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Burwitz BJ, Zhou Z, Li W. Animal models for the study of human hepatitis B and D virus infection: New insights and progress. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104898. [PMID: 32758525 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family and infects hepatocytes, leading to liver pathology in acutely and chronically infected individuals. Co-infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV), which requires the surface proteins of HBV to replicate, can exacerbate this disease progression. Thus, the >250 million people living with chronic HBV infection, including 13 million co-infected with HDV, would significantly benefit from an effective and affordable curative treatment. Animal models are crucial to the development of innovative disease therapies, a paradigm repeated again and again throughout the fields of immunology, neurology, reproduction, and development. Unfortunately, HBV has a highly-restricted species tropism, infecting limited species including humans, chimpanzees, and treeshrews. The first experimentally controlled studies of HBV infection were following inoculation of human volunteers in 1942, which identified the transmissibility of hepatitis through serum transfer and led to the hypothesis that the etiological agent was viral. Subsequent research in chimpanzees (Desmyter et al., 1971; Lichter, 1969) and later in other species, such as the treeshrews (Walter et al., 1996; Yan et al., 1996), further confirmed the viral origin of hepatitis B. Shortly thereafter, HBV-like viral infections were identified in woodchucks (Summers et al., 1978; Werner et al., 1979) and ducks, and much of our understanding of HBV replication can be attributed to these important models. However, with the exodus of chimpanzees from research and the limited reagents and historical data for treeshrews and other understudied species, there remains an urgent need to identify physiologically relevant models of chronic HBV infection. While large strides have been made in generating such models, particularly over the past two decades, there is still no available model that faithfully recapitulates the immunity and pathogenesis of HBV infection. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the generation of murine and non-human primate (NHP) models of HBV/HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| | - Zhongmin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Yuan L, Jiang J, Liu X, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Xin J, Wu K, Li X, Cao J, Guo X, Shi D, Li J, Jiang L, Sun S, Wang T, Hou W, Zhang T, Zhu H, Zhang J, Yuan Q, Cheng T, Li J, Xia N. HBV infection-induced liver cirrhosis development in dual-humanised mice with human bone mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Gut 2019; 68:2044-2056. [PMID: 30700543 PMCID: PMC6839735 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2018-316091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Developing a small animal model that accurately delineates the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and immunopathophysiology is necessary to clarify the mechanisms of host-virus interactions and to identify intervention strategies for HBV-related liver diseases. This study aimed to develop an HBV-induced chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis mouse model through transplantation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). DESIGN Transplantation of hBMSCs into Fah-/-Rag2-/-IL-2Rγc-/- SCID (FRGS) mice with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) induced by hamster-anti-mouse CD95 antibody JO2 generated a liver and immune cell dual-humanised (hBMSC-FRGS) mouse. The generated hBMSC-FRGS mice were subjected to assessments of sustained viremia, specific immune and inflammatory responses and liver pathophysiological injury to characterise the progression of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis after HBV infection. RESULTS The implantation of hBMSCs rescued FHF mice, as demonstrated by robust proliferation and transdifferentiation of functional human hepatocytes and multiple immune cell lineages, including B cells, T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells and macrophages. After HBV infection, the hBMSC-FRGS mice developed sustained viremia and specific immune and inflammatory responses and showed progression to chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis at a frequency of 55% after 54 weeks. CONCLUSION This new humanised mouse model recapitulates the liver cirrhosis induced by human HBV infection, thus providing research opportunities for understanding viral immune pathophysiology and testing antiviral therapies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunzhi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiaojiao Xin
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiali Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xueran Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dongyan Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longyan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Suwan Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tengyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wangheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tianying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Sciences and School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Verrier ER, Schuster C, Baumert TF. Reply. Hepatology 2019; 70:766. [PMID: 30991445 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eloi R Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France.,Pôle Hépato-Digestif, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Hu J, Lin YY, Chen PJ, Watashi K, Wakita T. Cell and Animal Models for Studying Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Drug Development. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:338-354. [PMID: 30243619 PMCID: PMC6649672 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many cell culture and animal models have been used to study hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and its effects in the liver; these have facilitated development of strategies to control and clear chronic HBV infection. We discuss the advantages and limitations of systems for studying HBV and developing antiviral agents, along with recent advances. New and improved model systems are needed. Cell culture systems should be convenient, support efficient HBV infection, and reproduce responses of hepatocytes in the human body. We also need animals that are fully permissive to HBV infection, convenient for study, and recapitulate human immune responses to HBV and effects in the liver. High-throughput screening technologies could facilitate drug development based on findings from cell and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Hu
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University.
| | | | - Takaji Wakita
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.
