi A, Almoshari Y, Salawi A, H Sultan M, Ali Bakkari M, Alsalhi A, A Madkhali O, M Jali A, Ahsan W. Structure-based virtual screening of natural compounds as inhibitors of HCV using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37776007 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2263588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV), which causes hepatitis C, is a viral infection that damages the liver and causes inflammation in the liver. New potentially effective antiviral drugs are required for its treatment owing to various issues associated with the existing medications, including moderate to severe adverse effects, higher costs, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. The objective of the current study was to utilize computational techniques to assess the anti-HCV efficacy of certain phytochemicals against tetraspanin (CD81) and claudin 1 (CLDN1) entry proteins. A 200-nanosecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to examine the stability of the lead-protein complexes. Free binding energy and molecular docking calculations were conducted utilizing MM/GBSA method, and the selectivity of hit compounds for CD81 and CLDN1 was determined. Five significant CD81 and CLDN1 inhibitors were identified: Petasiphenone, Silibinin, Tanshinone IIA, Taxifolin, and Topaquinone. The MM/GBSA analysis of the compounds revealed high free binding energies. All the identified compounds were stable within the CD81 and CLDN1 binding pockets. This study indicated the promising inhibitory potential of the identified compounds against CD81 and CLDN1 receptors and might develop into potential viral entry inhibitors. However, to validate the chemotherapeutic capabilities of the discovered leads extensive preclinical research is required.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Y Sabei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awaji Y Safhi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yosif Almoshari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Salawi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad H Sultan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Ali Bakkari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alsalhi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama A Madkhali
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed M Jali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waquar Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
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Ogunnaike M, Das S, Raut SS, Sultana A, Nayan MU, Ganesan M, Edagwa BJ, Osna NA, Poluektova LY. Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: New Approaches towards Cure. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1208. [PMID: 37627273 PMCID: PMC10452112 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081208] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lifelong treatment with nucleotides/nucleoside antiviral agents is effective at suppressing HBV replication, however, adherence to daily therapy can be challenging. This review discusses recent advances in the development of long-acting formulations for HBV treatment and prevention, which could potentially improve adherence. Promising new compounds that target distinct steps of the virus life cycle are summarized. In addition to treatments that suppress viral replication, curative strategies are focused on the elimination of covalently closed circular DNA and the inactivation of the integrated viral DNA from infected hepatocytes. We highlight promising long-acting antivirals and genome editing strategies for the elimination or deactivation of persistent viral DNA products in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojisola Ogunnaike
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Srijanee Das
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Samiksha S. Raut
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Ashrafi Sultana
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Benson J. Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Natalia A. Osna
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Larisa Y. Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
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Ito D, Ito H, Ando T, Sakai Y, Ideta T, Ishii KJ, Ishikawa T, Shimizu M. Spermidine enhances the efficacy of adjuvant in HBV vaccination in mice. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202304010-00022. [PMID: 36972390 PMCID: PMC10043579 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Various vaccine adjuvants have been developed to eliminate HBV from patients with chronic HBV infection. In addition, spermidine (SPD), a type of polyamine, has been reported to enhance the activity of immune cells. In the present study, we investigated whether the combination of SPD and vaccine adjuvant enhances the HBV antigen-specific immune response to HBV vaccination. Methods: Wild-type and HBV-transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice were vaccinated 2 or 3 times. SPD was orally administered in drinking water. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate-AMP (cGAMP) and nanoparticulate CpG-ODN (K3-SPG) were used as the HBV vaccine adjuvants. The HBV antigen-specific immune response was evaluated by measuring the HBsAb titer in blood collected over time and the number of interferon-γ producing cells by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Results: The administration of HBsAg + cGAMP + SPD or HBsAg + K3-SPG + SPD significantly enhanced HBsAg-specific interferon-γ production by CD8 T cells from wild-type and HBV-Tg mice. The administration of HBsAg, cGAMP, and SPD increased serum HBsAb levels in wild-type and HBV-Tg mice. In HBV-Tg mice, the administration of SPD + cGAMP or SPD + K3-SPG with HBV vaccination significantly reduced HBsAg levels in the liver and serum. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the combination of HBV vaccine adjuvant and SPD induces a stronger humoral and cellular immune response through T-cell activation. These treatments may support the development of a strategy to completely eliminate HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Ito
- Department of Joint Research Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ando
- Department of Joint Research Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sakai
- Department of Joint Research Laboratory of Clinical Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takayasu Ideta
- Department of Gastroenterology, Central Japan International Medical Center, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ken J Ishii
- Division of Vaccine Science, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation, Center for Vaccine and Adjuvant Research Center, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ishikawa
- Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
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Hepatitis B Therapeutic Vaccine: A Patent Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121542. [PMID: 36558991 PMCID: PMC9783911 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis has long been underrated as a danger to global health. The UN only recently called for worldwide action to tackle viral hepatitis and lessen the disease burden in its "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which causes liver cirrhosis and malignancy, is a main cause of death globally. This review analyses innovative HBV therapeutic vaccine candidates for which a patent was filed between January 2010 and March 2022 and presents future improvement techniques for vaccine efficacy. Although there is a preventative vaccine for HBV infection, over 3% of people worldwide have the disease on a long-term basis and can no longer benefit from it. Most people will have chronic HBV infection for the rest of their lives once it has been diagnosed. Moreover, only a small percentage of treated patients experience a functional cure with persistent hepatitis B surface antigen reduction. A significant proportion of deaths are caused by liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer, which are both caused by chronic hepatitis B infection. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel medications due to the inadequacies of the current therapies.
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Action Mechanisms and Scientific Rationale of Using Nasal Vaccine (HeberNasvac) for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122087. [PMID: 36560498 PMCID: PMC9787858 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasvac (HeberNasvac®) is a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This product is a formulation of the core (HBcAg) and surface (HBsAg) antigens of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), administered by nasal and subcutaneous routes, in a distinctive schedule of immunizations. In the present review article, we discuss the action mechanisms of HeberNasvac, considering the immunological properties of the product and their antigens. Specifically, we discuss the capacity of HBcAg to activate different pathways of innate immunity and the signal transduction after a multi-TLR agonist effect, and we review the results of recent clinical trials and in vitro studies. Aimed at understanding the clinical results of Nasvac and other therapeutic vaccines under development, we discuss the rationale of administering a therapeutic vaccine through the nasal route and also the current alternatives to combine therapeutic vaccines and antivirals (NUCs). We also disclose potential applications of this product in novel fields of immunotherapy.
