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Narmada BC, Khakpoor A, Shirgaonkar N, Narayanan S, Aw PPK, Singh M, Ong KH, Owino CO, Ng JWT, Yew HC, Binte Mohamed Nasir NS, Au VB, Sng R, Kaliaperumal N, Khine HHTW, di Tocco FC, Masayuki O, Naikar S, Ng HX, Chia SL, Seah CXY, Alnawaz MH, Wai CLY, Tay AYL, Mangat KS, Chew V, Yu W, Connolly JE, Periyasamy G, Plissonnier ML, Levrero M, Lim SG, DasGupta R. Single-cell landscape of functionally cured chronic hepatitis B patients reveals activation of innate and altered CD4-CTL-driven adaptive immunity. J Hepatol 2024; 81:42-61. [PMID: 38423478 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss or functional cure (FC) is considered the optimal therapeutic outcome for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the immune-pathological biomarkers and underlying mechanisms of FC remain unclear. In this study we comprehensively interrogate disease-associated cell states identified within intrahepatic tissue and matched PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) from patients with CHB or after FC, at the resolution of single cells, to provide novel insights into putative mechanisms underlying FC. METHODS We combined single-cell transcriptomics (single-cell RNA sequencing) with multiparametric flow cytometry-based immune phenotyping, and multiplexed immunofluorescence to elucidate the immunopathological cell states associated with CHB vs. FC. RESULTS We found that the intrahepatic environment in CHB and FC displays specific cell identities and molecular signatures that are distinct from those found in matched PBMCs. FC is associated with the emergence of an altered adaptive immune response marked by CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and an activated innate response represented by liver-resident natural killer cells, specific Kupffer cell subtypes and marginated neutrophils. Surprisingly, we found MHC class II-expressing hepatocytes in patients achieving FC, as well as low but persistent levels of covalently closed circular DNA and pregenomic RNA, which may play an important role in FC. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides conceptually novel insights into the immuno-pathological control of HBV cure, and opens exciting new avenues for clinical management, biomarker discovery and therapeutic development. We believe that the discoveries from this study, as it relates to the activation of an innate and altered immune response that may facilitate sustained, low-grade inflammation, may have broader implications in the resolution of chronic viral hepatitis. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This study dissects the immuno-pathological cell states associated with functionally cured chronic hepatitis B (defined by the loss of HBV surface antigen or HBsAg). We identified the sustained presence of very low viral load, accessory antigen-presenting hepatocytes, adaptive-memory-like natural killer cells, and the emergence of helper CD4 T cells with cytotoxic or effector-like signatures associated with functional cure, suggesting previously unsuspected alterations in the adaptive immune response, as well as a key role for the innate immune response in achieving or maintaining functional cure. Overall, the insights generated from this study may provide new avenues for the development of alternative therapies as well as patient surveillance for better clinical management of chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balakrishnan Chakrapani Narmada
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672; Experimental Drug Development Centre, A∗STAR, 10 Biopolis Way, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | - Atefeh Khakpoor
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Niranjan Shirgaonkar
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672
| | - Sriram Narayanan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Pauline Poh Kim Aw
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672
| | - Malay Singh
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Kok Haur Ong
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Collins Oduor Owino
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jane Wei Ting Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Chuing Yew
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Veonice Bijin Au
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Reina Sng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Nivashini Kaliaperumal
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Htet Htet Toe Wai Khine
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Otsuka Masayuki
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Shamita Naikar
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Hui Xin Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Li Chia
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Myra Hj Alnawaz
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chris Lee Yoon Wai
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amy Yuh Ling Tay
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kamarjit Singh Mangat
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Chew
- Translational Immunology Institute (TII), SingHealth-DukeNUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Weimiao Yu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore; Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - John Edward Connolly
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Giridharan Periyasamy
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, A∗STAR, 10 Biopolis Way, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | | | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Lyon, France; Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; University of Lyon Claude Bernard 1 (UCLB1), Lyon, France; Department of Medicine SCIAC and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) Center for Life Nanosciences (CLNS), University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore; Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore.
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), 60 Biopolis St., #02-01 Genome, Singapore 138672.
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Li X, Wang HY, Gao F, Guo FF, Wang XN, Pan YX, Bai GQ. Tenofovir alters the immune microenvironment of pregnant women with hepatitis B virus infection: Evidence from single-cell RNA sequencing. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110245. [PMID: 37163920 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mother-to-child is the main route of the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Tenofovir fumarate (TDF) antiviral treatment has become the most extensive choice worldwide. However, the effects of TDF treatment on the immune function of pregnant women remains unclear. Here we investigate the effect of TDF treatment on the immune microenvironment of pregnant women with HBV infection using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS Three HBV-infected pregnant women were treated with TDF and six samples were collected before and after the treatment. In total, 68,200 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted for 10 × scRNA-seq. The cells were clustered using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and unbiased computational informatics analysis. RESULTS The analysis identified four-cell subtypes, including T cells, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and B cells, and unraveled the developmental trajectory and maturation of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell subtypes. The cellular state and molecular features of the effector/memory T cells revealed a significant increase in the inflammatory state of CD4+ T cells and the cytotoxic characteristics of CD8+ T cells. Additionally, after TDF treatment, the monocytes showed a tendency for M1 polarization, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells was enhanced. Furthermore, the analysis of intercellular communication revealed the interaction of various subtypes of cells and the heterogeneous expression of key signal pathways. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study reveal significant differences in cellular subtypes and molecular characteristics of PBMCs of pregnant women with HBV infection before and after TDF treatment and demonstrate the recovery of immune response after treatment. These findings could help develop immune intervention measures to control HBV during pregnancy and the puerperium period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Gene Joint Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan Gao
- Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan-Fan Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Na Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Xia Pan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gui-Qin Bai
- Gene Joint Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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3
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Chen J, Lou S, Chen H, Zhou B, Sun J, Hou J, Jiang DK. CD55 Variant Associated with Pegylated-interferon α Therapy Response in HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:295-303. [PMID: 36643051 PMCID: PMC9817056 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Only a small percentage of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients effectively respond to treatment with pegylated-interferon alpha (PegIFNα) or nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs). We aimed to detect the correlations of complement regulators-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with treatment response of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients. METHODS A total of 1,763 HBeAg-positive CHB patients were enrolled, 894 received PegIFNα for at least 48 weeks and were followed up for 24 weeks, and 869 received NUCs for 104 weeks. For each patient, nine SNPs in genes encoding for complement regulators were determined and genotyped. To assess the cumulative effect of numerous SNPs, a polygenic score (PGS) was utilized. The correlations of SNPs and PGS with the levels of combined response (CR) and hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) loss were also investigated. RESULTS In PegIFNα-treated patients, an intronic SNP of CD55, rs28371597, was strongly related to CR, and the CR rate in rs28371597_GG genotype carriers was only approximately half that of rs28371597_GT/TT genotype carriers (20.29% vs. 37.10%, p=2.00 × 10-3). A PGS incorporating CD55_rs28371597 and two additional SNPs, CFB_rs12614 and STAT4_rs7574865, which had been considered as predictors for PegIFNα treatment response before, was strongly correlated with the levels of CR (p-trend=7.94×10-6) and HBsAg loss (p-trend=9.40×10-3) in PegIFNα-treated patients. In NUCs-treated individuals, however, none of the nine SNPs were shown to be significantly linked to CHB treatment response. CONCLUSIONS CD55_rs28371597 is a promising biomarker for predicting CHB patients' responsiveness to PegIFNα therapy. The updated PGS may be used for optimizing CHB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology (Hepatic Diseases) of Guangxi, Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Shuang Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - De-Ke Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology (Hepatic Diseases) of Guangxi, Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- Correspondence to: De-Ke Jiang, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7888-2344. Tel/Fax: +86-20-62786533, E-mail:
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4
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Wu S, Yi W, Gao Y, Deng W, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Lu Y, Liu R, Chang M, Shen G, Hu L, Zhang L, Li M, Xie Y. Immune Mechanisms Underlying Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Viral Coinfection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893512. [PMID: 35634301 PMCID: PMC9130599 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is considered that chronic hepatitis B patients have obtained functional cure if they get hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance after treatment. Serum HBsAg is produced by cccDNA that is extremely difficult to clear and dslDNA that is integrated with host chromosome. High HBsAg serum level leads to failure of host immune system, which makes it unable to produce effective antiviral response required for HBsAg seroclerance. Therefore, it is very difficult to achieve functional cure, and fewer than 1% of chronic hepatitis B patients are cured with antiviral treatment annually. Some chronic hepatitis B patients are coinfected with other chronic viral infections, such as HIV, HCV and HDV, which makes more difficult to cure. However, it is found that the probability of obtaining HBsAg seroclearance in patients with coinfection is higher than that in patients with HBV monoinfection, especially in patients with HBV/HIV coinfection who have an up to 36% of HBsAg 5-year-seroclerance rate. The mechanism of this interesting phenomenon is related to the functional reconstruction of immune system after antiretroviral therapy (ART). The quantity increase and function recovery of HBV specific T cells and B cells, and the higher level of cytokines and chemokines such as IP-10, GM-CSF, promote HBsAg seroclearance. This review summarizes recent studies on the immune factors that have influence on HBsAg seroconversion in the chronic hepatitis B patients with viral coinfection, which might provide new insights for the development of therapeutic approaches to partially restore the specific immune response to HBV and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Wu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanjiao Gao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Bi
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Lin
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Liu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Shen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Leiping Hu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
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Zhong S, Zhang T, Tang L, Li Y. Cytokines and Chemokines in HBV Infection. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:805625. [PMID: 34926586 PMCID: PMC8674621 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.805625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a leading cause of hepatic inflammation and damage. The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is predominantly mediated by persistent intrahepatic immunopathology. With the characterization of unique anatomical and immunological structure, the liver is also deemed an immunological organ, which gives rise to massive cytokines and chemokines under pathogenesis conditions, having significant implications for the progression of HBV infection. The intrahepatic innate immune system is responsible for the formidable source of cytokines and chemokines, with the latter also derived from hepatic parenchymal cells. In addition, systemic cytokines and chemokines are disturbed along with the disease course. Since HBV is a stealth virus, persistent exposure to HBV-related antigens confers to immune exhaustion, whereby regulatory cells are recruited by intrahepatic chemokines and cytokines, including interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor β, are involved in such series of causal events. Although the considerable value of two types of available approved treatment, interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogues, effectively suppress HBV replication, neither of them is sufficient for optimal restoration of the immunological attrition state to win the battle of the functional or virological cure of CHB infection. Notably, cytokines and chemokines play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. They exert effects by directly acting on HBV or indirectly manipulating target immune cells. As such, specific cytokines and chemokines, with a potential possibility to serve as novel immunological interventions, combined with those that target the virus itself, seem to be promising prospects in curative CHB infection. Here, we systematically review the recent literature that elucidates cytokine and chemokine-mediated pathogenesis and immune exhaustion of HBV infection and their dynamics triggered by current mainstream anti-HBV therapy. The predictive value of disease progression or control and the immunotherapies target of specific major cytokines and chemokines in CHB infection will also be delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang D, Fu B, Shen X, Guo C, Liu Y, Zhang J, Sun R, Ye Y, Li J, Tian Z, Wei H. Restoration of HBV-specific CD8 + T-cell responses by sequential low-dose IL-2 treatment in non-responder patients after IFN-α therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:376. [PMID: 34737296 PMCID: PMC8569154 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00776-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) undergoing interferon (IFN)-α-based therapies often exhibit a poor HBeAg serological response. Thus, there is an unmet need for new therapies aimed at CHB. This study comprised two clinical trials, including 130 CHB patients, who were treatment-naïve; in the first, 92 patients were systematically analyzed ex vivo for interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) expression and inhibitory molecules expression after receiving Peg-IFN-α-2b therapy. In our second clinical trial, 38 non-responder patients, in whom IFN-α therapy had failed, were treated with or without low-dose IL-2 for 24 weeks. We then examined the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T-cell response and the clinical outcome, in these patients. Although the majority of the participants undergoing Peg-IFN-α-2b therapy were non-responders, we observed a decrease in CD25 expression on their CD4+ T cells, suggesting that IFN-α therapy may provide a rationale for sequential IL-2 treatment without increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs). Following sequential therapy with IL-2, we demonstrated that the non-responders experienced a decrease in the numbers of Tregs and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression. In addition, sequential IL-2 administration rescued effective immune function, involving signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation. Importantly, IL-2 therapy significantly increased the frequency and function of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, which translated into improved clinical outcomes, including HBeAg seroconversion, among the non-responder CHB patients. Our findings suggest that sequential IL-2 therapy shows efficacy in rescuing immune function in non-responder patients with refractory CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyao Wang
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xiaokun Shen
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Junfei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China.