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Yuan L, Liu X, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Li X, Wu K, Cao J, Hou W, Que Y, Zhang J, Zhu H, Yuan Q, Tang Q, Cheng T, Xia N. Optimized HepaRG is a suitable cell source to generate the human liver chimeric mouse model for the chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:144. [PMID: 30097574 PMCID: PMC6086841 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The human liver chimeric mouse with primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) engraftment has been demonstrated to be a useful animal model to study hepatitis B virus (HBV) pathogenesis and evaluate anti-HBV drugs. However, the disadvantages of using PHHs include the inability for cellular expansion in vitro, limited donor availability, individual differences, and ethical issues, necessitating the development of alternatives. To obtain in vitro expandable hepatocytes, we optimized the hepatic differentiation procedure of the human liver progenitor cell line, HepaRG, using four functional small molecules (4SM) and enriched the precursor hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs). HepaRG cells of different hepatic differentiation states were engrafted to immunodeficient mice (FRGS) with weekly 4SM treatment. The HepaRG-engrafted mice were challenged with HBV and/or treated with several antivirals to evaluate their effects. We demonstrated that the 4SM treatment enhanced hepatic differentiation and promoted cell proliferation capacity both in vitro and in vivo. Mice engrafted with enriched HepaRG of prehepatic differentiation and treated with 4SM displayed approximately 10% liver chimerism at week 8 after engraftment and were maintained at this level for another 16 weeks. Therefore, we developed a HepaRG-based human liver chimeric mouse model: HepaRG-FRGS. Our experimental results showed that the liver chimerism of the mice was adequate to support chronic HBV infection for 24 weeks and to evaluate antivirals. We also demonstrated that HBV infection in HepaRG cells was dependent on their hepatic differentiation state and liver chimerism in vivo. Overall, HepaRG-FRGS mice provide a novel human liver chimeric mouse model to study chronic HBV infection and evaluate anti-HBV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunzhi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Yali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Wangheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Yuqiong Que
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, 225 Warren Street, Newark, NJ, 070101, USA
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China.
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20059, USA.
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Life Science, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, 361102, Xiamen, P. R. China
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Vandyck K, Rombouts G, Stoops B, Tahri A, Vos A, Verschueren W, Wu Y, Yang J, Hou F, Huang B, Vergauwen K, Dehertogh P, Berke JM, Raboisson P. Synthesis and Evaluation of N-Phenyl-3-sulfamoyl-benzamide Derivatives as Capsid Assembly Modulators Inhibiting Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). J Med Chem 2018; 61:6247-6260. [PMID: 29906396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Small molecule induced hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulation is considered an attractive approach for new antiviral therapies against HBV. Here we describe efforts toward the discovery of a HBV capsid assembly modulator in a hit-to-lead optimization, resulting in JNJ-632, a tool compound used to further profile the mode of action. Administration of JNJ-632 (54) in HBV genotype D infected chimeric mice resulted in a 2.77 log reduction of the HBV DNA viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen Vandyck
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Geert Rombouts
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Bart Stoops
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Abdellah Tahri
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Ann Vos
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Wim Verschueren
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Yiming Wu
- WuXi AppTec , 288 Fute Zhong Road , China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone; Shanghai 200131 , PR China
| | - Jingmei Yang
- WuXi AppTec , 288 Fute Zhong Road , China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone; Shanghai 200131 , PR China
| | - Fuliang Hou
- WuXi AppTec , 288 Fute Zhong Road , China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone; Shanghai 200131 , PR China
| | - Bing Huang
- WuXi AppTec , 288 Fute Zhong Road , China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone; Shanghai 200131 , PR China
| | - Karen Vergauwen
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Pascale Dehertogh
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Jan Martin Berke
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
| | - Pierre Raboisson
- Janssen Pharmaceutica NV , Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson , Turnhoutseweg 30 , 2340 Beerse , Belgium
