1
|
Guo F, Yuan X, Cao J, Zhao X, Wang Y, Liu W, Liu B, Zeng Q. RNA-Seq and Immune Repertoire Analysis of Normal and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Relapse After Liver Transplantation. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:4329-4341. [PMID: 37781272 PMCID: PMC10541230 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s421016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) relapse is the main reason for the poor prognosis of HCC after Liver transplantation (LT). This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms and immune repertoire profiles of HCC relapse. Material and Methods RNA-seq of blood samples from patients with normal (n=12) and HCC relapse (n=6) after LT was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key signalling pathways. The DEGs and immune genes were further analyzed by bioinformatics. TRUST4 was used to analyze the differences in the immune repertoire between the two groups. Another 11 blood samples from patients with HCC who had received LT were collected for RT-qPCR verification of key genes. Results A total of 131 upregulated and 157 downregulated genes were identified using RNA-seq, and GO enrichment analysis revealed that the top 15 pathways were immune-related. The PPI network identified 10 key genes. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant difference in the five immune cell types between the two groups. A total of 83 intersecting genes were obtained by intersecting DEGs and immune genes. 6 key genes, including MX1, ISG15, OAS1, PRF1, SPP1, and THBS1 were obtained according to the intersection of DEGs, PPI network top 10 genes and immune intersecting genes. Immune repertoire analysis showed that the usage frequency of variable (V) and joining (J) genes in the normal group was higher than that in the relapse group. RT-qPCR validation showed that the expression levels of key genes were consistent with the RNA-seq results. Conclusion Our study identified key pathways and genes that could help determine whether transplant recipients are more prone to HCC relapse. Immune repertoire analysis revealed a difference in the usage frequency of VJ genes between the normal and relapse groups, providing a research direction for immunotherapy in patients with HCC relapse after liver transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fansheng Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoye Yuan
- Department of Gerontology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinglin Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenpeng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baowang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duan S, Gao J, Lou W, Zhang Y, Deng Y, Wang C, Huang H, Xu H, Guo S, Lai S, Xi F, Li Z, Deng L, Zhong Y. Prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma based on 4 pyroptosis-related genes. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:166. [PMID: 35902905 PMCID: PMC9336086 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01322-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer with a poor prognosis. Many recent studies have suggested that pyroptosis is important in tumour progression. However, the role of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) in HCC remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified differentially expressed PRGs in tumours versus normal tissues. Through univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses, a prognostic PRG signature was established. The signature effectiveness was evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (t-ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis. The signature was validated in the ICGC (LIRI-JP) cohort. In addition, single-sample gene enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) showed the infiltration of major immune cell types and the activity of common immune pathways in different subgroups. RESULTS Twenty-nine pyroptosis-related DEGs from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) dataset were detected, and four genes (CTSV, CXCL8, MKI67 and PRF1) among them were selected to construct a prognostic signature. Then, the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The pyroptosis-related signature was significantly associated with overall survival (OS). In addition, the patients in the high-risk group had lower levels of immune infiltration. CONCLUSION The prognostic signature for HCC based on 4 pyroptosis-related genes has reliable prognostic and predictive value for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sainan Duan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jianying Gao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Weiming Lou
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yize Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ying Deng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Cong Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Haiyue Huang
- College of Basic Medical, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hui Xu
- The Public Health College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Sixuan Guo
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Shuhui Lai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Feiyang Xi
- Queen Mary School of Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Road, Nanchang, 330031, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhangwang Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Libin Deng
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Yuanbin Zhong
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Key Laboratory of Liver Regenerative Medicine of Jiangxi Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ehl S, Thimme R. Immune‐mediated pathology as a consequence of impaired immune reactions: the IMPATH paradox. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:1386-1389. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Ehl
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Faculty of Medicine Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Dept. of Medicine II, Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine Medical Center ‐ University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Immune system control of hepatitis C virus infection. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 46:36-44. [PMID: 33137689 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global public health problem even though more than 95% of infections can be cured by treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents. Resolution of viremia post antiviral therapy does not lead to protective immunity and therefore reinfections can occur. Immune cell detection of HCV activates signaling pathways that produce interferons and trigger the innate immune response against the virus, preventing HCV replication and spread. Cells in the innate immune system, including natural killer, dendritic, and Kupffer cells, interact with infected hepatocytes and present viral antigens to T and B cells where their effector responses contribute to infection outcome. Despite the immune activation, HCV can evade the host response and establish persistent infection. Plans to understand the correlates of protection and strategies to activate proper innate and adaptive immune responses are needed for development of an effective prophylactic vaccine that stimulates protective immunity and limits HCV transmission.