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Haiming Wei
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
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7
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Lin YJ, Sun FF, Zeng Z, Bi XY, Yang L, Li MH, Xie Y. Combination and Intermittent Therapy Based on Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a for Chronic Hepatitis B with Nucleoside (Nucleotide) Analog-Experienced Resulting in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Clearance: A Case Report. Viral Immunol 2021; 35:71-75. [PMID: 34714178 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2021.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) and nucleoside (nucleotide) analogs (NAs) are two effective antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). More and more evidence shows that the combination of the two drugs can better inhibit viral replication and even achieve clinical cure. IFN intermittent therapy is also considered to be an important measure to resolve IFN fatigue when hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline appears stagnated during IFN-based antiviral therapy. A 36-year-old male NA-experienced patient with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB was admitted to our hospital. After a poor response to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) monotherapy for 1 year, the patient was treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a combination therapy and finally achieved HBsAg clearance. During the treatment and follow-up, HBsAg, HBeAg, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, and serum alanine aminotransferase, etc. were monitored every 3 months. Between weeks 58 and 71 of combination therapy, IFN was discontinued because of a slow decline in HBsAg, and TDF alone was used for maintenance therapy. Complete virological response, HBeAg and HBsAg seroconversion were observed at weeks 44, 96, and 122, respectively. After 24 weeks of consolidation therapy, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA were consistently negative, and hepatitis B surface antibody was 729.30 mIU/mL at week 146 of the combination therapy, then we stopped drugs. Following up after 28 weeks of cessation therapy, the patient still remained clinically cured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang-Fang Sun
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Bi
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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8
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Li J, Qu L, Sun X, Liu Y, Gong Q, Yu D, Zhang D, Jiang J, Chen J, Wei D, Han Y, Gao Y, Zhang Q, She W, Chen L, Zhang J, Zhang X. Peg-interferon alpha add-on Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate achieved more HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B naïve patients. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1381-1391. [PMID: 34228855 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have showed that combining peg-interferon alpha (Peg-IFNα) with nucleotide analogues has complementary effects in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but the optimal regimen and potential mechanisms remain unclear. This was a prospective, longitudinal and multicentre clinical trial (NCT03013556). HBeAg-positive CHB naïve patients were randomly assigned to three groups: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) monotherapy for 96 weeks, TDF alone for 48 weeks and sequentially Peg-IFNα added for 48 weeks, TDF de novo combination with Peg-IFNα for 48 weeks then TDF alone for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was HBeAg seroconversion at week 96 and HBsAg loss as the secondary endpoint. Furthermore, the levels of 12 cytokines in serum were assessed at different time points. A total of 133 patients were included in the analysis. The rates of HBeAg seroconversion at 96 weeks were not significant different among the three groups (p = 0.157). Interestingly, patients in the Peg-IFNα add-on group showed markedly lower HBsAg level compared with the other two groups at week 96. In addition, only three patients in the Peg-IFNα add-on group achieved HBsAg loss. For the following 24 weeks from week 96, no HBsAg reappearance in the three patients and no new patients with HBsAg loss were observed in the three groups. Serum cytokine analysis showed that the baseline level of interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) was strongly higher in HBeAg conversion patients and HBsAg loss patients. Compared with de novo combination and TDF alone, the addition of Peg-IFNα in TDF-treated group might be an effective strategy for HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB naïve patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuehua Sun
- Liver Disease Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiming Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghua Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiehong Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Liver Disease Department, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weimin She
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Hepatic Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Sino-French Research Centre for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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9
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Nishio A, Bolte FJ, Takeda K, Park N, Yu ZX, Park H, Valdez K, Ghany MG, Rehermann B. Clearance of pegylated interferon by Kupffer cells limits NK cell activation and therapy response of patients with HBV infection. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/587/eaba6322. [PMID: 33790025 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba6322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN-α), where IFN-α is attached to polyethylene glycol (PEG), is an approved treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a disease that causes liver-related morbidity and mortality in 257 million people worldwide. It is unknown why only a minority of patients respond to PEG-IFN-α. Using sequential blood samples and liver biopsies of patients with chronic HBV infection before, during, and after PEG-IFN-α treatment, we find that patients with early natural killer (NK) cell activation after PEG-IFN-α injection experienced greater liver inflammation, lysis of HBV-infected hepatocytes, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline than those without. NK cell activation was associated with induction of interferon-stimulated genes and determined by PEG-IFN-α pharmacokinetics. Patients with delayed increases in PEG-IFN-α concentrations had greater amounts of PEG-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) immune complexes in the blood and more PEG and IgM detected in the liver than patients with rapid increase in PEG-IFN-α concentration. This was associated with reduced NK cell activation. These results indicate that the immunomodulatory functions of PEG-IFN-α, particularly activation of NK cells, play a pivotal role in the response to treatment and further demonstrate that these functions are affected by PEG-IFN-α pharmacokinetics. Accelerated clearance of antibody-complexed pegylated drugs by Kupffer cells may be important beyond the field of HBV therapeutics. Thus, these findings may contribute to improving the efficacy of pegylated drugs that are now being developed for other chronic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nishio
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fabian J Bolte
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Pathology Core, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nana Park
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- Pathology Core, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Heiyoung Park
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kristin Valdez
- Clinical Research Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Clinical Research Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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10
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Saraceni C, Birk J. A Review of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Immunopathogenesis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:409-418. [PMID: 34221927 PMCID: PMC8237136 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2020.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances in therapy, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) still represent a significant global health burden, both as major causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death worldwide. HBV is capable of incorporating its covalently closed circular DNA into the host cell's hepatocyte genome, making it rather difficult to eradicate its chronic stage. Successful viral clearance depends on the complex interactions between the virus and host's innate and adaptive immune response. One encouraging fact on hepatitis B is the development and effective distribution of the HBV vaccine. This has significantly reduced the spread of this virus. HCV is a RNA virus with high mutagenic capacity, thus enabling it to evade the immune system and have a high rate of chronic progression. High levels of HCV heterogeneity and its mutagenic capacity have made it difficult to create an effective vaccine. The recent advent of direct acting antivirals has ushered in a new era in hepatitis C therapy. Sustained virologic response is achieved with DAAs in 85-99% of cases. However, this still leads to a large population of treatment failures, so further advances in therapy are still needed. This article reviews the immunopathogenesis of HBV and HCV, their properties contributing to host immune system avoidance, chronic disease progression, vaccine efficacy and limitations, as well as treatment options and common pitfalls of said therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Saraceni
- Correspondence to: Corey Saraceni, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-8074, USA. Tel: +1-203-733-7408, Fax: +1-860-679-3159, E-mail:
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11
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Mehrotra A, D'Angelo JA, Romney-Vanterpool A, Chu T, Bertoletti A, Janssen HLA, Gehring AJ. IFN-α Suppresses Myeloid Cytokine Production, Impairing IL-12 Production and the Ability to Support T-Cell Proliferation. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:148-157. [PMID: 32049318 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon-α (IFN-α) can suppress production of T-cell polarizing cytokines or induce inhibitory antigen-presenting cells that suppress T-cell activation. Previous studies showed that IFN-α therapy fails to boost virus-specific T-cell immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Our aim was to determine whether IFN-α exposure alters human antigen-presenting cell function in vivo. METHODS We investigated the immunomodulatory effects using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors exposed to IFN-α and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients starting IFN-α therapy. RESULTS IFN-α increased HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, and PD-L1 expression on healthy donor monocytes. In contrast to the activated phenotype, IFN-α inhibited Toll-like receptor-induced cytokine production and monocyte-induced T-cell proliferation. In CHB patients, peg-IFN treatment induced an interferon-stimulated gene signature in monocytes and increased HLA-DR, CD80, CD86, and PD-L1 expression. As early as 3 days after CHB patients started treatment, IFN-α inhibited monocyte cytokine production and T-cell stimulation ex vivo. IFN-α-mediated inhibition of IL-12 production, rather than inhibitory receptor expression, was responsible for inhibition of T-cell proliferation. Addition of IL-12 restored T-cell proliferation to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS Understanding how professional antigen-presenting cells respond to immunomodulation is important for both new innate and adaptive-targeted immunotherapies. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT00962871.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Mehrotra
