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Naully PG, Tan MI, Agustiningsih A, Sukowati C, Giri-Rachman EA. cccDNA epigenetic regulator as target for therapeutical vaccine development against hepatitis B. Ann Hepatol 2024:101533. [PMID: 39147134 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB) remains a global health concern, with currently available antiviral therapies demonstrating limited effectiveness in preventing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Two primary challenges in CHB treatment include the persistence of the minichromosome, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), and the failure of the host immune response to eliminate cccDNA. Recent findings indicate several host and HBV proteins involved in the epigenetic regulation of cccDNA, including HBV core protein (HBc) and HBV x protein (HBx). Both proteins might contribute to the stability of the cccDNA minichromosome and interact with viral and host proteins to support transcription. One potential avenue for CHB treatment involves the utilization of therapeutic vaccines. This paper explores HBV antigens suitable for epigenetic manipulation of cccDNA, elucidates their mechanisms of action, and evaluates their potential as key components of epigenetically-driven vaccines for CHB therapy. Molecular targeted agents with therapeutic vaccines offer a promising strategy for addressing CHB by targeting the virus and enhancing the host's immunological response. Despite challenges, the development of these vaccines provides new hope for CHB patients by emphasizing the need for HBV antigens that induce effective immune responses without causing T cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gita Naully
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia; Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Jenderal Achmad Yani University, Cimahi, 40525, Indonesia
| | - Marselina Irasonia Tan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia
| | - Agustiningsih Agustiningsih
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Caecilia Sukowati
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia; Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park, Basovizza, 34049, Trieste, Italy
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2
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Li X, Gu Y, Liao C, Ma X, Bi Y, Lian Y, Huang Y. A comprehensive model to better screen out antiviral treatment candidates for chronic hepatitis B patients. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 140:112848. [PMID: 39096876 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112848] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious human health threat given its high morbidity and mortality. Timely and effective antiviral treatment can postpone liver disease progression and reduce the occurrence of HBV-related end-stage liver disease. At present, the antiviral treatment criteria are mainly based on alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, HBV DNA levels and HBV e antigen levels according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases treatment guidelines. However, some chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients not meeting the above criteria still experience liver disease progression without antiviral treatment. It is urgent to identify a more comprehensive tool to screen out more antiviral treatment candidates as soon as possible. METHODS Considering the vital role of the immune response in the development of HBV infection and CHB cure, we collected data from 335 treatment-naïve CHB patients and comprehensively analysed their clinical and immune traits (including innate and adaptive responses). The immune parameters were obtained by flow cytometry. Finally, we established a model that can better distinguished CHB patients who need treatment through machine learning and LASSO regression of serological and immune parameters. RESULTS Through a series of analyses, we selected four important clinical parameters (ALT, HBV DNA, the Fibroscan value, and the A/G ratio) and four immune indicators (NKbright + NKp44+, NKbright + NKG2A+, NKT+GranzymeB+, and CD3 + CD107a + ) from more than 200 variables and then successfully established a mathematical model with high sensitivity and specificity to better screen out antiviral treatment candidates from all CHB patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results developed a refined model to better screen out antiviral treatment candidates from all CHB patients by combining common clinical parameters and important immune indicators, including innate and adaptive immunity. These findings provide more information for improving treatment guidelines and have potential implications for the timing of antiviral therapy to achieve better virus control and reduce the occurrence of end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yurong Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhong Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanhua Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuehua Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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3
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Shrestha B, Yang S, Griffith L, Ma J, Wang F, Liu H, Zhao Q, Du Y, Zhang J, Chang J, Guo JT. Discovery of hepatitis B virus subviral particle biogenesis inhibitors from a bioactive compound library. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105955. [PMID: 38964614 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
High levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood of chronic HBV carriers are considered to drive the exhaustion of antigen-specific T and B lymphocytes and thus responsible for the persistence of infection. Accordingly, therapeutic elimination of HBsAg may facilitate the activation of adaptive antiviral immune responses against HBV and achieve a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. We discovered recently that an amphipathic alpha helix spanning W156 to R169 of HBV small envelope (S) protein plays an essential role in the morphogenesis of subviral particles (SVPs) and metabolism of S protein. We thus hypothesized that pharmacological disruption of SVP morphogenesis may induce intracellular degradation of S protein and reduce HBsAg secretion. To identify inhibitors of SVP biogenesis, we screened 4417 bioactive compounds with a HepG2-derived cell line expressing HBV S protein and efficiently secreting small spherical SVPs. The screen identified 24 compounds that reduced intracellular SVPs and secreted HBsAg in a concentration-dependent manner. However, 18 of those compounds inhibited the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in HBV replicon transfected HepG2 cells at similar efficiency, suggesting each of those compounds may disrupt a common cellular function required for the synthesis and/or secretion of these viral proteins. Interestingly, lycorine more efficiently inhibited the secretion of HBsAg in HepG2 cells transfected with HBV replicons, HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV infected - HepG2 cells expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). The structure activity relationship and antiviral mechanism of lycorine against HBV have been determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sisi Yang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Julia Ma
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Fuxuan Wang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.