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Koh S, Kah J, Tham CYL, Yang N, Ceccarello E, Chia A, Chen M, Khakpoor A, Pavesi A, Tan AT, Dandri M, Bertoletti A. Nonlytic Lymphocytes Engineered to Express Virus-Specific T-Cell Receptors Limit HBV Infection by Activating APOBEC3. Gastroenterology 2018; 155:180-193.e6. [PMID: 29550589 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Strategies to develop virus-specific T cells against hepatic viral infections have been hindered by safety concerns. We engineered nonlytic human T cells to suppress replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) without overt hepatotoxicity and investigated their antiviral activity. METHODS We electroporated resting T cells or T cells activated by anti-CD3 with mRNAs encoding HBV or HCV-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) to create 2 populations of TCR-reprogrammed T cells. We tested their ability to suppress HBV or HCV replication without lysis in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cultures of HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-hNTCP cells. We also injected TCR-reprogrammed resting and activated T cells into HBV-infected urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficiency disease/interleukin 2γ mice with humanized livers and measured levels of intrahepatic and serological viral parameters and serum alanine aminotransferase. Livers were collected for analysis of gene expression patterns to determine effects of the TCR-reprogrammed T cells. RESULTS TCR-reprogrammed resting T cells produced comparable levels of interferon gamma but lower levels of perforin and granzyme than activated T cells and did not lyse HCV- or HBV-infected hepatoma cells. Although T-cell secretion of interferon gamma was required to inhibit HCV replication, the HBV-specific TCR-reprogrammed resting T cells reduced HBV replication also through intracellular activation of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide 3 (APOBEC3). The mechanism of APOBEC3 intracellular activation involved temporal expression of lymphotoxin-β receptor ligands on resting T cells after TCR-mediated antigen recognition and activation of lymphotoxin-β receptor in infected cells. CONCLUSIONS We developed TCR-reprogrammed nonlytic T cells capable of activating APOBEC3 in hepatoma cells and in HBV-infected human hepatocytes in mice, limiting viral infection. These cells with limited hepatotoxicity might be developed for treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarene Koh
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Lion TCR Private Limited Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Janine Kah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Y L Tham
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ninghan Yang
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Erica Ceccarello
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Adeline Chia
- Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Margaret Chen
- Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Atefeh Khakpoor
- Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Andrea Pavesi
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Anthony T Tan
- Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Partner Site, Germany
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
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Yuan L, Liu X, Zhang L, Li X, Zhang Y, Wu K, Chen Y, Cao J, Hou W, Zhang J, Zhu H, Yuan Q, Tang Q, Cheng T, Xia N. A Chimeric Humanized Mouse Model by Engrafting the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocyte-Like Cell for the Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:908. [PMID: 29867819 PMCID: PMC5952038 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Humanized mouse model generated by grafting primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) to immunodeficient mouse has contributed invaluably to understanding the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the source of PHHs is limited, which necessitates the search for alternatives. Recently, hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have been used for in vitro HBV infection. Herein, we developed a robust human liver chimeric animal model to study in vivo HBV infection by engrafting the hiPSC-HLCs to Fah-/-Rag2-/-IL-2Rγc-/-SCID (FRGS) mice. After being optimized by a small molecule, XMU-MP-1, the hiPSC-HLCs engrafted FRGS (hHLC-FRGS) mice displayed approximately 40% liver chimerism at week 6 after engraftment and maintained at this level for at least 14 weeks. Viremia and HBV infection markers include antigens, RNA, DNA, and covalently closed circular DNA were detectable in HBV infected hHLC-FRGS mice. Furthermore, hiPSC-HLCs and hHLC-FRGS mice were successfully used to evaluate different antivirals. Therefore, we established a humanized mouse model for not only investigating HBV pathogenesis but also testing the effects of the anti-HBV drugs. Highlights: (1) The implanted hiPSC-HLCs established a long-term chimerism in FRGS mice liver. (2) hHLC-FRGS mice are adequate to support chronic HBV infection with a full viral life cycle. (3) hiPSC-HLCs and hHLC-FRGS