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - June Ann D'Angelo
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Amanda Romney-Vanterpool
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Tom Chu
- Safety Science, Genentech, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Program of Emerging Viral Diseases, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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12
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Anastasiou OE, Yurdaydin C, Maasoumy B, Hardtke S, Caruntu FA, Curescu MG, Yalcin K, Akarca US, Gürel S, Zeuzem S, Erhardt A, Lüth S, Papatheodoridis GV, Radu M, Liebig S, Bantel H, Bremer B, Manns MP, Cornberg M, Wedemeyer H. A transient early HBV-DNA increase during PEG-IFNα therapy of hepatitis D indicates loss of infected cells and is associated with HDV-RNA and HBsAg reduction. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:410-419. [PMID: 33185325 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
HBV-DNA levels are low or even undetectable in the majority HDV-infected patients. The impact of PEG-IFNα on HBV-DNA kinetics in HDV-infected patients has not been studied in detail. We analysed data of a prospective treatment trial where 120 HDV-RNA-positive patients were randomized to receive PEG-IFNα-2a plus tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate (PEG-IFNα/TDF, n = 59) or placebo (PEG-IFNα/PBO; n = 61) for 96 weeks. At week 96, HBV-DNA was still quantifiable in 71% of PEG-IFNα/PBO-treated patients but also in 76% of PEG-IFNα/TDF-treated patients, despite low HBV-DNA baseline values. Surprisingly, a transient HBV-DNA increase between weeks 12 and 36 was observed in 12 in PEG-IFNα/TDF-treated and 12 PEG-IFNα/PBO-treated patients. This increase was positively associated with HBsAg loss [(P = 0.049, odds ratio (OR) 5.1] and HDV-RNA suppression (P = 0.007, OR 4.1) at week 96. Biochemical markers of cell death (M30 and ALT) were higher during the HBV-DNA peak but no distinct systemic immune pattern could be observed by screening 91 soluble inflammatory markers. In conclusion, an early increase in HBV-DNA during PEG-IFNα-2a therapy occurred in more than 20% of patients, even in TDF-treated patients. This transient HBV-DNA rise may indicate PEG-IFNα-induced cell death and lead to long-term HDV-RNA suppression and HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olympia E Anastasiou
- Institute of Virology, Essen University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Koç University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Svenja Hardtke
- University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Manuela G Curescu
- Spitalul Clinic de Boli Infectioase, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, România, Romania
| | - Kendal Yalcin
- Dicle University Medical Faculty, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | - Selim Gürel
- Uludağ University Medical Faculty, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Medical Center, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Lüth
- Center of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School, Brandenburg, Germany
| | | | - Monica Radu
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Prof. Dr. Matei Bals, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Stephanie Liebig
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heike Bantel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Bremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infectious Disease Research (DZIF), HepNet Study-House, Hannover, Germany.,Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Essen University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
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13
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Fu B, Wang D, Shen X, Guo C, Liu Y, Ye Y, Sun R, Li J, Tian Z, Wei H. Immunomodulation Induced During Interferon-α Therapy Impairs the Anti-HBV Immune Response Through CD24 +CD38 hi B Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:591269. [PMID: 33424840 PMCID: PMC7786281 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.591269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferon is widely used for antiviral therapy, yet has yielded disappointing results toward chronic HBV infection. Here we identify that PEG-IFNα-2b therapy toward persistent infection in humans is a double-edged sword of both immunostimulation and immunomodulation. Our studies of this randomised trial showed persistent PEG-IFNα-2b therapy induced large number of CD24+CD38hi B cells and launched a CD24+CD38hi B cells centered immunosuppressive response, including downregulating functions of T cells and NK cells. Patients with low induced CD24+CD38hi B cells have achieved an improved therapeutic effect. Specifically, using the anti-CD24 antibody to deplete CD24+CD38hi B cells without harming other B cell subsets suggest a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic effects. Our findings show that PEG-IFNα-2b therapy toward persistent infection constitutes an immunomodulation effect, and strategies to identifying the molecular basis for the antiviral versus immunomodulatory effects of PEG-IFNα-2b to selectively manipulate these opposing activities provide an opportunity to ameliorate anti-virus immunity and control viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binqing Fu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Dongyao Wang
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaokun Shen
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chuang Guo
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Virological and immunological predictors of long term outcomes of peginterferon alfa-2a therapy for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:1676-1685. [PMID: 33339708 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Predictors of long-term outcomes of peginterferon (PegIFN) therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain to be explored. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of virological and immunological biomarkers and outcomes of PegIFN for CHB. METHODS 57 HBeAg-negative CHB patients receiving 48 weeks of PegIFN therapy were prospectively followed for a median period of 5.3 years after the end of treatment (EOT). Serum CXCL9 and IP-10 levels were measured. Flow cytometry analysis for T cell subsets was performed in 23 patients. Factors associated with long-term outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS The cumulative incidences of virological relapse, clinical relapse and HBsAg loss at year 7 were 18.1%, 0%, 31.6%, respectively, in patients with sustained off-treatment virological response (SVR), and 100%, 67.4%, 6.7%, respectively, in patients without SVR. By multivariate analysis, baseline CXCL9 > 80 pg/mL (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.418, p = 0.018) and on-treatment HBsAg declines were associated with a lower risk of virological relapse. Non-SVR was the only predictor of clinical relapse. CXCL9 >200 pg/mL (HR = 8.154, p = 0.038) and HBsAg <750 IU/mL (HR = 10.507, p = 0.036) were baseline predictors of HBsAg loss, while HBsAg decline >1 log at EOT (HR = 23.296, p = 0.005) was the on-treatment predictor of HBsAg loss. In subgroup patients with available PBMC, populations of T cell subsets correlated with virological and clinical relapses in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION Baseline serum CXCL9 and HBsAg levels could predict HBsAg loss after PegIFN therapy for HBeAg-negative CHB. Combining virological and immunological biomarkers could predict long-term outcomes of PegIFN therapy for HBeAg-negative CHB.
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15
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Bahardoust M, Mokhtare M, Barati M, Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Z, Karimi Behnagh A, Keyvani H, Agah S. A randomized controlled trial of pegylated interferon-alpha with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B: A 48-week follow-up study. J Infect Chemother 2020; 26:1265-1271. [PMID: 32762882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies report incongruent finds regarding the addition of pegylated interferon -alpha (Peg- IFNα) to nucleos(t)ide analogues. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of Peg- IFNα and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) combination therapy with each of the treatments separately. METHODS In this open-label, randomized clinical trial, treatment-naive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: Group A: Peg- IFNα (180 mcg/week) with TDF (300 mg/day); Group B: TDF (300 mg/day); and Group C: Peg- IFNα (180 mcg/week). The intervention spanned 48 weeks and patients were followed up every 12 weeks. The primary end-point was HBV DNA load <20 IU/mL. RESULTS Groups A, B and C each comprised of 22, 23 and 22 patients, respectively. The number of patients with HBV DNA suppression in group A was significantly higher compared to groups B and C (P = 0.034). No significant difference was observed in the normalization trends of serum ALT levels between the three groups (P = 0.082). At week 48, combination therapy was significantly more effective in suppressing HBV DNA concentration to below the level of detection than TDF monotherapy (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.18-4.15; P = 0.034). Furthermore, a comparison between monotherapy arms revealed that both interventions had similar effects on the overall outcome (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.02-5.8; P = 0.062). CONCLUSION A Peg- IFNα and TDF combination therapy resulted in improved virologic response and was safe in HBeAg negative patients. Monotherapy with Peg-IFNα or TDF procured limited benefits in comparison. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181113041635N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Bahardoust
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Mokhtare
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Barati
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bagheri-Hosseinabadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Agah
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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16
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Hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance: Immune mechanisms, clinical impact, importance for drug development. J Hepatol 2020; 73:409-422. [PMID: 32333923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
HBsAg seroclearance occurs rarely in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Many factors are associated with HBsAg seroconversion, including immune and viral factors. However, the immune mechanisms associated with HBsAg seroclearance are still difficult to elucidate. HBsAg seroclearance is the ideal aim of HBV treatment. Unfortunately, this goal is rarely achieved with current treatments. Understanding the mechanisms of HBsAg loss appears to be important for the development of curative HBV treatments. While studies from animal models give insights into the potential immune mechanisms and interactions occurring between the immune system and HBsAg, they do not recapitulate all features of CHB in humans and are subject to variability due to their complexity. In this article, we review recent studies on these immune factors, focusing on their influence on CHB progression and HBsAg seroconversion. These data provide new insights for the development of therapeutic approaches to partially restore the anti-HBV immune response. Targeting HBsAg will ideally relieve the immunosuppressive effects on the immune system and help to restore anti-HBV immune responses.