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4
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Duan M, Xiao H, Shi M, Xie Y, Zhao P, Li S, Chi X, Liu X, Zhuang H. Significant liver histological change is common in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with normal ALT. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:723. [PMID: 39044129 PMCID: PMC11264461 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09617-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Numerous HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with persistently normal ALT have significant liver histopathology. It is imperative to identify true "immune tolerant" patients. We aimed to evaluate the liver histopathology features of HBeAg-positive CHB patients with normal ALT and the incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC in CHB patients during follow-up. METHODS 179 HBeAg-positive CHB patients with normal ALT who performed liver biopsy from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Liver necroinflammation ≥ G2 and/or liver fibrosis ≥ S2 was defined as significant liver histopathological change. RESULTS 57.5% patients were in the indeterminate phase with significant liver histological changes. The proportion of the patients with evident liver necroinflammation was higher in the high-normal ALT group (21-40U/L) when compared with the low-normal ALT group (≤ 20 U/L) (51.3% vs. 30.0%, p < 0.05), and patients aged ≥ 40 years had a higher proportion of significant fibrosis than those aged < 40 years (64.5% vs. 39.9%, p < 0.05). The percentages of patients with ≥ S2 and ≥ G2/S2 in the HBV DNA < 107 IU/mL group were higher than those in the HBV DNA ≥ 107 IU/mL group (72.7% vs. 40.1%, p < 0.01; 81.8% vs. 54.1%, p < 0.05). During follow-up, two of immune tolerant patients and four of indeterminate patients developed into cirrhosis, and one of immune tolerant patients and one of indeterminate patients developed into HCC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg-positive CHB patients with high-normal ALT or HBV DNA < 107 IU/mL were tend to be indeterminate. Liver biopsy or noninvasive approaches are recommended to evaluate liver histopathology, and antiviral therapy is recommended for patients with significant liver histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghui Duan
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
- The Clinical Laboratory of Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanming Xiao
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Meijie Shi
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Yubao Xie
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Pengtao Zhao
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Hepatology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510120, China.
| | - Xueen Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
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5
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Laaribi AB, Mehri A, Yahia HB, Chaouch H, Babay W, Letaief A, Ouzari HI, Hannachi N, Boukadida J, Zidi I. Association of HLA-G 3'UTR polymorphisms with hepatitis B virus infection in Tunisian population. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09516-2. [PMID: 38970627 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09516-2] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health burden. The mechanisms of immune evasion during chronic HBV (CHB) infection are poorly understood. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, an immune checkpoint molecule, plays a crucial role in the tolerance mechanisms of various infectious diseases. The 3' untranslated region (3'UTR), including the HLA-G + 3142 C > G polymorphism (rs1063320) and the 14-pb Ins/Del (rs66554220) has been strongly suggested to influence HLA-G expression. This study conducted a case-control analysis to evaluate the potential correlation between the HLA-G + 3142 C > G polymorphism and HBV infection outcome in a Tunisian cohort. The HLA-G + 3142 C > G polymorphism was analysed by PCR-RFLP in 242 patients with chronic HBV infection (116 males and 126 females), 241 healthy controls (116 males and 125 females), and 100 spontaneously resolved subjects (52 males and 48 females). Patients with chronic HBV infection showed a higher frequency of the + 3142G allele compared to healthy controls and spontaneously resolved subjects (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). An association between the + 3142G allele and high HBV DNA levels was observed when HBV patients were stratified based on their HBV DNA levels (p = 0.016). Furthermore, the dominant model (GG + GC vs CC) was associated with liver function parameters, including AST, ALT, and high HBV DNA levels (p = 0.04, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). However, there was no significant association found between this polymorphism and the fibrosis stage (p = 0.32). The haplotype analysis, using a subset of previously published data on the HLA-G 14-pb Ins/Del polymorphism, revealed an association between the Ins/G haplotype and chronic HBV infection (H1: InsG, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that the + 3142G allele is a risk factor for the persistence and progression of HBV infection, while the + 3142C allele serves as a protective allele associated with the spontaneous resolution of the infection. Additionally, the HLA-G 3'UTR haplotype Ins/G is associated with chronic HBV infection in the Tunisian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Baligh Laaribi
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules (LR03ES03), Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Asma Mehri
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules (LR03ES03), Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamza Ben Yahia
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules (LR03ES03), Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Houda Chaouch
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Babay
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules (LR03ES03), Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amel Letaief
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules (LR03ES03), Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Naila Hannachi