Collapse
|
5
|
Hepatitis C Virus-Specific T Cell Receptor mRNA-Engineered Human T Cells: Impact of Antigen Specificity on Functional Properties. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00010-17. [PMID: 28228595 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00010-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy with genetically modified autologous T cells has shown great promise in cancer therapy. For an efficient control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, cytotoxic T cells (CTL) are pivotal, but persistence of activated T cells may lead to liver toxicity. Here, anti-HCV T cell receptors (TCRs) recognizing the HCV nonstructural (NS) NS3 or NS5 viral peptide target were examined by mRNA transfection of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) derived from healthy donors as well as chronically infected HCV patients. Immunological analysis shows that while the CTLs expressing the NS5-specific TCR reduced HCV RNA replication by a noncytotoxic mechanism, the NS3-specific TCR-redirected CTLs were polyfunctional and inhibited HCV RNA replication through antigen-specific cytotoxicity. Transcriptome signatures from these two types of CTL responses revealed uniquely expressed gene clusters upon encountering hepatoma target cells presenting endogenously expressed HCV proteins. The NS3 TCR induced a rapid expression of apoptotic signaling pathways and formation of embryonic gene clusters, whereas the NS5A TCR activation induced extended proliferative and metabolic pathways as the HCV target cells survived. Our results provide detailed insights into basic HCV T cell immunology and have clinical relevance for redirecting T cells to target virally infected hepatoma cells.IMPORTANCE Due to the protective ability of HCV-specific T cells and the hepatotoxic potential that they possess, there is a great need for the understanding of the functional aspects of HCV-specific T cells. To circumvent the low level of precursor frequency in patients, we engineered primary CD8+ T cells by mRNA TCR vectors to confer HCV specificity to new T cells. HCV TCRs that differ in antigen specificity and polyfunctionality were examined. mRNA TCR engineering of peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy donors or chronically infected HCV patients resulted in strikingly high levels of HCV TCR expression and HCV-specific responses. While a cytotoxicity response from a polyfunctional T cell activation caused hepatotoxicity and the rapid induction of apoptotic signaling pathways, the noncytotoxic T cell activation showed extended proliferative, metabolic pathways and persistence of HCV target cells. Our results provide detailed insights into basic HCV T cell immunology and have clinical relevance for immune protection of HCV-associated diseases.