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17
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Pang X, Zhang L, Liu N, Liu B, Chen Z, Li H, Chen M, Peng M, Ren H, Hu P. Combination of pegylated interferon-alpha and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment enhances the activity of natural killer cells in nucleos(t)ide analogue experienced chronic hepatitis B patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 202:80-92. [PMID: 32638357 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A combination of pegylated interferon-alpha (peg-IFN-α) and nucleos(t)ides analogue (NA) therapy can effectively reduce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), especially in NA-experienced chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the immune mechanism of this therapy is unclear. Forty NA-experienced CHB patients were enrolled into this study. The frequencies of peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T helper (Th) cells, regulatory T cells (Treg ), B cells and follicular T helper (Tfh) cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Seven of the 40 patients converted to peg-IFN-α combined with NA treatment, while the other 33 continued to NA therapy. The decrease in HBsAg was more pronounced in the combination treatment group, and only patients receiving combination treatment achieved HBsAg loss. The frequency and absolute number of CD56bright NK cells in the combination treatment group increased significantly compared with the NA treatment group, whereas the CD56dim NK cells were decreased. In the NA treatment group, the proportions of CD4+ TN , CD8+ TN , CD19+ B and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)+ CD4+ T cells were increased, while the proportions of CD4+ TEM , CD8+ TEM , CD25+ CD4+ Treg , CD25high CD4+ Treg , CD127low CD25+ Treg , programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ CD4+ T, PD-1+ CD8+ T, CTLA-4+ CD8+ T, CCR4+ CD25+ Treg and CCR4+ CD25high Treg cells were decreased after therapy. For NA-experienced CHB patients who achieved low HBsAg levels, combination treatment is more likely to result in HBsAg decline and HBsAg clearance by increasing the activity of CD56bright NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Pang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - N Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - B Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Z Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - M Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - M Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - P Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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18
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Ou Q, Guo J, Zeng Y, Chen H. Insights for clinical diagnostic indicators of virus and host in chronic hepatitis B infection. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:224-232. [PMID: 31954089 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is stably present in the nucleus of hepatocytes, is an important indicator for evaluating antiviral efficacy. Since cccDNA quantification requires an invasive procedure, serum biological markers that can effectively reflect the transcriptional activity of intrahepatic virus and the efficacy of treatment are required. Here, from the aspects of virus and host, we outline the focus of clinical research of HBV in recent years, including HBV RNA, empty virus, hepatitis B core-related antigen and changes in the immune response. We briefly discuss their significance in predicting disease activity and monitoring treatment response in chronic hepatitis B. On this basis, some issues worthy of attention in laboratory diagnosis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qishui Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yongbin Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huijuan Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,The Genetic Diagnostic Laboratory, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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19
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Fisicaro P, Rossi M, Vecchi A, Acerbi G, Barili V, Laccabue D, Montali I, Zecca A, Penna A, Missale G, Ferrari C, Boni C. The Good and the Bad of Natural Killer Cells in Virus Control: Perspective for Anti-HBV Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205080. [PMID: 31614928 PMCID: PMC6834135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune modulatory therapies are widely believed to represent potential therapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB). Among the cellular targets for immune interventions, Natural Killer (NK) cells represent possible candidates because they have a key role in anti-viral control by producing cytokines and by exerting cytotoxic functions against virus-infected cells. However, in patients with chronic hepatitis B, NK cells have been described to be more pathogenic than protective with preserved cytolytic activity but with a poor capacity to produce anti-viral cytokines. In addition, NK cells can exert a regulatory activity and possibly suppress adaptive immune responses in the setting of persistent viral infections. Consequently, a potential drawback of NK-cell targeted modulatory interventions is that they can potentiate the suppressive NK cell effect on virus-specific T cells, which further causes impairment of exhausted anti-viral T cell functions. Thus, clinically useful NK-cell modulatory strategies should be not only suited to improve positive anti-viral NK cell functions but also to abrogate T cell suppression by NK cell-mediated T cell killing. This review outlines the main NK cell features with a particular focus on CHB infection. It describes different mechanisms involved in NK-T cell interplay as well as how NK cells can have positive anti-viral effector functions and negative suppressive effects on T cells activity. This review discusses how modulation of their balance can have potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Fisicaro
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Marzia Rossi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Greta Acerbi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Valeria Barili
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Diletta Laccabue
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Montali
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Zecca
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Amalia Penna
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Carolina Boni
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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20
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Ning Q, Wu D, Wang GQ, Ren H, Gao ZL, Hu P, Han MF, Wang Y, Zhang WH, Lu FM, Wang FS. Roadmap to functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: An expert consensus. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1146-1155. [PMID: 31087479 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major public health issue worldwide. HBsAg loss is associated with functional remission and improved long-term outcome, and is considered to be a 'functional cure' (also referred to as clinical or immunologic cure) for chronic hepatitis B. This ideal goal of therapy can be achieved using optimized combination regimens with direct-acting antivirals [eg nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs)] and immunomodulators [eg pegylated interferon alpha2a (Peg-IFN)] in selected patients with chronic hepatitis B. Among different combination therapies currently available, those with NA lead-in followed by Peg-IFN in virally suppressed patients has been demonstrated to be effective. This review provides an updated overview of the evidence supporting the use of combination therapies and summarizes expert consensus on the roadmap to attain functional cure for chronic hepatitis B patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Gui-Qiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Liang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei-Fang Han
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Min Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
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21
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Li TY, Yang Y, Zhou G, Tu ZK. Immune suppression in chronic hepatitis B infection associated liver disease: A review. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3527-3537. [PMID: 31367154 PMCID: PMC6658392 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i27.3527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one the leading risk factors for chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer (HCC), which are a major global health problem. A large number of clinical studies have shown that chronic HBV persistent infection causes the dysfunction of innate and adaptive immune response involving monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T cells. Among these immune cells, cell subsets with suppressive features have been recognized such as myeloid derived suppressive cells(MDSC), NK-reg, T-reg, which represent a critical regulatory system during liver fibrogenesis or tumourigenesis. However, the mechanisms that link HBV-induced immune dysfunction and HBV-related liver diseases are not understood. In this review we summarize the recent studies on innate and adaptive immune cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, and further discuss the potential mechanism of HBV-induced immunosuppressive cascade in HBV infection and consequences. It is hoped that this article will help ongoing research about the pathogenesis of HBV-related hepatic fibrosis and HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yang Li
- Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Liver diseases, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guo Zhou
- Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zheng-Kun Tu
- Infectious Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
- Institute of Liver diseases, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130061, Jilin Province, China
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22
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Wang YH, Chuang YH, Wu CF, Jan MC, Wu WJ, Lin CL, Liu CJ, Yang YC, Chen PJ, Lin SM, Tsai MH, Huang YW, Yu MW. Smoking and Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk: The Mediating Roles of Viral Load and Alanine Aminotransferase. Hepatology 2019; 69:1412-1425. [PMID: 30382583 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Smoking interacts with hepatitis B virus (HBV) to increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which might be explained by its role in antiviral immunity. We evaluated the potential mediating role of viral load and/or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the relation of smoking with HBV-associated HCC risk. Using multiple mediation analyses to analyze data from 209 HCC cases and 1,256 controls nested within a cohort of 4,841 male HBV carriers, we found that the effect of smoking on the risk of subsequent HCC was substantially mediated through viral load (percent mediated, 31.7%; P = 0.0054), and a significant mediation effect by both viral load and ALT was also evidenced. Among the 1,143 subjects with repeated measures of viral load and ALT over periods of up to 16 years, we further observed that a higher number of pack-years of smoking was associated with higher viral load, maintenance of a high viral load (>4.39 log copies/mL), more severe hepatotoxicity grade, and increased likelihood of ALT ≥80 U/L (odds ratio, 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-9.64; odds ratio, 6.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-33.25, respectively, for 10-19 and ≥20 pack-years versus nonsmokers) during follow-up. Furthermore, plasma interferon-γ levels were reduced in smokers compared with nonsmokers (interferon-γ-positive rate, 14.9% versus 28.7%; P < 0.0001) at baseline. Smoking was also associated with a reduced natural killer (NK) cell frequency in peripheral blood, characterized by reduced NK function through a systems immunology approach, after long-term follow-up in a subsample (n = 171). The combination of smoking and reduced NK cell frequency further increased viral load and the likelihood of ALT ≥80 U/L. Conclusion: The data highlight a role of smoking in HBV viral load, underlining the importance of smoking prevention and cessation in hepatitis B management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hui Wang
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Medical Research Center, Cardinal Tien Hospital and School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hui Chuang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Feng Wu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chin Jan
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Jung Wu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chien Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shi-Ming Lin
- Division of Hepatology, Liver Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Hsun Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Whei Yu
- Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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23
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Yang K, Guan S, Zhang H, Chen Z. Induction of interleukin 6 impairs the anti-HBV efficiency of IFN-α in human hepatocytes through upregulation of SOCS3. J Med Virol 2019; 91:803-812. [PMID: 30570770 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Department of Pharmacology; Anhui Medical University; Hefei China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory; The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University; Hefei China
| | - Shihe Guan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory; The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University; Hefei China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory; The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University; Hefei China
| | - Zhiwu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology; Anhui Medical University; Hefei China
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24
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Gehring AJ, Protzer U. Targeting Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses to Cure Chronic HBV Infection. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:325-337. [PMID: 30367834 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fewer than 1% of chronic hepatitis B virus infections per year are cured with antiviral treatment. This creates a need for long-term treatment, which poses challenges for patients and health systems. Because cure is accompanied by recovery of antiviral immunity, a combination of direct-acting antiviral agents and immunotherapy are likely to be required. Extensive efforts have been made to identify determinants of the failed immune response to hepatitis B virus in patients with chronic infection. We review mechanisms of immune dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, immunotherapy strategies in development, and the challenges associated with successful implementation of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany.