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Zhao H, Han Q, Yang A, Wang Y, Wang G, Lin A, Wang X, Yin C, Zhang J. CpG-C ODN M362 as an immunoadjuvant for HBV therapeutic vaccine reverses the systemic tolerance against HBV. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:154-165. [PMID: 34975324 PMCID: PMC8692134 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection is a global public health problem. Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing class C unmethylated cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG-C) motifs may provide potential adjuvants for the immunotherapeutic strategy against CHB, since CpG-C ODNs stimulate both B cell and dendritic cell (DC) activation. However, the efficacy of CpG-C ODN as an anti-HBV vaccine adjuvant remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that CpG M362 (CpG-C ODN) as an adjuvant in anti-HBV vaccine (cHBV-vaccine) successfully and safely eliminated the virus in HBV-carrier mice. The cHBV-vaccine enhanced DC maturation both in vivo and in vitro, overcame immune tolerance, and recovered exhausted T cells in HBV-carrier mice. Furthermore, the cHBV-vaccine elicited robust hepatic HBV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses, with increased cellular proliferation and IFN-γ secretion. Additionally, the cHBV-vaccine invoked a long-lasting follicular CXCR5+ CD8+ T cell response following HBV re-challenge. Taken together, CpG M362 in combination with rHBVvac cleared persistent HBV and achieved long-term virological control, making it a promising candidate for treating CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ailu Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yucan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ang Lin
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunlai Yin
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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9
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Knolle PA, Huang LR, Kosinska A, Wohlleber D, Protzer U. Improving Therapeutic Vaccination against Hepatitis B-Insights from Preclinical Models of Immune Therapy against Persistent Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1333. [PMID: 34835264 PMCID: PMC8623083 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B affects more than 250 million individuals worldwide, putting them at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. While antiviral immune responses are key to eliminating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, insufficient antiviral immunity characterized by failure to eliminate HBV-infected hepatocytes is associated with chronic hepatitis B. Prophylactic vaccination against hepatitis B successfully established protective immunity against infection with the hepatitis B virus and has been instrumental in controlling hepatitis B. However, prophylactic vaccination schemes have not been successful in mounting protective immunity to eliminate HBV infections in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the development and efficacy of therapeutic vaccination strategies against chronic hepatitis B with particular emphasis on the pathogenetic understanding of dysfunctional anti-viral immunity. We explore the development of additional immune stimulation measures within tissues, in particular activation of immunogenic myeloid cell populations, and their use for combination with therapeutic vaccination strategies to improve the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Percy A. Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for infection Research (DZIF), Munich Site, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Miaoli City 350, Taiwan;
| | - Anna Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- German Center for infection Research (DZIF), Munich Site, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
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10
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Identification of novel hepatitis B virus therapeutic vaccine candidates derived from polymerase protein. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:14372-14384. [PMID: 34016795 PMCID: PMC8202855 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203053] [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: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem with high morbidity and mortality rates. The therapeutic vaccine is a promising method of treatment, and HBV polymerase plays a vital role in viral replication. Therefore, a therapeutic vaccine that binds to HBV DNA polymerase may control HBV infection. We predicted and selected epitopes of polymerase using online databases and analysis software. We then performed molecular docking and peptide binding assays to evaluate the binding energies and affinities between polymerase epitopes and the HLA-A0201 molecule. Finally, we induced T cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors using each epitope and quantified the functions of epitope-specific T cells by IFN-γELISPOT assay, T2 cell cytotoxicity assay, HepG2.2.15 cell cytotoxicity assay and HBV gene expression assays. Four epitopes (RVTGGVFLV, GLLGFAAPF, LLDDEAGPL and YMDDVVLGA) had low binding energy and two epitopes (RVTGGVFLV and GLLGFAAPF) had a high binding affinity. The T cells stimulated by two epitopes (GLLGFAAPF and HLYSHPIIL) had a greater ability to induce immune response and suppress HBV. The HBV DNA polymerase epitopes identified in this study are promising targets for designing an epitope-based therapeutic vaccine against HBV.
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Kanbe A, Ishikawa T, Hara A, Suemizu H, Nanizawa E, Tamaki Y, Ito H. Novel hepatitis B virus infection mouse model using herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase transgenic mice. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:782-789. [PMID: 32515517 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The chronicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the result of impaired HBV-specific immune responses that cannot eliminate or cure the infected hepatocytes efficiently. Previous studies have used immunodeficient mice such as herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase NOD/Scid/IL2Rrnull (HSV-TK-NOG) mice. However, it is difficult to analyze the immune response in the previous models. In the present study, we established a novel HBV infection model using herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) mice in which the host immune system was not impaired. METHODS Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase mice were injected intraperitoneally with ganciclovir (GCV). Seven days after GCV injection, GCV-treated mice were transplanted with 1 × 106 hepatocytes from HBV-transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice. RESULTS Serum alanine aminotransferase levels in HSV-TK mice increased 1 and 2 weeks after GCV injection. The number and viability of hepatocytes from the whole liver of HBV-Tg mice significantly increased using digestion medium containing liberase. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive areas in the liver tissue were observed for at least 20 weeks after HBsAg-positive hepatocyte transplantation. In addition, we measured HBsAg in the serum after transplantation. HBsAg levels in HBV-Tg hepatocyte-replaced mice increased 4 weeks after transplantation. Furthermore, we examined the immune response in HSV-TK mice. The increase in hepatitis B surface antibody levels in replaced mice was maintained for 20 weeks. Also, interferon-γ-producing cells were increased in non-replaced mice. CONCLUSIONS A novel HBV infection mouse model will help to understand the mechanisms of HBV tolerance similar to human chronic HBV-infected patients and can be used to develop a new strategy to treat chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Kanbe
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ishikawa
- Department of Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Hara
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suemizu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Research, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Eri Nanizawa
- Department of Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuki Tamaki
- Department of Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Ito
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu City, Japan
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Hadidi N, Sharifnia Z, Eteghadi A, Shokrgozar MA, Mosaffa N. PEGylated single-walled carbon nanotubes as co-adjuvants enhance expression of maturation markers in monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:171-188. [PMID: 33560153 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0339] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the application of phospholipid-PEGylated single-walled carbon nanotubes (PL-PEG-SWCNTs) as a safe co-adjuvant for the commercial recombinant hepatitis B virus vaccine to enhance induction of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) differentiation and activation in vitro as an immune response initiator cell to prompt a long-term immune response after a single dose injection. Methods: Immature MDDCs were exposed to PL-PEG-SWCNTs alone and in combination with hepatitis B vaccine. Results & conclusion: Study results confirm the enhanced expression of maturation markers in human immature MDDCs after PL-PEG-SWCNT exposure. The results suggest that PL-PEG-SWCNT is an efficient co-adjuvant for the commercial recombinant hepatitis B virus vaccine to enhance dendritic cell response stimulation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmeh Hadidi
- Department of Clinical Research & EM Microscope, Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Zarin Sharifnia
- Department of Clinical Research & EM Microscope, Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | - Atefeh Eteghadi
- Department of Clinical Research & EM Microscope, Pasteur Institute of Iran (PII), Tehran 1316943551, Iran
| | | | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 198396-3113, Iran
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13
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Farag MMS, Suef RA, Al-Toukhy GM, Selim MA, Elbahnasawy MA, El Sharkawy N, Ezzat S, Shebl N, Mansour MTM. HBVsvp-Pulsed Dendritic Cell Immunotherapy Induces Th1 Polarization and Hepatitis B Virus-Specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Production. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:2699-2709. [PMID: 32821133 PMCID: PMC7418458 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s265681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) patients, both dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells are functionally impaired and consequently the HBV-specific cellular immune responses are downregulated. The present study aims to investigate whether monocyte-derived DC (MoDCs)-pulsed-HBV subviral particles (HBVsvp) can polarize Th1 cells to induce HBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) responses in CHB patients. Methods and Materials To this end, the human hepatoma HepG2.2.15 cell line was used to produce HBVsvp as a culturing system, and HBVsvp were concentrated for highly virus titer using the polyethylene glycol protocol. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), collected from CHB patients and healthy donors, were differentiated into MoDCs and T cells. PBMCs-derived MoDCs were first pulsed with HBVsvp and then cultured with PBMCs-derived T cells. MoDCs and/or T subsets cells were identified for phenotypic activation by FACS analysis. The cytokine secretion of IL-4, IL-12, and IFN-γ in the culture supernatants was detected. Results The MoDCs were restored for their activation upon pulsing with HBVsvp in vitro, as identified by significantly overexpression of both CD86 and HLA-DR, and overproduction of IL-4 and IL-12. Furthermore, MoDCs-pulsed-HBVsvp induced Th1 frequencies and activated HBV-specific CTL to produce significantly highest amount of IFN-γ. Enhanced HBV-specific CTL led to strong cytolytic capacity against HepG2.2.15. Conclusion Overall, our data suggest that in vitro activation of MoDCs with HBVsvp overcomes the functionally impaired DCs and T cells in CHB patients offering a promising tool for therapeutic or vaccine-based approaches against HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M S Farag
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Reda A Suef
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Al-Toukhy