mice are useful tools for evaluation of antivirals against HBV infection in vitro and in vivo. Research in Context To overcome the disadvantages of using primary human hepatocytes, we induced human pluripotent stem cells to hepatocyte-like cells (hiPSC-HLCs) that developed the capability to express important liver functional markers and critical host factors for HBV infection. The hiPSC-HLCs were permissive for the HBV infection and supported a full HBV replication. The hiPSC-HLCs were then engrafted to immunodeficient mouse to establish a chimeric liver mouse model, which was capable of supporting HBV infection in vivo and evaluating the effects of antiviral drugs. Our results shed light into improving the cellular and animal models for studying HBV and other hepatotropic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lunzhi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiali Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wangheng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiyi Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Tong Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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9
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Abstract
Mice with humanized chimeric liver are promising in vivo tools to evaluate the efficacy of novel compounds or vaccine induced antibodies directed against pathogens that infect the human liver. In addition they can be used to study the human-type metabolism of medicinal compounds and hepatotoxicity.
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10
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Kah J, Koh S, Volz T, Ceccarello E, Allweiss L, Lütgehetmann M, Bertoletti A, Dandri M. Lymphocytes transiently expressing virus-specific T cell receptors reduce hepatitis B virus infection. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:3177-3188. [PMID: 28737510 DOI: 10.1172/jci93024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells engineered to express a hepatitis B virus-specific (HBV-specific) T cell receptor (TCR) may supplement HBV-specific immune responses in chronic HBV patients and facilitate HBV control. However, the risk of triggering unrestrained proliferation of permanently engineered T cells raises safety concerns that have hampered testing of this approach in patients. The aim of the present study was to generate T cells that transiently express HBV-specific TCRs using mRNA electroporation and to assess their antiviral and pathogenetic activity in vitro and in HBV-infected human liver chimeric mice. We assessed virological and gene-expression changes using quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence, and Luminex technology. HBV-specific T cells lysed HBV-producing hepatoma cells in vitro. In vivo, 3 injections of HBV-specific T cells caused progressive viremia reduction within 12 days of treatment in animals reconstituted with haplotype-matched hepatocytes, whereas viremia remained stable in mice receiving irrelevant T cells redirected toward hepatitis C virus-specific TCRs. Notably, increases in alanine aminotransferase levels, apoptotic markers, and human inflammatory cytokines returned to pretreatment levels within 9 days after the last injection. T cell transfer did not trigger inflammation in uninfected mice. These data support the feasibility of using mRNA electroporation to engineer HBV TCR-redirected T cells in patients with chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Kah
- I. Medical Department, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarene Koh
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore.,Lion TCR Pte. Ltd., Singapore
| | - Tassilo Volz
- I. Medical Department, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Erica Ceccarello
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore.,Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Lena Allweiss
- I. Medical Department, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore.,Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Maura Dandri
- I. Medical Department, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Partner Site, Hamburg, Germany
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11
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12
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Sang X, Wang R, Han Y, Zhang C, Shen H, Yang Z, Xiong Y, Liu H, Liu S, Li R, Yang R, Wang J, Wang X, Bai Z, Xiao X. T cell--associated immunoregulation and antiviral effect of oxymatrine in hydrodynamic injection HBV mouse model. Acta Pharm Sin B 2017; 7:311-318. [PMID: 28540167 PMCID: PMC5430867 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although oxymatrine (OMT) has been shown to directly inhibit the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vitro, limited research has been done with this drug in vivo. In the present study, the antiviral effect of OMT was investigated in an immunocompetent mouse model of chronic HBV infection. The infection was achieved by tail vein injection of a large volume of DNA solution. OMT (2.2, 6.7 and 20 mg/kg) was administered by daily intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. The efficacy of OMT was evaluated by the levels of HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). The immunoregulatory activity of OMT was evaluated by serum ELISA and flow cytometry. Results shows that OMT at 20 mg/kg inhibited HBV replication, and it was more efficient than entecavir (ETV) in the elimination of serum HBsAg and intrahepatic HBcAg. In addition, OMT accelerated the production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in a dose-dependent manner in CD4+ T cells. Our findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of OMT on the enhancement of immunological function and in the control of HBV antigens. The findings suggest this drug to be a good antiviral therapeutic candidate for the treatment of HBV infection.