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25
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Gill US, Kennedy PTF. The impact of currently licensed therapies on viral and immune responses in chronic hepatitis B: Considerations for future novel therapeutics. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:4-15. [PMID: 30415490 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of a preventative vaccine, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global healthcare challenge with the risk of disease progression due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current treatment strategies, interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues have contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality related to CHB, these therapies are limited in providing functional cure. The treatment paradigm in CHB is rapidly evolving with a number of new agents in the developmental pipeline. However, until novel agents with functional cure capability are available in the clinical setting, there is a pressing need to optimize currently licensed therapies. Here, we discuss current agents used alone and/or in combination strategies along with the impact of these therapies on viral and immune responses. Novel treatment strategies are outlined, and the potential role of current therapies in the employment of pipeline agents is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upkar S Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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26
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Rehermann B, Thimme R. Insights From Antiviral Therapy Into Immune Responses to Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:369-383. [PMID: 30267712 PMCID: PMC6340757 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There are 257 million persons worldwide with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a leading causes of liver cancer. Almost all adults with acute HBV infection have a rapid immune response to the virus, resulting in life-long immunity, but there is no cure for individuals with chronic HBV infection, which they acquire during early life. The mechanisms that drive the progression of HBV through distinct clinical phases to end-stage liver disease are poorly understood. Likewise, it is not clear whether and how immune responses can be modulated to allow control and/or clearance of intrahepatic HBV DNA. We review the innate and adaptive immune responses to acute and chronic HBV infections and responses to antiviral therapy. Comparisons with hepatitis C virus infection provide insights into the reversibility of innate inflammatory responses and the potential for successful therapy to recover virus-specific memory immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Robert Thimme
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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Li H, Zhai N, Wang Z, Song H, Yang Y, Cui A, Li T, Wang G, Niu J, Crispe IN, Su L, Tu Z. Regulatory NK cells mediated between immunosuppressive monocytes and dysfunctional T cells in chronic HBV infection. Gut 2018; 67:2035-2044. [PMID: 28899983 PMCID: PMC6176520 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-314098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HBV infection represents a major health problem worldwide, but the immunological mechanisms by which HBV causes chronic persistent infection remain only partly understood. Recently, cell subsets with suppressive features have been recognised among monocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Here we examine the effects of HBV on monocytes and NK cells. METHODS Monocytes and NK cells derived from chronic HBV-infected patients and healthy controls were purified and characterised for phenotype, gene expression and cytokines secretion by flow cytometry, quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR, ELISA and western blotting. Culture and coculture of monocytes and NK cells were used to determine NK cell activation, using intracellular cytokines staining. RESULTS In chronic HBV infection, monocytes express higher levels of PD-L1, HLA-E, interleukin (IL)-10 and TGF-β, and NK cells express higher levels of PD-1, CD94 and IL-10, compared with healthy individuals. HBV employs hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to induce suppressive monocytes with HLA-E, PD-L1, IL-10 and TGF-β expression via the MyD88/NFκB signalling pathway. HBV-treated monocytes induce NK cells to produce IL-10, via PD-L1 and HLA-E signals. Such NK cells inhibit autologous T cell activation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal an immunosuppressive cascade, in which HBV generates suppressive monocytes, which initiate regulatory NK cells differentiation resulting in T cell inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Naicui Zhai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongxiao Song
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - An Cui
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianyang Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyi Wang
- Department of Liver and Gall Surgery, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ian Nicholas Crispe
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lishan Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zhengkun Tu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Institute of Liver Diseases, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Tout I, Gomes M, Ainouze M, Marotel M, Pecoul T, Durantel D, Vaccarella S, Dubois B, Loustaud-Ratti V, Walzer T, Alain S, Chemin I, Hasan U. Hepatitis B Virus Blocks the CRE/CREB Complex and Prevents TLR9 Transcription and Function in Human B Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2018; 201:2331-2344. [PMID: 30185518 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Effective B cell responses such as cytokine secretion, proliferation, and Ab-specific responses are essential to clear hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, HBV alters numerous immune pathways to persist in the host. B cell activity depends on activation of the innate sensor TLR9 by viral or bacterial DNA motifs. How HBV can deregulate B cell functions remains unknown. In this study, we show that HBV can enter and decrease TLR9 expression in human primary B cells. Using PBMCs from human blood donors, we show that TLR9 expression was reduced in all peripheral B cells subsets exposed to HBV. B cell function mediated by TLR9, but not TLR7, such as proliferation and proinflammatory cytokines secretion, were abrogated in the presence of HBV; however, global Ig secretion was not downregulated. Mechanistically, we show, using human myeloma B cell line RPMI 8226, that the surface Ag hepatitis B surface Ag was responsible for TLR9 dysfunction. hepatitis B surface Ag suppressed the phosphorylation and thus the activation of the transcription factor CREB, preventing TLR9 promoter activity. Finally, we corroborated our in vitro findings in a cohort of chronic HBV carriers and found that TLR9 expression and function were significantly suppressed. The effect of HBV on TLR9 activity in B cells gives insights into oncoviral immune escape strategies, providing knowledge to develop novel immunotherapeutic approaches in chronic HBV-carrier patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issam Tout
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, 69100 Lyon, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
| | - Melissa Gomes
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dupuytren, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - Michelle Ainouze
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, 69100 Lyon, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
| | - Marie Marotel
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, 69100 Lyon, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
| | - Timothee Pecoul
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, 69100 Lyon, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
| | - David Durantel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, 69373 Lyon, France; and
| | | | - Bertrand Dubois
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, 69373 Lyon, France; and
| | | | - Thierry Walzer
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, 69007 Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, 69100 Lyon, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
| | - Sophie Alain
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dupuytren, 87042 Limoges, France
| | - Isabelle Chemin
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, 69373 Lyon, France; and
| | - Uzma Hasan
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, 69007 Lyon, France;
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Lyon, France
- CNRS, UMR5308, 69100 Lyon, France
- École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon, 69007 Lyon, France
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69495 Lyon, France
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Suslov A, Wieland S, Menne S. Modulators of innate immunity as novel therapeutics for treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 30:9-17. [PMID: 29444493 PMCID: PMC5988934 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The first line defense mechanisms against viral infection are mediated by the innate immune system. Viral components are detected by infected cells and/or innate immune cells that express different sensory receptors. They in turn mediate induction of direct antiviral mechanisms and further modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. For evading the innate system, most viruses have evolved efficient mechanisms to block sensing and/or antiviral functions of the innate response. Interestingly, hepatitis B virus (HBV) seems to act like a stealth virus that escapes cell intrinsic antiviral mechanisms through avoiding recognition by the innate system rather than blocking its effector functions. In line with this concept, agonistic activation of innate immunity has emerged as a promising novel anti-HBV therapy approach with several compounds having advanced to the clinical stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Suslov
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel CH-4031, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Wieland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel CH-4031, Switzerland.
| | - Stephan Menne
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, United States.
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30
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Su TH, Liu CJ. Combination Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B: Current Updates and Perspectives. Gut Liver 2018; 11:590-603. [PMID: 28494575 PMCID: PMC5593320 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) and interferon have been used for several decades to treat chronic hepatitis B; however, the therapeutic response remains unsatisfactory. Although NUC therapy exhibits potent on-treatment viral suppression, frequent off-therapy virological relapses suggest an indefinite treatment course. Interferon modulates the innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses and thus increases the chance of viral eradication. Interferon therapy has the advantage of a finite duration, absence of drug resistance, and durable posttreatment responses. Therefore, the combination of NUCs and interferon can theoretically facilitate a synergistic therapeutic effect. This paper summarizes the current strategies of various combination therapies into three categories: the simultaneous “dual” strategy, sequential combination “add-on” strategy, and “switch” strategy. Generally, dual therapy exhibits greater on-treatment and off-therapy viral suppression and lower drug resistance compared with NUC monotherapy. Compared with interferon monotherapy, dual therapy has greater on-treatment viral suppression but shows no difference in off-therapy sustained virological responses. Specific add-on or switch strategies provide promising on-treatment efficacy in select patients. Pretreatment or on-treatment quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and e antigen are predictive for the treatment efficacy of combination therapy. The optimal schedule of combination regimens and individualized therapy remain to be comprehensively evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Hung Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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31
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. There are >250 million people chronically infected with HBV, and these chronic carriers are at high risk of developing end-stage liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) usually acquire the virus perinatally, while most patients infected during adulthood develop acute hepatitis B (AHB), which usually results in viral clearance. HBV infection is noncytopathic, and liver injury is mostly contributed by host immune responses. The virus is stealthy, since the infection rarely induces type I interferon response in the early phase. In AHB, viral infection is detected and restrained by the innate immune response, which is followed by a strong and robust adaptive immune response and accompanied by viral clearance. In patients with CHB, both innate and adaptive immune responses are weak and thus rarely lead to viral clearance. Interferon α and nucleos(t)ide analogues are 2 classes of approved antiviral therapies. The former treatment activates nature killer (NK) cells and NK T cells, which partially enhances the innate immune response, while the later treatment suppresses viral replication by inhibiting reverse transcriptase, which may restore the HBV-specific adaptive immune response. However, single or combined treatment are still far from achieving seroclearance of HBV surface antigen. Although the treatment response is unsatisfactory in current clinical trials using several immunomodulators for boosting antiviral immunity, immunotherapy that is able to induce immune surveillance is still the most promising modality for HBV cure in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Chung Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital-Jinshan Branch, New Taipei City.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei.,Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
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32