- Virology & Immunology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital, Cairo 57357, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Selim
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Mostafa A Elbahnasawy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Nahla El Sharkawy
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children Cancer Hospital, Cairo 57357, Egypt
| | - Sameera Ezzat
- Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Al Minufya, Egypt
| | - Nashwa Shebl
- Hepatology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Al Minufya, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T M Mansour
- Virology & Immunology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Children Cancer Hospital, Cairo 57357, Egypt
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14
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Warner N, Locarnini S, Xu H. The role of hepatitis B surface antibodies in HBV infection, disease and clearance. Future Virol 2020. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2019-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The clinical sequelae associated with chronic HBV infection is generally regarded as a consequence of an inadequate and inappropriate immune response to active viral replication, predominantly at the T-cell level. However, recent studies on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific B cells and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HB) responses have identified their previously unrecognized role in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). These studies have also uncovered novel therapeutic approaches to more effectively target HBsAg loss and seroconversion, an important end point and regarded as a functional cure. Anti-HBs IgG has also been shown to have multiple direct acting antiviral roles with the Fab component directly blocking viral entry, and release while the Fc component has been linked to antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Likewise, the HBsAg-specific B-cell dysfunctionality can be reversed providing new therapeutic opportunities to achieve functional cure in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Warner
- Molecular Research & Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Molecular Research & Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hui Xu
- Molecular Research & Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Abstract
Vaccination against hepatitis B is the most effective strategy to control HBV infection. The first licensed hepatitis B vaccine was developed by the purification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from plasma of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. Then, the recombinant DNA technology enabled the development of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine. A series of three doses vaccine can elicit long-term protection more than 30 y. Concurrent use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine has substantially reduced the mother-to-child transmission of HBV, nearly zero infection in children of carrier mother with negative hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and 5-10% infection in children of HBeAg-positive mothers. By the end of 2018, 189 countries adopted universal hepatitis B vaccination program, which has dramatically reduced the global prevalence of HBsAg in children <5 y of age, from 4.7% in the prevaccine era to 1.3% in 2015. However, the implementation of universal hepatitis B vaccination in some regions is suboptimal and timely birth dose vaccine is not routinely administered in more than half of newborn infants. Optimal worldwide universal hepatitis B vaccination requires more efforts to overcome the social and economic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Hua Zhou
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School , Nanjing, China
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16
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Hong B, Wen Y, Ying T. Recent Progress on Neutralizing Antibodies against Hepatitis B Virus and its Implications. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2020; 19:213-223. [PMID: 29952267 DOI: 10.2174/1871526518666180628122400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health problem. As "cure" for chronic hepatitis B is of current priority, hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) has been utilized for several decades to provide post-exposure prophylaxis. In recent years, a number of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting HBV have been developed and demonstrated with high affinity, specificity, and neutralizing potency. OBJECTIVE HBV neutralizing antibodies may play a potentially significant role in the search for an HBV cure. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in developing HBV-neutralizing antibodies, describing their characteristics and potential clinical applications. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION HBV neutralizing antibodies could be a promising alternative in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection. More importantly, global collaboration and coordinated approaches are thus needed to facilitate the development of novel therapies for HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Hong
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Central Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou 362000, China
| | - Yumei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tianlei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministries of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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17
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Whitacre DC, Peters CJ, Sureau C, Nio K, Li F, Su L, Jones JE, Isogawa M, Sallberg M, Frelin L, Peterson DL, Milich DR. Designing a therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine to circumvent immune tolerance. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:251-268. [PMID: 31809638 PMCID: PMC7062423 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1689745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An effective prophylactic hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has long been available but is ineffective for chronic infection. The primary cause of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and greatest impediment for a therapeutic vaccine is the direct and indirect effects of immune tolerance to HBV antigens. The resulting defective CD4+/CD8+ T cell response, poor cytokine production, insufficient neutralizing antibody (nAb) and poor response to HBsAg vaccination characterize CHB infection. The objective of this study was to develop virus-like-particles (VLPs) that elicit nAb to prevent viral spread and prime CD4+/CD8+ T cells to eradicate intracellular HBV. Eight neutralizing B cell epitopes from the envelope PreS1 region were consolidated onto a species-variant of the HBV core protein, the woodchuck hepatitis core antigen (WHcAg). PreS1-specific B cell epitopes were chosen because of preferential expression on HBV virions. Because WHcAg and HBcAg are not crossreactive at the B cell level and only partially cross-reactive at the CD4+/CD8+ T cell level, CD4+ T cells specific for WHcAg-unique T cell sites can provide cognate T-B cell help for anti-PreS1 Ab production that is not curtailed by immune tolerance. Immunization of immune tolerant HBV transgenic (Tg) mice with PreS1-WHc VLPs elicited levels of high titer anti-PreS1 nAbs equivalent to wildtype mice. Passive transfer of PreS1 nAbs into human-liver chimeric mice prevented acute infection and cleared serum HBV from mice previously infected with HBV in a model of CHB. At the T cell level, PreS1-WHc VLPs and hybrid WHcAg/HBcAg DNA immunogens elicited HBcAg-specific CD4+ Th and CD8+ CTL responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Whitacre
- Department of Immunology, VLP Biotech, Inc., JLABS San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Immunology, Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - C J Peters
- Department of Immunology, VLP Biotech, Inc., JLABS San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Immunology, Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - C Sureau
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine (INTS), Paris, France
| | - K Nio
- Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - F Li
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - L Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - J E Jones
- Department of Immunology, VLP Biotech, Inc., JLABS San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - M Isogawa
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - M Sallberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, F68, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockhold, Sweden
| | - L Frelin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, F68, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockhold, Sweden
| | - D L Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - D R Milich
- Department of Immunology, VLP Biotech, Inc., JLABS San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Department of Immunology, Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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18
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On the future of therapeutic vaccination in chronic hepatitis B. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO426. [PMID: 31827895 PMCID: PMC6900968 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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Maini MK, Burton AR. Restoring, releasing or replacing adaptive immunity in chronic hepatitis B. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:662-675. [PMID: 31548710 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple new therapeutic approaches are currently being developed to achieve sustained, off-treatment suppression of HBV, a persistent hepatotropic infection that kills ~2,000 people a day. A fundamental therapeutic goal is the restoration of robust HBV-specific adaptive immune responses that are able to maintain prolonged immunosurveillance of residual infection. Here, we provide insight into key components of successful T cell and B cell responses to HBV, discussing the importance of different specificities and effector functions, local intrahepatic immunity and pathogenic potential. We focus on the parallels and interactions between T cell and B cell responses, highlighting emerging areas for future investigation. We review the potential for different immunotherapies in development to restore or release endogenous adaptive immunity by direct or indirect approaches, including limitations and risks. Finally, we consider an alternative HBV treatment strategy of replacing failed endogenous immunity with infusions of highly targeted T cells or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alice R Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
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20
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Comparative proteomic study reveals the enhanced immune response with the blockade of interleukin 10 with anti-IL-10 and anti-IL-10 receptor antibodies in human U937 cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213813. [PMID: 30897137 PMCID: PMC6428271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Blocking cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) at the time of immunisation enhances vaccine induced T cell responses and improves control of tumour cell growth in vivo. However, the effect of an IL-10 blockade on the biological function of macrophages has not been explored. In the current paper, a macrophage precursor cell line, U937 cells, was selected to investigate the differential expression of proteins and relevant cell signalling pathway changes, when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of antibodies to IL-10 or IL-10 receptor. We used a quantitative proteomic strategy to investigate variations in protein profiles of U937 cells following the treatments with LPS, LPS plus human anti-IL10 antibody and anti-IL10R antibody in 24hrs, respectively. The LPS treatment significantly activated actin-related cell matrix formation and immune response pathways. The addition of anti-IL10 and anti-IL10R antibody further promoted the immune response and potentially effect macrophage survival through PI3K/AKT signalling; however, the latter appeared to also upregulated oncogene XRCC5 and Cajal body associated processes.