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CD4+ T cell
- CHB, chronic hepatitis B
- ETV, entecavir
- HBV
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HBcAg, hepatitis B core antigen
- HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen
- HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen
- HE, hematoxylin and eosin
- IFN-γ
- IFN-γ, interferon-γ
- IL-4, interleukin-4
- Mouse
- NAs, nucleoside and nucleotide analogs
- OMT, oxymatrine
- Oxymatrine
- TCMs, traditional Chinese medicines
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α
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13
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Human stem cell-derived hepatocytes as a model for hepatitis B virus infection, spreading and virus-host interactions. J Hepatol 2017; 66:494-503. [PMID: 27746336 PMCID: PMC5316493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS One major obstacle of hepatitis B virus (HBV) research is the lack of efficient cell culture system permissive for viral infection and replication. The aim of our study was to establish a robust HBV infection model by using hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human pluripotent stem cells. METHODS HLCs were differentiated from human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Maturation of hepatocyte functions was determined. After HBV infection, total viral DNA, cccDNA, total viral RNA, pgRNA, HBeAg and HBsAg were measured. RESULTS More than 90% of the HLCs expressed strong signals of human hepatocyte markers, like albumin, as well as known host factors required for HBV infection, suggesting that these cells possessed key features of mature hepatocytes. Notably, HLCs expressed the viral receptor sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide more stably than primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). HLCs supported robust infection and some spreading of HBV. Finally, by using this model, we identified two host-targeting agents, genistin and PA452, as novel antivirals. CONCLUSIONS Stem cell-derived HLCs fully support HBV infection. This novel HLC HBV infection model offers a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of the molecular details of the HBV life cycle; to further characterize virus-host interactions and to define new targets for HBV curative treatment. LAY SUMMARY Our study used human pluripotent stem cells to develop hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) capable of expressing hepatocyte markers and host factors important for HBV infection. These cells fully support HBV infection and virus-host interactions, allowing for the identification of two novel antiviral agents. Thus, stem cell-derived HLCs provide a highly physiologically relevant system to advance our understanding of viral life cycle and provide a new tool for antiviral drug screening and development.
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14
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Experimental in vitro and in vivo models for the study of human hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S17-S31. [PMID: 27084033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimate of 240 million people worldwide despite the availability of a preventive vaccine. Medication to repress viral replication is available but a cure is rarely achieved. The narrow species and tissue tropism of the virus and the lack of reliable in vitro models and laboratory animals susceptible to HBV infection, have limited research progress in the past. As a result, several aspects of the HBV life cycle as well as the network of virus host interactions occurring during the infection are not yet understood. Only recently, the identification of the functional cellular receptor enabling HBV entry has opened new possibilities to establish innovative infection systems. Regarding the in vivo models of HBV infection, the classical reference was the chimpanzee. However, because of the strongly restricted use of great apes for HBV research, major efforts have focused on the development of mouse models of HBV replication and infection such as the generation of humanized mice. This review summarizes the animal and cell culture based models currently available for the study of HBV biology. We will discuss the benefits and caveats of each model and present a selection of the most important findings that have been retrieved from the respective systems.