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Wu D, Ning Q. Toward a Cure for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Combination Therapy Involving Viral Suppression and Immune Modulation and Long-term Outcome. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:S771-S777. [PMID: 29156046 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health burden. Currently, the approved therapeutic regimens include nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and either interferon or pegylated interferon. NA therapy is generally safe and well tolerated, but the rate of posttreatment virologic relapse is high, making NA treatment a lifetime commitment. The benefits of pegylated interferon treatment include a finite duration, more-durable response and absence of viral resistance. However, sustained response to interferon alone is achieved only in a minority of patients, and side effects are common, which limit its clinical use. Given that HBV covalently closed circular DNA and the integrated HBV genome persist stably in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes, elimination (complete cure) of HBV is rarely achieved. After completion of treatment, sustained HBV surface antigen loss, with or without seroconversion to HBV surface antibody positivity (ie, functional cure), is therefore recommended as the ideal end point for anti-HBV treatment, despite the lack of complete eradication of HBV. Theoretically, combination of antiviral agents with differential mechanisms of actions on HBV, including viral suppression combined with immune modulation (as occurs during treatment with NA plus pegylated interferon), is an encouraging strategy to treat chronic hepatitis B. Recent studies have confirmed certain virological and serological advantages of simultaneous administration of NA and pegylated interferon (de novo combination therapy) or addition of pegylated interferon to ongoing NA therapy (sequential combination therapy) over monotherapy. Few data exist, however, on the long-term outcomes of patients receiving combination therapy. This review summarizes current combination therapy developed to cure chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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33
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Li H, Wang H, Peng C, Zheng X, Liu J, Weng ZH, Yang DL. Predictors for efficacy of combination therapy with a nucleos(t)ide analogue and interferon for chronic hepatitis B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 37:547-555. [PMID: 28786051 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-017-1771-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the efficacy of interferon-α (IFN-α) combined with either entecavir (ETV) or adefovir (ADV) therapy versus IFN-α mono-therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and to identify the factors associated with treatment outcomes. Totally, 159 CHB patients receiving interferon-based treatment for 48 weeks were enrolled in this retrospective study, including IFN-α mono-therapy group (group A, n=44), IFN-α plus ADV group (group B, n=53) and IFN-α plus ETV group (group C, n=62). The primary measures of efficacy assessments were the changes in HBsAg. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of treatment outcomes. The predictive values of the factors were assessed by ROC analysis. For patients with baseline hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level <1000 IU/mL, the reductions in mean HBsAg levels at week 48 were greater in group C than that in group A (P<0.05). Higher rate of HBeAg seroconversion was achieved in the combined therapy group than in IFN-α mono-therapy group at week 48 (P<0.05). Two factors were independently associated with HBeAg seroconversion: baseline HBeAg level <2.215 log10 index/mL and ΔHBeAg (decline in HBeAg from baseline) >0.175 log10 at week 12. In conclusion, interferon-α plus ETV therapy can accelerate HBsAg decline as compared with interferon-α mono-therapy in CHB patients with lower baseline HBsAg levels, and the combination therapy was superior to IFN-α mono-therapy in increasing the rate of HBeAg seroconversion. Baseline HBeAg and ΔHBeAg at week 12 can independently predict HBeAg seroconversion in patients subject to interferon-based therapy for 48 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Weng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Dong-Liang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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de Niet A, Jansen L, Stelma F, Willemse SB, Kuiken SD, Weijer S, van Nieuwkerk CMJ, Zaaijer HL, Molenkamp R, Takkenberg RB, Koot M, Verheij J, Beuers U, Reesink HW. Peg-interferon plus nucleotide analogue treatment versus no treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B with a low viral load: a randomised controlled, open-label trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:576-584. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(17)30083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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35
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Gehring AJ. New treatments to reach functional cure: Rationale and challenges for emerging immune-based therapies. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2017; 31:337-345. [PMID: 28774416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The landscape for chronic HBV therapy is rapidly evolving. The latest generation of antiviral drugs provide robust virus suppression with a high barrier to resistance that facilitates long-term treatment. However, low rates of HBsAg loss demonstrate that additional strategies are needed to consistency achieve a functional cure. The immune system can clear HBV and establish long-term control over the virus. Sufficiently boosting HBV immunity in chronic patients has been very difficult due to immune exhaustion, immune dysregulation, and inhibitory pathways suppressing the immune response. Therapeutic vaccines employing new technology, vectors and new immunomodulatory drugs that can elicit direct antiviral effects and cancel inhibitory mechanism may be able to overcome exhaustion. This review will discuss the justification for immunotherapy, lessons from previous trials and new vaccines/drugs in early stage clinical trials. The challenges of correlating immune responses induced by these drugs to clinical efficacy will also be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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36
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Phillips S, Mistry S, Riva A, Cooksley H, Hadzhiolova-Lebeau T, Plavova S, Katzarov K, Simonova M, Zeuzem S, Woffendin C, Chen PJ, Peng CY, Chang TT, Lueth S, De Knegt R, Choi MS, Wedemeyer H, Dao M, Kim CW, Chu HC, Wind-Rotolo M, Williams R, Cooney E, Chokshi S. Peg-Interferon Lambda Treatment Induces Robust Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Front Immunol 2017; 8:621. [PMID: 28611778 PMCID: PMC5446997 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IFN-lambda (IFNλ) is a member of the type III IFN family and is reported to possess anti-pathogen, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory properties; however, there are limited data regarding its impact on host immune responses in vivo. We performed longitudinal and comprehensive immunosurveillance to assess the ability of pegylated (peg)-IFNλ to augment antiviral host immunity as part of a clinical trial assessing the efficacy of peg-IFNλ in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. These patients were pretreated with directly acting antiviral therapy (entecavir) for 12 weeks with subsequent addition of peg-IFNλ for up to 32 weeks. In a subgroup of patients, the addition of peg-IFNλ provoked high serum levels of antiviral cytokine IL-18. We also observed the enhancement of natural killer cell polyfunctionality and the recovery of a pan-genotypic HBV-specific CD4+ T cells producing IFN-γ with maintenance of HBV-specific CD8+ T cell antiviral and cytotoxic activities. It was only in these patients that we observed strong virological control with reductions in both viral replication and HBV antigen levels. Here, we show for the first time that in vivo peg-IFNλ displays significant immunostimulatory properties with improvements in the main effectors mediating anti-HBV immunity. Interestingly, the maintenance in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells in the presence of peg-IFNλ is in contrast to previous studies showing that peg-IFNα treatment for CHB results in a detrimental effect on the functionality of this important antiviral T cell compartment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01204762.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Phillips
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sameer Mistry
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Riva
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Cooksley
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Slava Plavova
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Krum Katzarov
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Marieta Simonova
- Clinic of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stephan Zeuzem
- Johann Wolfgang, Goethe University Medical Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Clive Woffendin
- Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Dao
- Precision Diagnostic Laboratory, Santa Ana, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Megan Wind-Rotolo
- Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Wallingford, CT, United States
| | - Roger Williams
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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37
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Different antiviral effects of IFNα subtypes in a mouse model of HBV infection. Sci Rep 2017; 7:334. [PMID: 28336921 PMCID: PMC5428457 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFNα) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. There are 13 different IFNα subtypes in humans, but only the subtype IFNα2 is used for clinical treatment. The antiviral activities of all other IFNα subtypes against HBV have not been studied. To obtain basic knowledge about the direct antiviral as well as the immunomodulatory effects of IFNα subtypes, we used the HBV hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model. Application of most IFNα subtype proteins inhibited HBV replication in vivo, with IFNα4 and IFNα5 being the most effective subtypes. Decreased viral loads after therapeutic application of IFNα4 and IFNα5 correlated with expanded effector cell populations of NK cells and T cells in both liver and spleen. Hydrodynamic injection of plasmids encoding for the effective IFNα subtypes (pIFNα) was even more potent against HBV than injecting IFNα proteins. The combination of pIFNα4 and pIFNα5 showed a synergistic antiviral effect on HBV replication, with a strong increase in NK cell and T cell activity. The results demonstrate distinct anti-HBV effects of different IFNα subtypes against HBV in the mouse model, which may be relevant for new therapeutic approaches.
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Boyd A, Piroth L, Maylin S, Maynard-Muet M, Lebossé F, Bouix C, Lascoux-Combe C, Mahjoub N, Girard PM, Delaugerre C, Carrat F, Lacombe K, Miailhes P. Intensification with pegylated interferon during treatment with tenofovir in HIV-hepatitis B virus co-infected patients. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:1017-1026. [PMID: 27486094 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg) positive patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) mono-infection, intensification of nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment with pegylated interferon (PegIFN) could help induce higher HBeAg seroclearance rates. Our aim was to determine the long-term effect of adding PegIFN to tenofovir (TDF)-containing antiretroviral therapy on seroclearance in HBeAg-positive patients co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV. In this prospective matched cohort study, 46 patients with 1-year PegIFN intensification during TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy (TDF+PegIFN) were matched 1:1 to controls undergoing TDF without PegIFN (TDF) using a time-dependent propensity score based on age, CD4+ count and liver cirrhosis status. Kinetics of HBeAg quantification (qHBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen quantification (qHBsAg) were estimated using mixed-effect linear regression and time to HBeAg seroclearance or HBsAg seroclearance was modelled using proportional hazards regression. At baseline, previous TDF exposure was a median 39.8 months (IQR=21.4-59.4) and median qHBeAg and qHBsAg levels were 6.9 PEIU/mL and 3.72 log10 IU/mL, respectively (P>.5 between groups). Median follow-up was 33.4 months (IQR=19.0-36.3). During intensification, faster average declines of qHBeAg (-0.066 vs -0.027 PEIU/mL/month, P=.001) and qHBsAg (-0.049 vs -0.026 log10 IU/mL/month, P=.09) were observed in patients undergoing TDF+PegIFN vs TDF, respectively. After intensification, qHBeAg and qHBsAg decline was no different between groups (P=.7 and P=.9, respectively). Overall, no differences were observed in HBeAg seroclearance (TDF+PegIFN=13.2 vs TDF=12.6/100 person·years, P=.5) or HBsAg seroclearance rates (TDF+PegIFN=1.8 vs TDF=1.3/100 person·years, P=.7). In conclusion, PegIFN intensification in HBeAg-positive co-infected patients did not lead to increased rates of HBeAg or HBsAg clearance, despite faster declines of antigen levels while on PegIFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Boyd
- INSERM, UMR_S1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Paris, France
| | - L Piroth
- Département d'Infectiologie, CHU and UMR 1347, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - S Maylin
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - M Maynard-Muet
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
| | - F Lebossé
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
| | - C Bouix
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
| | - C Lascoux-Combe
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - N Mahjoub
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - P-M Girard
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - C Delaugerre
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France.,INSERM U941, Paris, France
| | - F Carrat
- Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Département de Santé Publique, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - K Lacombe
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S 1136, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - P Miailhes
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de Lyon, Equipes 15 et 16, INSERM, Unité 1052, UMR 5286, CNRS, Lyon, France.,Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Zhou Y, Li S, Tang Z, Xu C, Huang S, Wu J, Dittmer U, Dickow J, Sutter K, Lu M, Yang D, Song J. Different antiviral effects of IFNα and IFNβ in an HBV mouse model. Immunobiology 2016; 222:562-570. [PMID: 27839836 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interferons α and β (IFNα and IFNβ) are type I interferons produced by the host to control pathogen propagation. However, only a minority of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients generate a sustained response after treatment with recombinant IFNα. The anti-HBV effect of IFNβ and the underlying mechanism are not well-understood. Here, we compared the antiviral activities of IFNα and IFNβ by application of IFNα or IFNβ expression plasmids using the well-established HBV hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model. Injection of IFNα expression plasmid could significantly reduce HBV serum markers including HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA as well as the number of HBcAg positive cells in the liver, while IFNβ showed only a weak inhibition of HBV replication. In contrast to IFNβ, IFNα resulted in elevated expression levels of IFN stimulated genes (ISGs) as well as the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL6) in the liver. Moreover, IFNβ treated mice showed higher expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL10 and TGFβ in the liver compared to IFNα. Our results demonstrated that both IFNα and IFNβ exert antiviral activities against HBV in HI mouse model, but IFNα is more effective than IFNβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China; School of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, PR China.