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21
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Bertoletti A, Le Bert N. Immunotherapy for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Gut Liver 2019; 12:497-507. [PMID: 29316747 PMCID: PMC6143456 DOI: 10.5009/gnl17233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While new therapies for chronic hepatitis C virus infection have delivered remarkable cure rates, curative therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remain a distant goal. Although current direct antiviral therapies are very efficient in controlling viral replication and limiting the progression to cirrhosis, these treatments require lifelong administration due to the frequent viral rebound upon treatment cessation, and immune modulation with interferon is only effective in a subgroup of patients. Specific immunotherapies can offer the possibility of eliminating or at least stably maintaining low levels of HBV replication under the control of a functional host antiviral response. Here, we review the development of immune cell therapy for HBV, highlighting the potential antiviral efficiency and potential toxicities in different groups of chronically infected HBV patients. We also discuss the chronic hepatitis B patient populations that best benefit from therapeutic immune interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Nina Le Bert
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore
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22
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Fernández G, L Sanchez A, Jerez E, E Anillo L, Freyre F, A Aguiar J, Leon Y, Cinza Z, A Diaz P, Figueroa N, Muzio V, G Nieto G, Lobaina Y, Aguilar A, Penton E, C Aguilar J. Five-year Follow-up of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Immunized by Nasal Route with the Therapeutic Vaccine HeberNasvac. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2018; 8:133-139. [PMID: 30828555 PMCID: PMC6395482 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment comprising the recombinant hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) and nucleocapsid (HBcAg) antigens has been developed. Preclinical and clinical trials (CT) evidenced safety and immunogenicity in animal models as well as in phases I, II, and III clinical trials. A phase I CT has conducted in Cuba in 6 CHB patients refractory or incomplete responders to α-IFN. Patients were immunized ten times every two weeks via. nasal spray, with 100 ug HBsAg and 100 ug HBcAg. Clinical efficacy was monitored by assessing the levels of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBeAg, and anti-HBeAg seroconversion as well as by qualitative/ quantitative HBsAg serology during this period. After a 5 year follow-up,HBeAg loss was verified in the three HBeAg (+) patients, in two cases with seroconversion to anti-HBeAg. A reduction to undetectable viral load was observed in 5 out of 6 patients, and in two cases HBsAg seroconversion was also detected. ALT increases above the 2X upper limit of normal (ULN) were only detected in HBeAg (+) patients and associated with HBe antigen loss. All patients had stiffness levels below 7.8 KPa by Fibroscan assessment at the end of this period. Although only a few patients were enrolled in this study, it seems that HeberNasvac may maintain some of the therapeutic effects for a prolonged period. How to cite this article: Fernandez G, Sanchez AL, Jerez E, Anillo LE, Freyre F, Aguiar JA, Leon Y, Cinza Z, Diaz PA, Figueroa N, Muzio V, Nieto GG, Lobaina Y, Aguilar A, Penton E, Aguilar JC. Five-year Follow-up of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Immunized by Nasal Route with the Therapeutic Vaccine HeberNasvac. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol, 2018;8(2):133-139.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Fernández
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Ana L Sanchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Everardo Jerez
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Luis E Anillo
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Freya Freyre
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Jorge A Aguiar
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yamila Leon
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Zurina Cinza
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Pablo A Diaz
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nelvis Figueroa
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Verena Muzio
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo G Nieto
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yadira Lobaina
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Arístides Aguilar
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Eduardo Penton
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Julio C Aguilar
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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23
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Frangulosid as a novel hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase inhibitor: a virtual screening study. In Silico Pharmacol 2018; 6:10. [PMID: 30607323 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-018-0047-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects more than 400 million humans Worldwide. Currently, development of new anti-HBV agents is focused on inhibiting of HBV DNA polymerase activity. The natural components of medicinal plant have a broad spectrum of biological activities with therapeutic properties which can be exploited in various steps of drug discovery. Currently, in silico analyses have been introduced as alternative or supplements methods for drug discovery. This study was planned to in silico screening novel HBV DNA polymerase inhibitor(s) from R. palmatum, R. coreanus and S. officinalis. For this purpose, a set of dominant phytochemicals from mentioned plants were retrieved from PubChem database and primary screening was performed with molecular docking method using iGemdock 2.1 software. SwissADME and MedChem Designer 3.0 were used to calculate the drug-likeness parameters of the ligands. Furthermore, the genotoxicity of the studied ligands was predicted using Toxtree 2.6.6 software. Final analysis of screened compounds was done using Autodock 4 software. Result confirmed that Frangulosid and Lindleyin acid have most and least efficacy in HBV DNA polymerase inhibition with the inhibition constant of 2.97 and 53.83 µM, respectively. Results also showed that, the amino acids, involved in interaction, were different for each compound. In this regards, results revealed that the main amino acids residues of the receptor, involved in interaction with Quercetin-3-glucuronide, Frangulosid and Lindleyin separately, located in 420-424, 606-615 and 512-542 spectra, respectively. In conclusion, Frangulosid can be considered as a good candidate for more investigation of its anti-HBV activity.
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24
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Zheng J, Ou Z, Lin X, Wang L, Liu Y, Jin S, Wu J. Analysis of epitope-based vaccine candidates against the E antigen of the hepatitis B virus based on the B genotype sequence: An in silico and in vitro approach. Cell Immunol 2018; 329:56-65. [PMID: 29724463 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a worldwide health problem with no current effective strategy to achieve a cure. The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) E antigen (HBeAg) has a negative effect on the immune system and a therapeutic vaccine is a promising strategy in order to treat chronic virus infection. In this study, we analyzed and identified the MHC-I, MHC-II and B cell epitopes of the HBeAg based on a B genotype sequence of HBV using a bioinformatic approach and in vitro experiments. The computational approach provided us with four epitopes (LLWFHISCL, YLVSFGVWI, MQLFHLCLI, TVLEYLVSF) of the specific MHC-I allele HLA-A0201 that conformed to all criteria. Molecular docking and a peptide binding assay showed that epitope TVLEYLVSF had the lowest binding energy and epitope LLWFHISCL had the highest binding affinity to the HLA-A0201 molecule. An interferonγenzyme-linked immunospot assay and cytotoxicity assay revealed that epitope LLWFHISCL had the highest ability to induce and stimulate T cells. Furthermore, we determined four core peptides of MHC-II epitopes and a region of the B cell epitope. The epitopes and region identified in this research may be helpful in designing epitope-based vaccines and boosting the mechanism research of HBeAg and its effect on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juzeng Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhanfan Ou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xianfan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Taizhou Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Sisi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jinming Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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25
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Bourgine M, Crabe S, Lobaina Y, Guillen G, Aguilar JC, Michel ML. Nasal route favors the induction of CD4 + T cell responses in the liver of HBV-carrier mice immunized with a recombinant hepatitis B surface- and core-based therapeutic vaccine. Antiviral Res 2018; 153:23-32. [PMID: 29510155 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunization routes and number of doses remain largely unexplored in therapeutic vaccination. The aim of the present work is to evaluate their impact on immune responses in naïve and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-carrier mouse models following immunization with a non-adjuvanted recombinant vaccine comprising the hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) and core (HBcAg) antigens. Mice were immunized either by intranasal (i.n.), subcutaneous (s.c.) or simultaneous (i.n. + s.c.) routes. Humoral immunity was detected in all the animal models with the induction of a potent antibody (Ab) response against HBcAg, which was stronger than the anti-HBs response. In the HBV-carrier mouse model, the anti-HBs response was predominantly subtype-specific and preferentially induced by the i.n. route. However, the Ab titers were not sufficient to clear the high concentration of HBsAg present in the sera of these mice. The i.n. route was the most efficacious at inducing cellular immune responses, in particular CD4+ T cells. In naïve mice, cellular responses in spleen were strong and mainly due to CD4+ T cells whereas the CD8+ T-cell response was low. In HBV-carrier mice, high frequencies of HBs-specific CD4+ T cells secreting interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were found in liver only after i.n. immunization. Increased frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing the integrin CD49a in liver suggest a role of nasal route in the cellular homing process. Multiple dose schedules appear to be a prerequisite for protein-based immunization in order to overcome immunotolerance in HBV-carrier mice. These findings provide new avenues for further preclinical and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryline Bourgine
- Unité de Virologie Moléculaire et Vaccinologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | | | - Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillen
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| | - Julio Cesar Aguilar
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
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26