Collapse
|
6
|
Bengsch B, Ohtani T, Herati RS, Bovenschen N, Chang KM, Wherry EJ. Deep immune profiling by mass cytometry links human T and NK cell differentiation and cytotoxic molecule expression patterns. J Immunol Methods 2017; 453:3-10. [PMID: 28322863 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The elimination of infected or tumor cells by direct lysis is a key T and NK cell effector function. T and NK cells can kill target cells by coordinated secretion of cytotoxic granules containing one or both pore-forming proteins, perforin and granulysin and combinations of granzyme (Gzm) family effector proteases (in humans: Gzm A, B, K, M and H). Understanding the pattern of expression of cytotoxic molecules and the relationship to different states of T and NK cells may have direct relevance for immune responses in autoimmunity, infectious disease and cancer. Approaches capable of simultaneously evaluating expression of multiple cytotoxic molecules with detailed information on T and NK differentiation state, however, remain limited. Here, we established a high dimensional mass cytometry approach to comprehensively interrogate single cell proteomic expression of cytotoxic programs and lymphocyte differentiation. This assay identified a coordinated expression pattern of cytotoxic molecules linked to CD8 T cell differentiation stages. Coordinated high expression of perforin, granulysin, Gzm A, Gzm B and Gzm M was associated with markers of late effector memory differentiation and expression of chemokine receptor CX3CR1. However, classical gating and dimensionality reduction approaches also identified other discordant patterns of cytotoxic molecule expression in CD8 T cells, including reduced perforin, but high Gzm A, Gzm K and Gzm M expression. When applied to non-CD8 T cells, this assay identified different patterns of cytotoxic molecule co-expression by CD56hi versus CD56dim defined NK cell developmental stages; in CD4 T cells, low expression of cytotoxic molecules was found mainly in TH1 phenotype cells, but not in Tregs or T follicular helper cells (TFH). Thus, this comprehensive, single cell, proteomic assessment of cytotoxic protein co-expression patterns demonstrates specialized cytotoxic programs in T cells and NK cells linked to their differentiation stages. Such comprehensive cytotoxic profiling may identify distinct patterns of cytotoxic potential relevant for specific infections, autoimmunity or tumor settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Takuya Ohtani
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ramin Sedaghat Herati
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Niels Bovenschen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - E John Wherry
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Chronic viral infections represent a unique challenge to the infected host. Persistently replicating viruses outcompete or subvert the initial antiviral response, allowing the establishment of chronic infections that result in continuous stimulation of both the innate and adaptive immune compartments. This causes a profound reprogramming of the host immune system, including attenuation and persistent low levels of type I interferons, progressive loss (or exhaustion) of CD8(+) T cell functions, and specialization of CD4(+) T cells to produce interleukin-21 and promote antibody-mediated immunity and immune regulation. Epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and metabolic changes underlie this adaptation or recalibration of immune cells to the emerging new environment in order to strike an often imperfect balance between the host and the infectious pathogen. In this review we discuss the common immunological hallmarks observed across a range of different persistently replicating viruses and host species, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the biological and clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elina I Zuniga
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
| | - Monica Macal
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
| | - Gavin M Lewis
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
| | - James A Harker
- Section of Inflammation, Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Heim MH, Thimme R. Innate and adaptive immune responses in HCV infections. J Hepatol 2014; 61:S14-25. [PMID: 25443342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus has been identified a quarter of a decade ago as a leading cause of chronic viral hepatitis that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Only a minority of patients can clear the virus spontaneously during acute infection. Elimination of HCV during acute infection correlates with a rapid induction of innate, especially interferon (IFN) induced genes, and a delayed induction of adaptive immune responses. However, the majority of patients is unable to clear the virus and develops viral persistence in face of an ongoing innate and adaptive immune response. The virus has developed several strategies to escape these immune responses. For example, to escape innate immunity, the HCV NS3/4A protease can efficiently cleave and inactivate two important signalling molecules in the sensory pathways that react to HCV pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to induce IFNs, i.e., the mitochondrial anti-viral signalling protein (MAVS) and the Toll-IL-1 receptor-domain-containing adaptor-inducing IFN-β (TRIF). Despite these escape mechanisms, IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) are induced in a large proportion of patients with chronic infection. Of note, chronically HCV infected patients with constitutive IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression have a poor response to treatment with pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) and ribavirin. The mechanisms that protect HCV from IFN-mediated innate immune reactions are not entirely understood, but might involve blockade of ISG protein translation at the ribosome, localization of viral replication to cell compartments that are not accessible to anti-viral IFN-stimulated effector systems, or direct antagonism of effector systems by viral proteins. Escape from adaptive immune responses can be achieved by emergence of viral escape mutations that avoid recognition by antibodies and T cells. In addition, chronic infection is characterized by the presence of functionally and phenotypically altered NK and T cell responses that are unable to clear the virus but most likely contribute to the ongoing liver disease. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge about the role of innate and adaptive immune responses in determining the outcome of HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus H Heim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine, Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Flecken T, Schmidt N, Hild S, Gostick E, Drognitz O, Zeiser R, Schemmer P, Bruns H, Eiermann T, Price DA, Blum HE, Neumann‐Haefelin C, Thimme R. Immunodominance and functional alterations of tumor-associated antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2014; 59:1415-26. [PMID: 24002931 PMCID: PMC4139003 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. To aid the development of novel immunological interventions, we studied the breadth, frequency, and tumor-infiltration of naturally occurring CD8(+) T-cell responses targeting several tumor-associated antigens (TAA). We used overlapping peptides spanning the entire alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), glypican-3 (GPC-3), melanoma-associated gene-A1 (MAGE-A1) and New York-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1) proteins and major-histocompatibility-complex-class-I-tetramers specific for epitopes of MAGE-A1 and NY-ESO-1 to analyze TAA-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses in a large cohort of HCC patients. After nonspecific expansion in vitro, we detected interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing CD8(+) T cells specific for all four TAA in the periphery as well as in liver and tumor tissue. These CD8(+) T-cell responses displayed clear immunodominance patterns within each TAA, but no consistent hierarchy was observed between different TAA. Importantly, the response breadth was highest in early-stage HCC and associated with patient survival. After antigen-specific expansion, TAA-specific CD8(+) T cells were detectable by tetramer staining but impaired in their ability to produce IFN-γ. Furthermore, regulatory T cells (Treg) were increased in HCC lesions. Depletion of Treg from cultures improved TAA-specific CD8(+) T-cell proliferation but did not restore IFN-γ-production. CONCLUSION Naturally occurring TAA-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses are present in patients with HCC and therefore constitute part of the normal T-cell repertoire. Moreover, the presence of these responses correlates with patient survival. However, the observation of impaired IFN-γ production suggests that the efficacy of such responses is functionally limited. These findings support the development of strategies that aim to enhance the total TAA-specific CD8(+) T-cell response by therapeutic boosting and/or specificity diversification. However, further research will be required to help unlock the full potential of TAA-specific CD8(+) T-cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Flecken
- Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany,Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM)Albert‐Ludwigs‐UniversityFreiburgGermany,Faculty of BiologyAlbert‐Ludwigs‐UniversityFreiburgGermany
| | - Nathalie Schmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Sandra Hild
- Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Emma Gostick
- Institute of Infection and ImmunityCardiff University School of MedicineCardiffUK
| | - Oliver Drognitz
- Department of SurgeryUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Peter Schemmer
- Department of General and Transplant SurgeryRuprecht‐Karls UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Helge Bruns
- Department of General and Transplant SurgeryRuprecht‐Karls UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Thomas Eiermann
- Department of Transfusion MedicineUniversity Hospital Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - David A. Price
- Institute of Infection and ImmunityCardiff University School of MedicineCardiffUK
| | - Hubert E. Blum
- Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | | | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Internal Medicine IIUniversity Hospital FreiburgFreiburgGermany,Address reprint requests to: Robert Thimme, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany. E‐mail: ; fax: +49 761 270 37250
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Oliviero B, Mele D, Degasperi E, Aghemo A, Cremonesi E, Rumi MG, Tinelli C, Varchetta S, Mantovani S, Colombo M, Mondelli MU. Natural killer cell dynamic profile is associated with treatment outcome in patients with chronic HCV infection. J Hepatol 2013; 59:38-44. [PMID: 23499727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with pegylated interferon α/ribavirin fail to achieve sustained virological response (SVR). Since growing evidence suggests that innate immunity may influence treatment responses, we examined natural killer (NK) cell phenotypic and functional changes during standard antiviral therapy. METHODS Expression of several NK-cell regulatory molecules was evaluated by flow cytometry in 37 consecutive patients with chronic HCV infection at baseline and at different time points during and after discontinuation of treatment. Cytokine production was evaluated by intracellular staining. Cytolytic potential was assessed as degranulation and as antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. RESULTS Baseline frequencies of CD56(dim) NK cells and perforin content were significantly higher, whereas CD16 expression was lower in SVR vs. non-responder subjects. Analysis by linear regression for repeated measures during the first 12 weeks showed significantly increased frequencies of activated (CD69(+)) NK cells in rapid virological responders (RVR) and identified a typical NK cell profile associated with SVR, featuring higher NK perforin content, lower CD16 expression, and higher proportion of CD56(dim)/CD16(-) cells. Moreover, SVR patients displayed higher natural and antibody-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity. IL28B rs12979860 CC homozygosis was significantly associated with SVR, independently of NK-cell phenotype and function. CONCLUSIONS Different NK-cell phenotypic and functional features, in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with standard therapy, were observed between non-responder vs. SVR patients, suggesting a potential role of NK cells in the response to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Oliviero