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China; Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Zongsheng Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Chunli Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Shunmei Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Julia Dickow
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Jingjiao Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
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Martinot-Peignoux M, Lapalus M, Maylin S, Boyer N, Castelnau C, Giuily N, Pouteau M, Moucari R, Asselah T, Marcellin P. Baseline HBsAg and HBcrAg titres allow peginterferon-based 'precision medicine' in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:905-911. [PMID: 27375231 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) has been proposed as an additional marker to quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg), for management of chronic hepatitis B. Evaluate baseline combination of qHBsAg and qHBcrAg for identification of patients that could benefit from pegylated interferon-alpha-2a (PegIFN)-based therapy. Sixty-two HBeAg-negative patients treated with PegIFN or PegIFN plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (PegIFN+TDF). HBsAg and HBcrAg titres were evaluated at baseline. Thirty patients received PegIFN and 32 PegIFN+TDF. SR was 10 of 30 and 17 of 32 in PegIFN and PegIFN+TDF patients, respectively. Cut-offs determined by maximized Youden's index for identifying patients likely to respond to therapy were as follows: 3.141 log10 IU/mL and 3.450 log10 U/mL for HBsAg and HBcrAg, respectively. At the end of 3 years post-treatment follow-up, HBsAg loss was observed in 7 of 30 and 6 of 32 in PegIFN and PegIFN+TDF patients, respectively. The AUC was estimated to be 0.716 (95% CI [0.578, 0.855]) for HBsAg and 0.668 (95% CI [0.524, 0.811]) for HBcrAg (P=.5541). PPVs for AUCs(95%CI) were 0.762(0.590-0.947), 0.714(0.533-1.000) and 0.800(0.611-1.000), and NPVs for AUCs(95%CI) were 0.756(0.660-0.899), 0.718(0.630-0.857) and 0.765(0.675-0.889) for qHBsAg, qHBcrAg and the combination of both markers, respectively. Baseline qHBsAg 3.141 log10 IU/mL and qHBcrAg 3.450 log10 U/mL thresholds used separately or in combination allow prediction of response, prior to PegIFN-based therapy, with a PPV of 80.3% and NPV of 76.5%. Baseline qHBsAg is predictive of HBsAg loss. Both markers could be used, separately or in combination, for PegIFN-based 'precision therapy'. Our results emphasize that the combination of PegIFN alpha-2a plus TDF with 53% of SR might be an alternative to finite therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martinot-Peignoux
- INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France. .,Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France.
| | - M Lapalus
- INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France.,Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - S Maylin
- Service de Microbiolgie Pole B2P, Hôpital saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - N Boyer
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, Clichy Cedex, France
| | - C Castelnau
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, Clichy Cedex, France
| | - N Giuily
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, Clichy Cedex, France
| | - M Pouteau
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, Clichy Cedex, France
| | - R Moucari
- INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France.,Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - T Asselah
- INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France.,Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France.,Service de Microbiolgie Pole B2P, Hôpital saint Louis, Paris, France.,Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, Clichy Cedex, France
| | - P Marcellin
- INSERM, UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France.,Université Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France.,Service de Microbiolgie Pole B2P, Hôpital saint Louis, Paris, France.,Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP, Clichy Cedex, France
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hepatitis B is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis. Interferon (IFN)-based therapies provide the highest likelihood of achieving off-treatment virological and serological control although their use is often avoided because of the side-effect profile. We review recent developments regarding the use of IFN in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, including proposed strategies to enhance efficacy while limiting treatment exposure for patients who are unlikely to achieve acceptable treatment endpoints. RECENT FINDINGS The utility of host genetics (human leukocyte antigen associations and interleukin 28B) is yet to be defined. In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive disease, add-on IFN therapy to patients on entecavir may allow curtailment of nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment. In HBeAg-negative disease, an on-treatment stopping rule that measures decline of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA at 12 and 24 weeks may identify up to two-thirds of poor responders. Prolonging IFN therapy to 96 weeks in patients with HBeAg-negative disease may improve virological and serological response rates. The combination of telbivudine and IFN therapy is contraindicated because of high rates of peripheral neuropathy. SUMMARY These findings need to be confirmed in larger trials before they can be instituted into routine clinical practice.
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Gill US, Peppa D, Micco L, Singh HD, Carey I, Foster GR, Maini MK, Kennedy PTF. Interferon Alpha Induces Sustained Changes in NK Cell Responsiveness to Hepatitis B Viral Load Suppression In Vivo. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005788. [PMID: 27487232 PMCID: PMC4972354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are important antiviral effectors, highly enriched in the liver, with the potential to regulate immunopathogenesis in persistent viral infections. Here we examined whether changes in the NK pool are induced when patients with eAg-positive CHB are 'primed' with PegIFNα and importantly, whether these changes are sustained or further modulated long-term after switching to nucleos(t)ides (sequential NUC therapy), an approach currently tested in the clinic. Longitudinal sampling of a prospectively recruited cohort of patients with eAg+CHB showed that the cumulative expansion of CD56bright NK cells driven by 48-weeks of PegIFNα was maintained at higher than baseline levels throughout the subsequent 9 months of sequential NUCs. Unexpectedly, PegIFNα-expanded NK cells showed further augmentation in their expression of the activating NK cell receptors NKp30 and NKp46 during sequential NUCs. The expansion in proliferating, functional NK cells was more pronounced following sequential NUCs than in comparison cohorts of patients treated with de novo NUCs or PegIFNα only. Reduction in circulating HBsAg concentrations, a key goal in the path towards functional cure of CHB, was only achieved in those patients with enhancement of NK cell IFNγ and cytotoxicity but decrease in their expression of the death ligand TRAIL. In summary, we conclude that PegIFNα priming can expand a population of functional NK cells with an altered responsiveness to subsequent antiviral suppression by NUCs. Patients on sequential NUCs with a distinct NK cell profile show a decline in HBsAg, providing mechanistic insights for the further optimisation of treatment strategies to achieve sustained responses in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upkar S. Gill
- Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Micco
- Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ivana Carey
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R. Foster
- Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mala K. Maini
- Division of Infection & Immunity, UCL, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MKM); (PTFK)
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Hepatology, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (MKM); (PTFK)
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43
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Abstract
GOALS To elucidate impact of insulin resistance (IR) on the response to interferon-α (IFN-α) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. BACKGROUND Metabolic factors influencing the virological response of CHB patients on IFN-α treatment are still unexplored. STUDY Eighty CHB patients were treated with IFN-α for 48 weeks. The IR was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) before treatment. Viral load and biochemical parameters were measured at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after starting treatment, and then 24 weeks after the end of treatment. IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α were tested at baseline and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Pretreatment HOMA-IR proved to be the only independent predictor of primary nonresponse, as well as the pretreatment HOMA-IR, viral load and primary nonresponse were independently associated with virological response at 24, 48 weeks of treatment and at the follow-up endpoint. The significant higher virological relapse rate in patients with IR was observed in patients with virological response at 48 weeks of treatment. The mean HOMA-IR was significantly lower in virological responders than in virological nonresponders. The secretion of IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α was not induced in patients with IR at 12 weeks after IFN-α treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that IR is strongly associated with virological response, thus reflecting the important role played by metabolic factors in the viral kinetics during IFN-α treatment. These findings suggested clinical application of pretreatment HOMA-IR could enable treatment outcome to be predicted and treatment regimens to be determined.
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Bruder Costa J, Dufeu-Duchesne T, Leroy V, Bertucci I, Bouvier-Alias M, Pouget N, Brevot-Lutton O, Bourliere M, Zoulim F, Plumas J, Aspord C. Pegylated Interferon α-2a Triggers NK-Cell Functionality and Specific T-Cell Responses in Patients with Chronic HBV Infection without HBsAg Seroconversion. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158297. [PMID: 27348813 PMCID: PMC4922676 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pegylated interferon α-2a (Peg-IFN-α) represents a therapeutic alternative to the prolonged use of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. The mechanisms leading to a positive clinical outcome remain unclear. As immune responses are critical for virus control, we investigated the effects of Peg-IFN-α on both innate and adaptive immunity, and related it to the clinical evolution. The phenotypic and functional features of the dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells and HBV-specific CD4/CD8 T cells were analyzed in HBeAg-negative CHB patients treated for 48-weeks with NA alone or together with Peg-IFN-α, before, during and up to 2-years after therapy. Peg-IFN-α induced an early activation of DCs, a potent expansion of the CD56bright NK subset, and enhanced the activation and functionality of the CD56dim NK subset. Peg-IFN-α triggered an increase in the frequencies of Th1- and Th17-oriented HBV-specific CD4/CD8 T cells. Peg-IFN-α reversed the unresponsiveness of patients to a specific stimulation. Most of the parameters returned to baseline after the stop of Peg-IFN-α therapy. Peg-IFN-α impacts both innate and adaptive immunity, overcoming dysfunctional immune responses in CHB patients. These modulations were not associated with seroconversion, which questioned the benefit of the add-on Peg-IFN-α treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Bruder Costa
- University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38041 France; INSERM, U1209, Immunobiology and Immunotherapy of Chronic Deseases, La Tronche, F-38706 France
- CHU Grenoble, Michallon Hospital, Hepato-gastroenterology unit, Grenoble, F-38043 France
| | - Tania Dufeu-Duchesne
- CHU Grenoble, Michallon Hospital, Hepato-gastroenterology unit, Grenoble, F-38043 France
- University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38041 France; INSERM, U1209, Analytic Immunology of chronic pathologies, La Tronche, F-38706 France
| | - Vincent Leroy
- CHU Grenoble, Michallon Hospital, Hepato-gastroenterology unit, Grenoble, F-38043 France
- University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38041 France; INSERM, U1209, Analytic Immunology of chronic pathologies, La Tronche, F-38706 France
| | - Inga Bertucci
- ANRS (France REcherche Nord & sud Sida-hiv Hépatites: FRENSH), Paris, France
| | - Magali Bouvier-Alias
- Department of Virology, Henri Mondor Hospital, University Paris-Est and Inserm U955, Creteil, France
| | - Noelle Pouget
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), 75012, Paris, France
| | - Ophelie Brevot-Lutton
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d’épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), 75012, Paris, France
| | - Marc Bourliere
- Hepato-gastroenterology department Hospital Saint Joseph, Marseille, 13008 France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052—CNRS 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Joel Plumas
- University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38041 France; INSERM, U1209, Immunobiology and Immunotherapy of Chronic Deseases, La Tronche, F-38706 France
- EFS Rhone-Alpes, R&D Laboratory, La Tronche, F-38701 France
- * E-mail: (CA); (JP)
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38041 France; INSERM, U1209, Immunobiology and Immunotherapy of Chronic Deseases, La Tronche, F-38706 France
- EFS Rhone-Alpes, R&D Laboratory, La Tronche, F-38701 France
- * E-mail: (CA); (JP)
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45
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Maini MK, Gehring AJ. The role of innate immunity in the immunopathology and treatment of HBV infection. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S60-S70. [PMID: 27084038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review we give a brief update on sensors recently determined to be capable of detecting HBV, and examine how the virus represses the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like type I interferons. We overview cellular components of innate immunity that are present at high frequencies in the liver, and discuss their roles in HBV control and/or pathogenesis. We argue that many innate effectors have adaptive-like features or can exert specific effects on HBV through immunoregulation of T cells. Finally we consider current and possible future strategies to manipulate innate immunity as novel approaches towards a functional cure for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity and Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, UCL, United Kingdom.