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Dou Y, van Montfoort N, van den Bosch A, de Man RA, Zom GG, Krebber WJ, Melief CJM, Buschow SI, Woltman AM. HBV-Derived Synthetic Long Peptide Can Boost CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell Responses in Chronic HBV Patients Ex Vivo. J Infect Dis 2018; 217:827-839. [PMID: 29220492 PMCID: PMC5853453 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination with synthetic long peptides (SLP) is a promising new treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB). SLP can induce broad T-cell responses for all HLA types. Here we investigated the ability of a prototype HBV-core (HBc)-sequence-derived SLP to boost HBV-specific T cells in CHB patients ex vivo. Methods HBc-SLP was used to assess cross-presentation by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) and BDCA1+ blood myeloid DC (mDC) to engineered HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Autologous SLP-loaded and toll-like receptor (TLR)-stimulated DC were used to activate patient HBc-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Results HBV-SLP was cross-presented by moDC, which was further enhanced by adjuvants. Patient-derived SLP-loaded moDC significantly increased autologous HBcAg18-27-specific CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells ex vivo. HBV-specific T cells were functional as they synthesized tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. In 6/7 of patients blockade of PD-L1 further increased SLP effects. Also, importantly, patient-derived BDCA1+ mDC cross-presented and activated autologous T-cell responses ex vivo. Conclusions As a proof of concept, we showed a prototype HBc-SLP can boost T-cell responses in patients ex vivo. These results pave the way for the development of a therapeutic SLP-based vaccine to induce effective HBV-specific adaptive immune responses in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Dou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aniek van den Bosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gijs G Zom
- ISA Pharmaceuticals BV, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sonja I Buschow
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea M Woltman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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27
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Hepatitis B virus persistence in mice reveals IL-21 and IL-33 as regulators of viral clearance. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2119. [PMID: 29242561 PMCID: PMC5730569 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) generally causes self-limiting infection in immunocompetent adults, but establishes chronic infection in some adults and in most maternally infected infants. Factors determining clearance versus persistence are not fully understood. Hydrodynamic injection (HDI) of HBV replicon plasmid via tail vein generally results in quick clearance in immunocompetent adult mice. Here, we report the identification of strain-specific persistence of HBV in mice: one genotype B strain, designated BPS, persisted up to 33 weeks in ~50% of HDI mice. BPS persistence requires viral replication and multiple viral features. Compared to quickly cleared strains, BPS fails to induce robust post-exposure serum IL-21/IL-33 responses. Injection of IL-21-expressing or IL-33-expressing plasmids facilitates clearance of pre-established BPS persistence and protects cured mice from BPS re-challenge. IL-21 and IL-33 also induce clearance of pre-established HBV persistence in another mouse model. These data reveal IL-21 and IL-33 as potent regulators of HBV clearance and valid drug candidates. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) establishes chronic infection in only some patients, but the mechanisms underlying clearance failure in these patients are not fully understood. Here, the authors identify and characterize an HBV strain that can persist in mice and show that IL-21 and IL-33 responses contribute to clearance.
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28
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O’Hara GA, McNaughton AL, Maponga T, Jooste P, Ocama P, Chilengi R, Mokaya J, Liyayi MI, Wachira T, Gikungi DM, Burbridge L, O’Donnell D, Akiror CS, Sloan D, Torimiro J, Yindom LM, Walton R, Andersson M, Marsh K, Newton R, Matthews PC. Hepatitis B virus infection as a neglected tropical disease. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005842. [PMID: 28981505 PMCID: PMC5628785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine A. O’Hara
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Co-infection Studies Programme, MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Anna L. McNaughton
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tongai Maponga
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pieter Jooste
- Department of Paediatrics, Kimberley Hospital, Kimberley, South Africa
| | - Ponsiano Ocama
- Co-infection Studies Programme, MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Roma Chilengi
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jolynne Mokaya
- Health System Research Ethics Department, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Mitchell I. Liyayi
- Mother and Child Health Department, Baringo County Referral Hospital, Baringo, Kenya
| | - Tabitha Wachira
- Medical-Surgical Department, Machakos Level 5 Hospital, Machakos, Kenya
| | | | - Lela Burbridge
- Patient and Public Involvement Committee, Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Denise O’Donnell
- Patient and Public Involvement Committee, Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Derek Sloan
- School of Medicine, Medical & Biological Sciences, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Torimiro
- Chantal Biya International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Louis Marie Yindom
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Walton
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Monique Andersson
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Marsh
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Africa-Oxford (AfOx) Initiative, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Newton
- Co-infection Studies Programme, MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Philippa C. Matthews
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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29
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Zhou C, Li C, Gong GZ, Wang S, Zhang JM, Xu DZ, Guo LM, Ren H, Xu M, Xie Q, Pan C, Xu J, Hu Z, Geng S, Zhou X, Wang X, Zhou X, Mi H, Zhao G, Yu W, Wen YM, Huang L, Wang XY, Wang B. Analysis of immunological mechanisms exerted by HBsAg-HBIG therapeutic vaccine combined with Adefovir in chronic hepatitis B patients. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:1989-1996. [PMID: 28665747 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1335840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An HBsAg-HBIG therapeutic vaccine (Yeast-derived Immune Complexes, YIC) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients has undergone a series of clinical trials. The HBeAg sero-conversion rate of YIC varied from 21.9% to 14% depending on the immunization protocols from 6 to 12 injections. To analyze the immunological mechanisms exerted by 6 injections of YIC, 44 CHB patients were separately immunized with YIC, alum as adjuvant control or normal saline as blank control, with add on of antiviral drug Adefovir in all groups. Kinetic increase in Th1 and Th2 cells CD4+ T cell sub-populations with association in decrease in Treg cells and increase of Tc1 and Tc17 cells in CD8+ T cells were observed in YIC immunized group. No such changes were found in the other groups. By multifunctional analysis of cytokine profiles, significant increase of IL-2 levels was observed, both in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the YIC immunized group, accompanied by increase in IFN-gamma and decrease of inhibitory factors (IL-10, TGF-β and Foxp3) in CD4+ T cells. In the alum immunized group, slight increase of IL-10, TGF-β and Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells was found after the second injection, but decreased after more injections, suggesting that alum induced early inflammatory responses to a certain extent. Similar patterns of responses of IL-17A and TNF-α in CD8+T cells were shown between YIC and the saline group. Results indicate that add on of Adefovir, did not affect host specific immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenliang Zhou
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Chaofan Li
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Zhong Gong
- b The Second Xiangya Hospital , Central South University , Changsha , People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Wang
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Ming Zhang
- c Huashan Hospital , Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Dao-Zhen Xu
- d Beijing Ditan Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Min Guo
- d Beijing Ditan Hospital , Capital Medical University , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ren
- e The Second Affiliated Hospital , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Min Xu
- f Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Xie
- g Ruijin Hospital , Jiaotong University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Pan
- h Fuzhou Infectious Disease Hospital , Fuzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xu
- i The Third People's Hospital , Jiaotong University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyu Hu
- j National Institutes for Food and Drug Control , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Geng
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Xian Zhou
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Xianzheng Wang
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Haili Mi
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Gan Zhao
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Wencong Yu
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Mei Wen
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Huang
- k Wuxi Fifth People's Hospital , Wuxi , People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan-Yi Wang
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- a Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology , MoE/MoH, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China
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30
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In Silico Analysis of Epitope-Based Vaccine Candidates against Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase Protein. Viruses 2017; 9:v9050112. [PMID: 28509875 PMCID: PMC5454424 DOI: 10.3390/v9050112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has persisted as a major public health problem due to the lack of an effective treatment for those chronically infected. Therapeutic vaccination holds promise, and targeting HBV polymerase is pivotal for viral eradication. In this research, a computational approach was employed to predict suitable HBV polymerase targeting multi-peptides for vaccine candidate selection. We then performed in-depth computational analysis to evaluate the predicted epitopes’ immunogenicity, conservation, population coverage, and toxicity. Lastly, molecular docking and MHC-peptide complex stabilization assay were utilized to determine the binding energy and affinity of epitopes to the HLA-A0201 molecule. Criteria-based analysis provided four predicted epitopes, RVTGGVFLV, VSIPWTHKV, YMDDVVLGA and HLYSHPIIL. Assay results indicated the lowest binding energy and high affinity to the HLA-A0201 molecule for epitopes VSIPWTHKV and YMDDVVLGA and epitopes RVTGGVFLV and VSIPWTHKV, respectively. Regions 307 to 320 and 377 to 387 were considered to have the highest probability to be involved in B cell epitopes. The T cell and B cell epitopes identified in this study are promising targets for an epitope-focused, peptide-based HBV vaccine, and provide insight into HBV-induced immune response.