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15
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Witt-Kehati D, Bitton Alaluf M, Shlomai A. Advances and Challenges in Studying Hepatitis B Virus In Vitro. Viruses 2016; 8:v8010021. [PMID: 26784218 PMCID: PMC4728581 DOI: 10.3390/v8010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA virus that infects the liver. Current anti-HBV drugs efficiently suppress viral replication but do not eradicate the virus due to the persistence of its episomal DNA. Efforts to develop reliable in vitro systems to model HBV infection, an imperative tool for studying HBV biology and its interactions with the host, have been hampered by major limitations at the level of the virus, the host and infection readouts. This review summarizes major milestones in the development of in vitro systems to study HBV. Recent advances in our understanding of HBV biology, such as the discovery of the bile-acid pump sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) as a receptor for HBV, enabled the establishment of NTCP expressing hepatoma cell lines permissive for HBV infection. Furthermore, advanced tissue engineering techniques facilitate now the establishment of HBV infection systems based on primary human hepatocytes that maintain their phenotype and permissiveness for infection over time. The ability to differentiate inducible pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells opens the door for studying HBV in a more isogenic background, as well. Thus, the recent advances in in vitro models for HBV infection holds promise for a better understanding of virus-host interactions and for future development of more definitive anti-viral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dvora Witt-Kehati
- The Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Maya Bitton Alaluf
- Department of Medicine D, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
| | - Amir Shlomai
- The Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
- Department of Medicine D, Rabin Medical Center Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel.
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16
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Ringelhan M, Reisinger F, Yuan D, Weber A, Heikenwalder M. Modeling human liver cancer heterogeneity: virally induced transgenic models and mouse genetic models of chronic liver inflammation. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 67:14.31.1-14.31.17. [PMID: 25446288 DOI: 10.1002/0471141755.ph1431s67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In addition to being the most common primary liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in humans. Treatment options are limited for this chemoresistant cancer, with liver transplantation and surgical intervention in early stages being the most successful treatments. Drug development over the past 15 years has focused on generating mouse models that mimic the human pathology for HCC. This has enabled the laboratory testing of potentially new human therapeutics. Described in this unit are the classification of HCC and an overview of hepatitis virus-related transgenic and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) that are employed for elucidating the mechanism(s) responsible for the development of HCC, with particular emphasis on genetic, dietary, and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Ringelhan
- Institute of Virology, München, Germany.,2nd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), München, Germany
| | | | | | - Achim Weber
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Zürich, Switzerland
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17
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Glebe D, Geipel A. Selected phenotypic assays used to evaluate antiviral resistance and viral fitness of hepatitis B virus and its variants. Intervirology 2014; 57:225-31. [PMID: 25034492 DOI: 10.1159/000360950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently available antiviral therapies specifically target viral replication by blocking reverse transcription with orally given nucleos(t)ide analogues and are able to specifically suppress viral replication. The unique replication strategy of hepatitis B virus (HBV), however, allows long-term persistence of the viral genome within infected hepatocytes in spite of successful therapy. Thus, antiviral therapy needs to be continued for years. Therapy can result either in the emergence and selection of antiviral-resistant variants or the relapse of viral replication after the termination of antiviral therapy. Resistance is a major problem for 4 of the 5 approved HBV nucleos(t)ide analogues, but it is not the only reason for therapy failure. An accurate phenotypic in vitro assay for resistance allows the identification of a viral variant selected in vivo during antiviral therapy and helps to find therapeutic alternatives. Furthermore, these assays can be used to measure viral fitness and pathogenicity in vitro. With the help of these assays, the prediction of emerging viral variants with drug resistance or increased pathogenic potential can be realized. Phenotypic resistance tests for HBV are not trivial because the virus cannot be readily grown in cell culture. This review focuses on currently available phenotypic assays to evaluate antiviral resistance of HBV and fitness of viral variants in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, National Reference Center for Hepatitis B and D Viruses, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Biomedical Research Center Seltersberg, Giessen, Germany
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18