- Research Laboratories, Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Introduction With 3 – 4 million new infections occurring annually, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global health problem. There is increasing evidence to suggest that HCV will be highly amenable to a vaccine approach, and despite advances in treatment, a vaccine remains the most cost-effective and realistic means to significantly reduce the worldwide mortality and morbidity associated with persistent HCV infection. Areas covered In this review we discuss immune responses to HCV during natural infection, and describe how they may inform vaccine design. We introduce the current candidate vaccines for HCV and compare how these fare against the expected requirements of an effective prophylactic HCV vaccine in relation to the breadth, functionality, magnitude and phenotype of the vaccine-induced immune response. Expert opinion Although the correlates of immune protection against HCV are not completely defined, we now have vaccine technologies capable of inducing HCV-specific adaptive immune responses to an order of magnitude that are associated with protection during natural infection. The challenge next is to i) establish well-characterised cohorts of people at risk of HCV infection for vaccine efficacy testing and ii) to better understand the correlates of protection in natural history studies. If these can be achieved, a vaccine against HCV appears a realistic goal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Swadling
- University of Oxford, NDM and Jenner Institute, Peter Medawar Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Seigel B, Bengsch B, Lohmann V, Bartenschlager R, Blum HE, Thimme R. Factors that determine the antiviral efficacy of HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells ex vivo. Gastroenterology 2013; 144:426-436. [PMID: 23142136 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Dysfunctional CD8(+) T cells are believed to contribute to the ability of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to evade the immune response. Most studies have focused on the effector functions of HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells or their surface expression of inhibitory receptors. There is currently no information available about the ex vivo ability of HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells to inhibit viral replication (antiviral efficacy). METHODS To analyze the antiviral efficacy of virus-specific CD8(+) T cells ex vivo, we used an immunologic model based on a cell line that expresses HLA-A*02 and contains a stably replicating HCV reporter replicon. We isolated HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells from 18 HLA-A*02-positive patients with chronic HCV infection and 15 subjects with resolved HCV infection (7 spontaneous, 8 after therapy). Replicon cells were labeled with virus-specific peptides; inhibition of HCV replication was determined by measuring luciferase activity after 72 hours of coculture with virus-specific CD8(+) T cells. RESULTS HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells from patients with chronic HCV infection had a significantly lower antiviral efficacy than influenza-, Epstein-Barr virus-, and cytomegalovirus-specific CD8(+) T cells. Antiviral efficacy was associated with the ability of virus-specific CD8(+) T cells to secrete interferon gamma. The antiviral efficacy of HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells was linked to surface expression of CD127 and PD-1. The cytokines interleukin-2, interleukin-7, and interleukin-15 increased the antiviral efficacy of CD127-positive but not of CD127-negative, HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells. Spontaneous, but not antiviral therapy-induced, viral clearance was associated with increased antiviral efficacy. CONCLUSIONS The ability of CD8(+) T cells to inhibit HCV replication ex vivo is associated with their ability to secrete interferon gamma and their surface expression of CD127 and PD-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Seigel
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Lohmann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hubert E Blum
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R. Adaptive immune responses in hepatitis C virus infection. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2013; 369:243-62. [PMID: 23463204 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-27340-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The adaptive immune response plays a central role in the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Indeed, spontaneous viral clearance is associated with an early neutralizing antibody response as well as vigorous and sustained HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. In persistent HCV infection, however, all three components of the antiviral adaptive immune response fail due to different viral evasion strategies. In this chapter, we will describe the components of a successful immune response against HCV and summarize the mechanisms of immune failure. We will also highlight characteristics of protective CD8+ T cell responses which is the key factor to the design of an efficacious vaccine.
Collapse
|