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31
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Lobaina Y, Michel ML. Chronic hepatitis B: Immunological profile and current therapeutic vaccines in clinical trials. Vaccine 2017; 35:2308-2314. [PMID: 28351734 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than 250million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (CHB), and over half a million die each year due to CHB-associated liver complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The translation of immunological knowledge about CHB into therapeutic strategies aiming to a sustainable hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance has been challenging. In recent years, however, the understanding on the immune effectors required to overcome chronicity has notably increased thanks to preclinical and clinical research. Therapeutic vaccination may prove to be useful for treating CHB patients when coupled with current antiviral agents and other immunomodulatory strategies. This review summarizes current data and future perspectives on therapeutic vaccination. Other treatment alternatives that could be combined with vaccines for a complete cure from hepatitis B virus infection are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba.
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32
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Tong S, Liu G, Li M, Li X, Liu Q, Peng H, Li S, Ren H, Yin W. Natural killer cell activation contributes to hepatitis B viral control in a mouse model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:314. [PMID: 28331190 PMCID: PMC5428210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00387-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been well documented. However, the role of innate immunity in HBV infection remains obscure. Here we examined the effect of activation of innate immunity by polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) on HBV infection. A chronic HBV replication mouse model was established by hydrodynamical injection of pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid into C57BL/6 mice. We found that HBV did not seem to induce an active NK-cell response in the mouse model. Early PolyI:C treatment markedly decreased serum HBV levels and led to HBV clearance. Following PolyI:C injection, NK cells were activated and accumulated in the liver. Depletion of NK cells markedly attenuated the anti-HBV activity of PolyI:C. Moreover, we found that IFN-γ production from NK cells was essential for the antiviral effect of PolyI:C in the model. Importantly, activation of NK cells by PolyI:C could also lead to HBV suppression in HBV-tolerant mice and HBV-transgenic mice. These results suggest that activated NK cells might suppress HBV and contribute to HBV clearance during natural HBV infection. In addition, therapeutic activation of NK cells may represent a new strategy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Tong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Clinical Nutrition, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangze Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, 458th Hospital of PLA, No. 801 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghong Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, 458th Hospital of PLA, No. 801 Dongfengdong Road, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shiying Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenwei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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33
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Ito H, Ando T, Nakamura M, Ishida H, Kanbe A, Kobiyama K, Yamamoto T, Ishii KJ, Hara A, Seishima M, Ishikawa T. Induction of humoral and cellular immune response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine can be upregulated by CpG oligonucleotides complexed with Dectin-1 ligand. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:155-162. [PMID: 27807909 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by a lack of or a weak immune response to HBV, which may be reflective of tolerance to HBV. Efficient induction of HBV-specific immune response leads to the clearance of HBV in patients with a chronic HBV infection. CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) has a powerful adjuvant effect in HBV vaccination. A recent report demonstrated that the immunization by B/K CpG ODN (K3) wrapped by the nonagonistic Dectin-1 ligand, schizophyllan (SPG), namely K3-SPG, was more effective in the induction of antigen-specific immune response than that by K3. In this study, we examined the efficacy of K3-SPG as a HBV vaccine adjuvant. Wild-type (WT) mice and HBV transgenic (HBV-Tg) mice were subcutaneously immunized with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) alone, HBsAg and K3, or HBsAg and K3-SPG. The vaccination with HBsAg and K3-SPG significantly enhanced humoral and cellular immune response to HBV antigen compared to the other vaccinations in WT and HBV-Tg mice. K3-SPG induced the accumulation of dendritic cells (DCs) into draining lymph node and the activation of DCs. The expression of cytokines and chemokines related to Th1 and Th2 responses was upregulated after the vaccination including with K3-SPG. In conclusion, these results indicated that the vaccination using K3-SPG may overcome tolerance even in patients with chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ito
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - T Ando
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - M Nakamura
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - H Ishida
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - A Kanbe
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - K Kobiyama
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Vaccine Science, World Premier International Research Center, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - T Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Vaccine Science, World Premier International Research Center, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - K J Ishii
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan.,Laboratory of Vaccine Science, World Premier International Research Center, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - A Hara
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - M Seishima
- Department of Informative Clinical Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Gifu, Japan
| | - T Ishikawa
- Department of Medical Technology, Nagoya University School of Health Sciences, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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34
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Li J, Bao M, Ge J, Ren S, Zhou T, Qi F, Pu X, Dou J. Research progress of therapeutic vaccines for treating chronic hepatitis B. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:986-997. [PMID: 28118084 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1276125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of Hepadnavirus family, which leads to chronic infection in around 5% of patients with a high risk of developing liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. 1 Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines against hepatitis B for over 3 decades, there are still more than 2 billion people have been infected and 240 million of them were chronic. Antiviral therapies currently used in the treatment of CHB (chronic hepatitis B) infection include peg-interferon, standard α-interferon and nucleos/tide analogs (NAs), but none of them can provide sustained control of viral replication. As an alternative strategy, therapeutic vaccines for CHB patients have been widely studied and showed some promising efficacies in dozens of preclinical and clinical trials. In this article, we review current research progress in several types of therapeutic vaccines for CHB treatment, including protein-based vaccines, DNA-based vaccines, live vector-based vaccines, peptide-based vaccines and cell-based therapies. These researches may provide some clues for developing new treatments in CHB infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Li
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Mengru Bao
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Jun Ge
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Sulin Ren
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Tong Zhou
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Fengchun Qi
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Xiuying Pu
- b School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology , Lanzhou , China
| | - Jia Dou
- c Dalian Institute for Drug Control , Dalian , China
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Cova
- INSERM U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), University Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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36
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37
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Huang C, Lin HH, Wan JB, He C, Hu Y. Research and Development of Hepatitis B Drugs: An Analysis Based on Technology Flows Measured by Patent Citations. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164328. [PMID: 27727319 PMCID: PMC5058496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the existence of available therapies, the Hepatitis B virus infection continues to be one of the most serious threats to human health, especially in developing countries such as China and India. To shed light on the improvement of current therapies and development of novel anti-HBV drugs, we thoroughly investigated 212 US patents of anti-HBV drugs and analyzed the technology flow in research and development of anti-HBV drugs based on data from IMS LifeCycle databases. Moreover, utilizing the patent citation method, which is an effective indicator of technology flow, we constructed patent citation network models and performed network analysis in order to reveal the features of different technology clusters. As a result, we identified the stagnant status of anti-HBV drug development and pointed the way for development of domestic pharmaceuticals in developing countries. We also discussed about therapeutic vaccines as the potential next generation therapy for HBV infection. Lastly, we depicted the cooperation between entities and found that novel forms of cooperation added diversity to the conventional form of cooperation within the pharmaceutical industry. In summary, our study provides inspiring insights for investors, policy makers, researchers, and other readers interested in anti-HBV drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuoji Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hui Heng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Jian-bo Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Chengwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, 999078, China