| | - Adam J Gehring
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, United States
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46
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Marcellin P, Ahn SH, Ma X, Caruntu FA, Tak WY, Elkashab M, Chuang WL, Lim SG, Tabak F, Mehta R, Petersen J, Foster GR, Lou L, Martins EB, Dinh P, Lin L, Corsa A, Charuworn P, Subramanian GM, Reiser H, Reesink HW, Fung S, Strasser SI, Trinh H, Buti M, Gaeta GB, Hui AJ, Papatheodoridis G, Flisiak R, Chan HLY. Combination of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate and Peginterferon α-2a Increases Loss of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:134-144.e10. [PMID: 26453773 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus rarely achieve loss of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) with the standard of care. We evaluated HBsAg loss in patients receiving the combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and peginterferon α-2a (peginterferon) for a finite duration in a randomized trial. METHODS In an open-label, active-controlled study, 740 patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to receive TDF plus peginterferon for 48 weeks (group A), TDF plus peginterferon for 16 weeks followed by TDF for 32 weeks (group B), TDF for 120 weeks (group C), or peginterferon for 48 weeks (group D). The primary end point was the proportion of patients with serum HBsAg loss at week 72. RESULTS At week seventy-two, 9.1% of subjects in group A had HBsAg loss compared with 2.8% of subjects in group B, none of the subjects in group C, and 2.8% of subjects in group D. A significantly higher proportion of subjects in group A had HBsAg loss than in group C (P < .001) or group D (P = .003). However, the proportions of subjects with HBsAg loss did not differ significantly between group B and group C (P = .466) or group D (P = .883). HBsAg loss in group A occurred in hepatitis B e antigen-positive and hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients with all major viral genotypes. The incidence of common adverse events (including headache, alopecia, and pyrexia) and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS A significantly greater proportion of patients receiving TDF plus peginterferon for 48 weeks had HBsAg loss than those receiving TDF or peginterferon alone. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01277601.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Marcellin
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, University Paris-Diderot, Inserm Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Clichy, France
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Florin A Caruntu
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, "Matei Bals", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Won Young Tak
- Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | | | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Seng-Gee Lim
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fehmi Tabak
- University of Istanbul, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Joerg Petersen
- IFI Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine at the Asklepios Klinik St. George, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Lanjia Lin
- Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | | | | | - Hans Reiser
- Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | - Scott Fung
- University of Toronto, Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Huy Trinh
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, California
| | - Maria Buti
- Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giovanni B Gaeta
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Aric J Hui
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Hong Kong
| | | | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Zhang QF, Shao JY, Yin WW, Xia Y, Chen L, Wang X, Hu HD, Hu P, Ren H, Zhang DZ. Altered Immune Profiles of Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160171. [PMID: 27513564 PMCID: PMC4981347 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are the main effective component of the innate immune system that responds to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Although numerous studies have reported the immune profiles of NK cells in CHB patients, they are limited by inconsistent results. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to characterize reliably the immune profiles of NK cells after CHB infection, specifically frequency, phenotype, and function. METHODS A literature search of the computer databases MEDLINE, PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trails was performed and 19 studies were selected. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each continuous variable was estimated with a fixed effects model when I2 < 50% for the test for heterogeneity, or the random effects model otherwise. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests. RESULTS The meta-analysis of publications that reported frequency of peripheral NK cells showed that NK cell levels in CHB patients were significantly lower compared with that of healthy controls. A higher frequency of CD56bright NK subsets was found in CHB patients, but the CD56dim NK subsets of CHB patients and healthy controls were similar. CHB patients before and after antiviral therapy with nucleotide analogues (NUCs) showed no statistical difference in NK frequency. The activating receptors were upregulated, whereas inhibitory receptors were comparable in the peripheral NK cells of CHB individuals and healthy controls. NK cells of CHB patients displayed higher cytotoxic potency as evidenced by CD107a protein levels and conserved potency to produce interferon-gamma (IFNγ), compared with their healthy counterparts. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that CHB patients had a lower frequency of NK cells compared with healthy individuals not treatable with antiviral NUC therapy. With an activating phenotype, NK cells in CHB patients showed better cytotoxic potency and conserved IFNγ production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Fang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jian-Ying Shao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Wen-Wei Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Urinary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqiong, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqiong, China
| | - Huai-Dong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Da-Zhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
- * E-mail:
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48
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Hagiwara S, Nishida N, Kudo M. Antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B: Combination of nucleoside analogs and interferon. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2427-2431. [PMID: 26483864 PMCID: PMC4606198 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i23.2427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ideal goal of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment should be suppression of emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma through the disappearance of hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) rather than the control of serum hepatitis B virus-DNA level. For this purpose, various types of combination therapies using nucleoside analogs (NAs) and interferon (IFN) have been conducted. The therapeutic effects of combination of two different kinds of agents are better than those of the monotherapy using NAs or IFN alone, probably because different pharmaceutical properties might act in a coordinated manner. Recently, combination therapies with NAs and IFN and sequential therapies with NAs administration followed by IFN therapy have been routinely employed. We previously reported that combination therapy using entecavir (ETV) and pegylated (PEG)-IFN showed antiviral effects in 71% of CHB patients; the effect of this combination was better than that using lamivudine (LAM) and PEG-IFN. This is partially explained by the better antiviral effects of ETV than those of LAM. In our analysis, the cohort of CHB consisted of the patients who showed a flare-up of hepatitis before antiviral therapy, and their baseline HBsAg levels were relatively low. Therefore, in addition to the combination of the agents, the appropriate selection of patients is critical to achieve a good viral response.
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49
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Fletcher SP, Chin DJ, Gruenbaum L, Bitter H, Rasmussen E, Ravindran P, Swinney DC, Birzele F, Schmucki R, Lorenz SH, Kopetzki E, Carter J, Triyatni M, Thampi LM, Yang J, AlDeghaither D, Murredu MG, Cote P, Menne S. Intrahepatic Transcriptional Signature Associated with Response to Interferon-α Treatment in the Woodchuck Model of Chronic Hepatitis B. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005103. [PMID: 26352406 PMCID: PMC4564242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is an approved therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but the molecular basis of treatment response remains to be determined. The woodchuck model of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection displays many characteristics of human disease and has been extensively used to evaluate antiviral therapeutics. In this study, woodchucks with chronic woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection were treated with recombinant woodchuck IFN-α (wIFN-α) or placebo (n = 12/group) for 15 weeks. Treatment with wIFN-α strongly reduced viral markers in the serum and liver in a subset of animals, with viral rebound typically being observed following cessation of treatment. To define the intrahepatic cellular and molecular characteristics of the antiviral response to wIFN-α, we characterized the transcriptional profiles of liver biopsies taken from animals (n = 8-12/group) at various times during the study. Unexpectedly, this revealed that the antiviral response to treatment did not correlate with intrahepatic induction of the majority of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) by wIFN-α. Instead, treatment response was associated with the induction of an NK/T cell signature in the liver, as well as an intrahepatic IFN-γ transcriptional response and elevation of liver injury biomarkers. Collectively, these data suggest that NK/T cell cytolytic and non-cytolytic mechanisms mediate the antiviral response to wIFN-α treatment. In summary, by studying recombinant IFN-α in a fully immunocompetent animal model of CHB, we determined that the immunomodulatory effects, but not the direct antiviral activity, of this pleiotropic cytokine are most closely correlated with treatment response. This has important implications for the rational design of new therapeutics for the treatment of CHB.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antiviral Agents/administration & dosage
- Antiviral Agents/adverse effects
- Antiviral Agents/metabolism
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers/blood
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Biopsy
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/drug effects
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/immunology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/metabolism
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/veterinary
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunologic Factors/administration & dosage
- Immunologic Factors/genetics
- Immunologic Factors/metabolism
- Immunologic Factors/therapeutic use
- Interferon-alpha/administration & dosage
- Interferon-alpha/genetics
- Interferon-alpha/metabolism
- Interferon-alpha/therapeutic use
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Male
- Marmota
- Recombinant Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Proteins/adverse effects
- Recombinant Proteins/metabolism
- Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Transcription, Genetic
- Viral Load/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon P. Fletcher
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Chin
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Lore Gruenbaum
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Hans Bitter
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Erik Rasmussen
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Palanikumar Ravindran
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - David C. Swinney
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Roland Schmucki
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan H. Lorenz
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Erhard Kopetzki
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Penzberg, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Jade Carter
- Pharma Research & Early Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Miriam Triyatni
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Linta M. Thampi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Junming Yang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Dalal AlDeghaither
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Marta G. Murredu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Paul Cote
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Stephan Menne
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
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50
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Tan A, Koh S, Bertoletti A. Immune Response in Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:a021428. [PMID: 26134480 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can replicate within hepatocytes without causing direct cell damage. The host immune response is, therefore, not only essential to control the spread of virus infection, but it is also responsible for the inflammatory events causing liver pathologies. In this review, we discuss how HBV deals with host immunity and how we can harness it to achieve virus control and suppress liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Tan
- Program Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857
| | - Sarene Koh
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 117609
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Program Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857 Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore 117609 School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 2TT, United Kingdom
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