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Urban S, Bartenschlager R, Kubitz R, Zoulim F. Strategies to inhibit entry of HBV and HDV into hepatocytes. Gastroenterology 2014; 147:48-64. [PMID: 24768844 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although there has been much research into the pathogenesis and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infections, we still do not completely understand how these pathogens enter hepatocytes. This is because in vitro infection studies have only been performed in primary human hepatocytes. Development of a polarizable, HBV-susceptible human hepatoma cell line and studies of primary hepatocytes from Tupaia belangeri have provided important insights into the viral and cellular factors involved in virus binding and infection. The large envelope (L) protein on the surface of HBV and HDV particles has many different functions and is required for virus entry. The L protein mediates attachment of virions to heparan sulfate proteoglycans on the surface of hepatocytes. The myristoylated N-terminal preS1 domain of the L protein subsequently binds to the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, encoded by SLC10A1), the recently identified bona fide receptor for HBV and HDV. The receptor functions of NTCP and virus entry are blocked, in vitro and in vivo, by Myrcludex B, a synthetic N-acylated preS1 lipopeptide. Currently, the only agents available to treat chronic HBV infection target the viral polymerase, and no selective therapies are available for HDV infection. It is therefore important to study the therapeutic potential of virus entry inhibitors, especially when combined with strategies to induce immune-mediated killing of infected hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Kubitz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM Unité 1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
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Dandri M, Lütgehetmann M. Mouse models of hepatitis B and delta virus infection. J Immunol Methods 2014; 410:39-49. [PMID: 24631647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease associated to persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be a major health problem of global impact. Therapeutic regimens currently available can efficiently suppress HBV replication; however, the unique replication strategies employed by HBV permit the virus to persist within the infected hepatocytes. As a consequence, relapse of viral activity is commonly observed after cessation of treatment with polymerase inhibitors. Among the HBV chronically infected patients, more than 15million patients are estimated to be co-infected with the hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a defective satellite virus that needs the HBV envelope for propagation. No specific drugs are currently available against HDV, while nucleos(t)ide analogs are not effective against HDV replication. Since chronic HBV/HDV co-infection leads to the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis in men, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HDV-mediated pathogenesis and the development of improved therapeutic approaches is urgently needed. The obvious limitations imposed by the use of great apes and the paucity of robust experimental models of HBV infection have hindered progresses in understanding the complex network of virus-host interactions that are established in the course of HBV and HDV infections. This review focuses on summarizing recent advances obtained with well-established and more innovative experimental mouse models, giving emphasis on the strength of infection systems based on the reconstitution of the murine liver with human hepatocytes, as tools for elucidating the whole life cycle of HBV and HDV, as well as for studies on interactions with the infected human hepatocytes and for preclinical drug evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Partner Site, Germany.
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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20
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Allweiss L, Volz T, Lütgehetmann M, Giersch K, Bornscheuer T, Lohse AW, Petersen J, Ma H, Klumpp K, Fletcher SP, Dandri M. Immune cell responses are not required to induce substantial hepatitis B virus antigen decline during pegylated interferon-alpha administration. J Hepatol 2014; 60:500-7. [PMID: 24398036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pegylated interferon-alpha (PegIFNα) remains an attractive treatment option for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection because it induces higher rates of antigen loss and seroconversion than treatment with polymerase inhibitors. Although early HBsAg decline is recognised as the best predictor of sustained response to IFN-based therapy, it is unclear whether immune cell functions are required to induce significant antigenemia reduction in the first weeks of treatment. Aim of the study was to investigate whether PegIFNα can induce sustained human hepatocyte responsiveness and substantial loss of circulating and intrahepatic viral antigen loads in a system lacking immune cell functions. METHODS HBV-infected humanized uPA/SCID mice received either PegIFNα, entecavir (ETV), or both agents in combination. Serological and intrahepatic changes were determined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry and compared to untreated mice. RESULTS After 4 weeks of treatment, median viremia reduction was greater in mice treated with ETV (either with or without PegIFNα) than with PegIFNα. In contrast, levels of circulating HBeAg, HBsAg, and intrahepatic HBcAg were significantly reduced (p = 0.03) only in mice receiving PegIFNα alone or in combination, as compared to mice receiving ETV monotherapy. Progressive antigen reduction was also demonstrated in mice receiving PegIFNα for 12 weeks (HBeAg = Δ1log; HBsAg = Δ1.4log; p < 0.0001). Notably, repeated administrations of the longer-active PegIFNα could breach the impairment of HBV-infected hepatocyte responsiveness and induce sustained enhancement of human interferon stimulated genes (ISG). CONCLUSIONS The antiviral effects of PegIFNα exerted on the human hepatocytes can induce sustained responsiveness and trigger substantial HBV antigen decline without claiming the involvement of immune cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Allweiss
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Tassilo Volz
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katja Giersch
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Till Bornscheuer
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Partner Site, Germany
| | - Joerg Petersen
- IFI Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine at Asklepios Clinic St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Han Ma
- Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel Partner Site, Germany.