| | - Yuanjia Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau SAR, 999078, China
- * E-mail:
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38
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Lobaina Mato Y, Aguilar Rubido J, Guillén Nieto G. ABX203, a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.18786/2072-0505-2016-44-6-713-718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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39
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is a worldwide leading cause of acute and chronic liver disease including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Effective vaccines have been available since the early '80s. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus infection has proved highly successful in reducing the disease burden, the development of the carrier state and the hepatitis B-related morbidity and mortality in the countries where vaccination has been implemented. Despite success and efficacy of preventive vaccines, a huge number of chronically infected patients still remain. Therapeutic vaccination may prove to be useful coupled with current antivirals and other immunomodulatory approaches to treat these patients. This review summarizes current unresolved issues and future perspectives on vaccination required for global cure of hepatitis B virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louise Michel
- Laboratoire PVHB, Bâtiment Lwoff, Inserm U994, Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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40
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Morikawa K, Suda G, Sakamoto N. Viral life cycle of hepatitis B virus: Host factors and druggable targets. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:871-7. [PMID: 26776362 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Morikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Goki Suda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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41
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Zhu D, Liu L, Yang D, Fu S, Bian Y, Sun Z, He J, Su L, Zhang L, Peng H, Fu YX. Clearing Persistent Extracellular Antigen of Hepatitis B Virus: An Immunomodulatory Strategy To Reverse Tolerance for an Effective Therapeutic Vaccination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:3079-87. [PMID: 26936879 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Development of therapeutic vaccines/strategies to control chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been challenging because of HBV-induced tolerance. In this study, we explored strategies for breaking tolerance and restoring the immune response to the HBV surface Ag in tolerant mice. We demonstrated that immune tolerance status is attributed to the level and duration of circulating HBsAg in HBV carrier models. Removal of circulating HBsAg by a monoclonal anti-HBsAg Ab in tolerant mice could gradually reduce tolerance and reestablish B cell and CD4(+) T cell responses to subsequent Engerix-B vaccination, producing protective IgG. Furthermore, HBsAg-specific CD8(+) T cells induced by the addition of a TLR agonist resulted in clearance of HBV in both serum and liver. Thus, generation of protective immunity can be achieved by clearing extracellular viral Ag with neutralizing Abs followed by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danming Zhu
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Longchao Liu
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Sherry Fu
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75225; and
| | - Yingjie Bian
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhichen Sun
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junming He
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lishan Su
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Liguo Zhang
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hua Peng
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Institute of Biophysics-University of Texas Group for Immunotherapy, Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75225; and
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42
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Liu H, Wang S, Jia Y, Li J, Huang Z, Lu S, Xing Y. N-Linked Glycosylation at an Appropriate Position in the Pre-S2 Domain Is Critical for Cellular and Humoral Immunity against Middle HBV Surface Antigen. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2016; 236:131-8. [PMID: 26062906 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.236.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a worldwide health problem, and DNA-based vaccines against HBV have been tested for therapeutic applications. HBV possesses three envelope lipoproteins that are translated from a single reading-frame: large, middle, and small HBV surface antigens. Among these envelope proteins, the middle HBV surface antigen (MHBs) contains a constitutive N-linked glycosylation site at position 4 (Asn4) in the amino-terminal portion (MQWNSTTFHQ) of pre-S2 domain. Asn4 (shown in bold) is essential for secretion of viral particles and conserved among all serotypes of HBV, but its influence on the immunogenicity of MHBs remains unknown. Here, we constructed four MHBs genes carrying mutations, underlined, in the amino-terminal portion of pre-S2 domain. One mutant protein contains Q at position 4 (MQWQSTTFHQ). In addition, each of three mutant MHBs proteins contains a N-linked glycosylation site (N-X-S/T), relocated to position 5 (MQWQNTTFHQ), 6 (MQWQSNTSHQ) or 7 (MQWQSTNFTQ) in pre-S2 domain. The expression and immunogenic properties of mutant DNA vaccines were examined in 293T human renal epithelial cells and in BALB/c mice, respectively. We showed that Asn4 was critical for secretion and immunogenicity of MHBs. Moreover, the MHBs protein that carries a N-linked glycosylation site at position 5 or 7 retained the properties similar to wild-type MHBs. In contrast, the secretion-defective mutant protein carrying Asn at position 6 induced only marginal humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, despite the N-linked glycosylation. In conclusion, N-linked glycosylation at an appropriate position in pre-S2 domain is an essential requirement for DNA vaccine expressing MHBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 2) Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Children's Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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43
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Dai S, Zhuo M, Song L, Chen X, Yu Y, Zang G, Tang Z. Lentiviral vector encoding ubiquitinated hepatitis B core antigen induces potent cellular immune responses and therapeutic immunity in HBV transgenic mice. Immunobiology 2016; 221:813-21. [PMID: 26874581 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Predominant T helper cell type 1 (Th1) immune responses accompanied by boosted HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity are essential for the clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Ubiquitin (Ub) serves as a signal for the target protein to be recognized and degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Ubiquitinated hepatitis B core antigen (Ub-HBcAg) has been proved to be efficiently degraded into the peptides, which can be presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I resulting in stimulating cell-mediated responses. In the present study, lentiviral vectors encoding Ub-HBcAg (LV-Ub-HBcAg) were designed and constructed as a therapeutic vaccine for immunotherapy. HBcAg-specific cellular immune responses and anti-viral effects induced by LV-Ub-HBcAg were evaluated in HBV transgenic mice. We demonstrated that immunization with LV-Ub-HBcAg promoted the secretion of cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), generated remarkably high percentages of IFN-γ-secreting CD8(+) T cells and CD4(+) T cells, and enhanced HBcAg-specific CTL activity in HBV transgenic mice. More importantly, vaccination with LV-Ub-HBcAg could efficiently decreased the levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA and the expression of HBsAg and HBcAg in liver tissues of HBV transgenic mice. In addition, LV-Ub-HBcAg could upregulate the expression of T cell-specific T-box transcription factor (T-bet) and downregulate the expression of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA-3) in spleen T lymphocytes. The therapeutic vaccine LV-Ub-HBcAg could break immune tolerance, and induce potent HBcAg specific cellular immune responses and therapeutic effects in HBV transgenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Dai
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China
| | - Meng Zhuo
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China
| | - Linlin Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China
| | - Yongsheng Yu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China
| | - Guoqing Zang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China.
| | - Zhenghao Tang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233,China.
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44
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Backes S, Jäger C, Dembek CJ, Kosinska AD, Bauer T, Stephan AS, Dišlers A, Mutwiri G, Busch DH, Babiuk LA, Gasteiger G, Protzer U. Protein-prime/modified vaccinia virus Ankara vector-boost vaccination overcomes tolerance in high-antigenemic HBV-transgenic mice. Vaccine 2016; 34:923-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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45
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Chen M, Jagya N, Bansal R, Frelin L, Sällberg M. Prospects and progress of DNA vaccines for treating hepatitis B. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:629-40. [PMID: 26652035 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1131615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global cause of liver disease. The preventive HBV vaccine has effectively reduced the disease burden. However, an estimated 340 million chronic HBV cases are in need of treatment. Current standard therapy for chronic HBV blocks reverse transcription. As this therapy blocks viral maturation and not viral protein expression, any immune inhibition exerted by these proteins will remain throughout therapy. This may help to explain why these drugs rarely induce off-therapy responses. Albeit some restoration of immune function occurs during therapy, this is clearly insufficient to control replication. Central questions when considering therapeutic DNA vaccination as an addition to blocking virus production are as follows: what does one hope to achieve? What do we think is wrong and how can the vaccination correct this? We here discuss different scenarios with respect to the lack of success of tested DNA vaccines, and suggest strategies for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Chen
- a Division of Clinical Microbiology, F 68, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.,b Department of Dental Medicine , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Neetu Jagya
- a Division of Clinical Microbiology, F 68, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- c Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine , University of Twente , Enschede , The Netherlands
| | - Lars Frelin
- a Division of Clinical Microbiology, F 68, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Matti Sällberg
- a Division of Clinical Microbiology, F 68, Department of Laboratory Medicine , Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
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46
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Wang W, Li J, Zhang X, Wen Y, Wang XY, Yuan Z. A Pilot Study of MicroRNAs Expression Profile in Serum and HBsAg Particles: Predictors of Therapeutic Vaccine Efficacy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e2511. [PMID: 26765470 PMCID: PMC4718296 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000002511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global health problem. Therapeutic vaccination has been successfully employed to treat a subpopulation of CHB patients. Personalized treatment can not only improve therapeutic efficacy, but also decrease the cost of medical care. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly conserved and are involved in many cellular processes, exploring their expression profiles in CHB patients in association with responsiveness to therapeutic vaccination may be an approach for personalized treatment. In this study, we examined the kinetic expression profiles of 13 miRNAs in sera and serum-derived hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) particles in 10 CHB patients including 5 responders and 5 nonresponders selected from a large cohort of 136 patients enroled in a phase III clinical trial using antigen-antibody immunogenic complex based therapeutic vaccine (YIC). Eight miRNAs were detected in both sera and HBsAg particles. Among them, the levels of serum miRNAs and serum-derived HBsAg-carried miRNAs (let-7f, miR-22, miR-30a, and miR-122) were significantly lower in the responders group compared to those in the nonresponders group at baseline and throughout the course of treatment. The lower baseline levels of serum miRNAs and HBsAg-carried miRNAs were also associated with hepatitis e antigen clearance at week 76 and hepatitis e antigen seroconversion during the study period. In summary, our study suggests that lower baseline levels of serum miRNAs and HBsAg-carried miRNAs (let-7f, miR-22, miR-30a, and miR-122) associated with YIC treatment response and the variation trend of these 4 miRNAs could have a prognostic value for responsiveness to YIC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixia Wang
- From the Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (WW, JL, YW, X-YW, ZY), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University; and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center (WW, JL, XZ), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang YJ, Yang L, Zuo JP. Recent developments in antivirals against hepatitis B virus. Virus Res 2015; 213:205-213. [PMID: 26732483 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the availability of HBV vaccines effectively reduces the incidence of HBV infection, the healthcare burden from CHB remains high. Several antiviral agents, such as (pegylated-) interferon-α and nucleos(t)ide analogs are approved by US FDA for chronic HBV infection management. Entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) have been recommended as the first-line anti-HBV drugs for excellent viral suppression with a low risk of antiviral resistance, but the cost and need for essentially life-long treatment are considerable challenges. And none of these current treatments can eradicate the intracellular virus. Given these issues, there is still an unmet medical need for an efficient HBV cure. We summarize here the key developments of antivirals against hepatitis B virus, including HBV replication cycle inhibitors and host immune regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Juan Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zuchongzhi Road 555, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zuchongzhi Road 555, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian-Ping Zuo
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zuchongzhi Road 555, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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48
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Ndeboko B, Lemamy GJ, Nielsen PE, Cova L. Therapeutic Potential of Cell Penetrating Peptides (CPPs) and Cationic Polymers for Chronic Hepatitis B. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28230-41. [PMID: 26633356 PMCID: PMC4691041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major health problem worldwide. Because current anti-HBV treatments are only virostatic, there is an urgent need for development of alternative antiviral approaches. In this context, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) and cationic polymers, such as chitosan (CS), appear of particular interest as nonviral vectors due to their capacity to facilitate cellular delivery of bioactive cargoes including peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) or DNA vaccines. We have investigated the ability of a PNA conjugated to different CPPs to inhibit the replication of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV), a reference model for human HBV infection. The in vivo administration of PNA-CPP conjugates to neonatal ducklings showed that they reached the liver and inhibited DHBV replication. Interestingly, our results indicated also that a modified CPP (CatLip) alone, in the absence of its PNA cargo, was able to drastically inhibit late stages of DHBV replication. In the mouse model, conjugation of HBV DNA vaccine to modified CS (Man-CS-Phe) improved cellular and humoral responses to plasmid-encoded antigen. Moreover, other systems for gene delivery were investigated including CPP-modified CS and cationic nanoparticles. The results showed that these nonviral vectors considerably increased plasmid DNA uptake and expression. Collectively promising results obtained in preclinical studies suggest the usefulness of these safe delivery systems for the development of novel therapeutics against chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Ndeboko
- Institut National de la Sante et Recherche Medicale (INSERM) U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon 69003, France.
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire and Moléculaire-Génétique, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville 241, Gabon.
| | - Guy Joseph Lemamy
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire and Moléculaire-Génétique, Faculté de Médecine, Université des Sciences de la Santé, Libreville 241, Gabon.
| | - Peter E Nielsen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Departement of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, the Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK 2200N, Denmark.
| | - Lucyna Cova
- Institut National de la Sante et Recherche Medicale (INSERM) U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon 69003, France.
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Meng Z, Zhang X, Pei R, Zhang E, Kemper T, Vollmer J, Davis HL, Glebe D, Gerlich W, Roggendorf M, Lu M. Combination therapy including CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and entecavir induces early viral response and enhanced inhibition of viral replication in a woodchuck model of chronic hepadnaviral infection. Antiviral Res 2015; 125:14-24. [PMID: 26585244 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) stimulate immune cells via TLR9 and are potentially useful immunomodulators for the treatment of chronic viral infections. In the present study, different classes of CpGs were tested for their capacities for innate immune activation and antiviral activities in the woodchuck model. A class P CpG ODN was found to stimulate interferon (IFN) production in woodchuck peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro, and following subcutaneous administration in vivo, it was observed to induce IFN and MxA expression in woodchuck PBMCs. Combination treatment with CpG ODN and entecavir (ETV) led to effective suppression of the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) load in the woodchucks, with early viral responses and inhibition of replication. The woodchuck hepatitis surface antigen (WHsAg) serum concentrations were strongly decreased by CpG and ETV together but not by either agent alone, indicating synergistic effects. However, viral control post-treatment was still transient, similar to that observed with ETV alone. Significantly elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) but not of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in some of the woodchucks receiving CpG ODN were noted, but these increases were resolved before the completion of treatment and were not associated with an elevated serum bilirubin level or coagulation disorders, suggesting the absence of a significant safety concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Meng
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rongjuan Pei
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thekla Kemper
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Vollmer
- Pfizer Oligonucleotides Therapeutics Unit, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfram Gerlich
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Baumert TF, Verrier ER, Nassal M, Chung RT, Zeisel MB. Host-targeting agents for treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. Curr Opin Virol 2015; 14:41-6. [PMID: 26262886 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-the second leading and fastest rising cause of cancer death world-wide. While de novo infection can be efficiently prevented by vaccination and chronic infection can be controlled using antivirals targeting the viral polymerase, the development of efficient antiviral strategies to eliminate the virus and thus to cure infection remains a key unmet medical need. The recent progress in the development of robust infectious HBV cell culture models now enables the investigation of the full viral life cycle, including a more detailed study of the molecular mechanisms of virus-host interactions responsible for viral persistence. The understanding of these virus-host interactions will be instrumental for the development of curative treatments. Host-dependency factors have recently emerged as promising candidates to treat and prevent infection by various pathogens. This review focuses on the potential of host-targeting agents (HTAs) as novel antivirals to treat and cure HBV infection. These include HTAs that inhibit de novo and re-infection, synthesis and spread of cccDNA as well as development of immune-based approaches eliminating or curing infected hepatocytes, including the eradication of viral cccDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States.
| | - Eloi R Verrier
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine 2/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Mirjam B Zeisel
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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