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21
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Foster JR, Lund G, Sapelnikova S, Tyrrell DL, Kneteman NM. Chimeric rodents with humanized liver: bridging the preclinical/clinical trial gap in ADME/toxicity studies. Xenobiotica 2013; 44:109-22. [DOI: 10.3109/00498254.2013.867553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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22
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Dandri M, Lütgehetmann M, Petersen J. Experimental models and therapeutic approaches for HBV. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 35:7-21. [PMID: 22898798 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease associated to persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be a major health problem of global impact. In spite of the existence of an effective vaccine, approximately 360 million people are chronically infected worldwide, who are at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current therapeutic regimens can efficiently suppress viral replication, the unique replication strategies employed by HBV permit the virus to persist within the infected hepatocytes. As a consequence, relapse of viral activity is commonly observed after cessation of treatment with polymerase inhibitors. The narrow host range of HBV has hindered progresses in understanding specific steps of HBV replication and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies aiming at achieving sustained viral control and, eventually, virus eradication. This review will focus on summarizing recent advances obtained with well-established and more innovative experimental models, giving emphasis on the strength of the different systems as tools for elucidating distinct aspects of HBV persistence and for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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23
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Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been incurable to date because effective antiviral therapies target only replicating viruses and do not eradicate latently integrated or nonreplicating episomal viral genomes. Endonucleases that can target and cleave critical regions within latent viral genomes are currently in development. These enzymes are being engineered with high specificity such that off-target binding of cellular DNA will be absent or minimal. Imprecise nonhomologous-end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair following repeated cleavage at the same critical site may permanently disrupt translation of essential viral proteins. We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of three types of DNA cleavage enzymes (zinc finger endonucleases, transcription activator-like [TAL] effector nucleases [TALENs], and homing endonucleases [also called meganucleases]), the development of delivery vectors for these enzymes, and potential obstacles for successful treatment of chronic viral infections. We then review issues regarding persistence of HIV-1, HBV, and HSV that are relevant to eradication with genome-altering approaches.
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Identification of disubstituted sulfonamide compounds as specific inhibitors of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA formation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:4277-88. [PMID: 22644022 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00473-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) plays a central role in viral infection and persistence and is the basis for viral rebound after the cessation of therapy, as well as the elusiveness of a cure even after extended treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapeutic agents that directly target cccDNA formation and maintenance. By employing an innovative cell-based cccDNA assay in which secreted HBV e antigen is a cccDNA-dependent surrogate, we screened an in-house small-molecule library consisting of 85,000 drug-like compounds. Two structurally related disubstituted sulfonamides (DSS), termed CCC-0975 and CCC-0346, emerged and were confirmed as inhibitors of cccDNA production, with low micromolar 50% effective concentrations (EC(50)s) in cell culture. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that DSS compound treatment neither directly inhibited HBV DNA replication in cell culture nor reduced viral polymerase activity in the in vitro endogenous polymerase assay but synchronously reduced the levels of HBV cccDNA and its putative precursor, deproteinized relaxed circular DNA (DP-rcDNA). However, DSS compounds did not promote the intracellular decay of HBV DP-rcDNA and cccDNA, suggesting that the compounds interfere primarily with rcDNA conversion into cccDNA. In addition, we demonstrated that CCC-0975 was able to reduce cccDNA biosynthesis in duck HBV-infected primary duck hepatocytes. This is the first attempt, to our knowledge, to identify small molecules that target cccDNA formation, and DSS compounds thus potentially serve as proof-of-concept drug candidates for development into therapeutics to eliminate cccDNA from chronic HBV infection.
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