- Laboratory of Microbiology (UR12SP34), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Jalel Boukadida
- Laboratory of Microbiology (UR12SP34), Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Farhat Hached, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ines Zidi
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Active Biomolecules (LR03ES03), Sciences Faculty of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Bosch M, Kallin N, Donakonda S, Zhang JD, Wintersteller H, Hegenbarth S, Heim K, Ramirez C, Fürst A, Lattouf EI, Feuerherd M, Chattopadhyay S, Kumpesa N, Griesser V, Hoflack JC, Siebourg-Polster J, Mogler C, Swadling L, Pallett LJ, Meiser P, Manske K, de Almeida GP, Kosinska AD, Sandu I, Schneider A, Steinbacher V, Teng Y, Schnabel J, Theis F, Gehring AJ, Boonstra A, Janssen HLA, Vandenbosch M, Cuypers E, Öllinger R, Engleitner T, Rad R, Steiger K, Oxenius A, Lo WL, Klepsch V, Baier G, Holzmann B, Maini MK, Heeren R, Murray PJ, Thimme R, Herrmann C, Protzer U, Böttcher JP, Zehn D, Wohlleber D, Lauer GM, Hofmann M, Luangsay S, Knolle PA. A liver immune rheostat regulates CD8 T cell immunity in chronic HBV infection. Nature 2024; 631:867-875. [PMID: 38987588 PMCID: PMC11269190 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 300 million patients worldwide1,2, in whom virus-specific CD8 T cells by still ill-defined mechanisms lose their function and cannot eliminate HBV-infected hepatocytes3-7. Here we demonstrate that a liver immune rheostat renders virus-specific CD8 T cells refractory to activation and leads to their loss of effector functions. In preclinical models of persistent infection with hepatotropic viruses such as HBV, dysfunctional virus-specific CXCR6+ CD8 T cells accumulated in the liver and, as a characteristic hallmark, showed enhanced transcriptional activity of cAMP-responsive element modulator (CREM) distinct from T cell exhaustion. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, circulating and intrahepatic HBV-specific CXCR6+ CD8 T cells with enhanced CREM expression and transcriptional activity were detected at a frequency of 12-22% of HBV-specific CD8 T cells. Knocking out the inhibitory CREM/ICER isoform in T cells, however, failed to rescue T cell immunity. This indicates that CREM activity was a consequence, rather than the cause, of loss in T cell function, further supported by the observation of enhanced phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) which is upstream of CREM. Indeed, we found that enhanced cAMP-PKA-signalling from increased T cell adenylyl cyclase activity augmented CREM activity and curbed T cell activation and effector function in persistent hepatic infection. Mechanistically, CD8 T cells recognizing their antigen on hepatocytes established close and extensive contact with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, thereby enhancing adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA signalling in T cells. In these hepatic CD8 T cells, which recognize their antigen on hepatocytes, phosphorylation of key signalling kinases of the T cell receptor signalling pathway was impaired, which rendered them refractory to activation. Thus, close contact with liver sinusoidal endothelial cells curbs the activation and effector function of HBV-specific CD8 T cells that target hepatocytes expressing viral antigens by means of the adenylyl cyclase-cAMP-PKA axis in an immune rheostat-like fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Bosch
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Kallin
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Sainitin Donakonda
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Jitao David Zhang
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hannah Wintersteller
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Hegenbarth
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Heim
- Third Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carlos Ramirez
- Health Data Science Unit, Biomedical Genomics Group, Bioquant, Faculty of Medicine Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Fürst
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Elias Isaac Lattouf
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Feuerherd
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sutirtha Chattopadhyay
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Nadine Kumpesa
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera Griesser
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Hoflack
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juliane Siebourg-Polster
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Leo Swadling
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura J Pallett
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philippa Meiser
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Manske
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Gustavo P de Almeida
- Institute of Immunology and Animal Physiology, School of Life Science, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna D Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich site, Munich, Germany
| | - Ioana Sandu
- Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Annika Schneider
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Vincent Steinbacher
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Yan Teng
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Schnabel
- Institute of Machine Learning and Biomedical Imaging, Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michiel Vandenbosch
- Institute of Multimodal Imaging, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Cuypers
- Institute of Multimodal Imaging, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rupert Öllinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wan-Lin Lo
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Victoria Klepsch
- Institute of Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gottfried Baier
- Institute of Cell Genetics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzmann
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Mala K Maini
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Ron Heeren
- Institute of Multimodal Imaging, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Murray
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Third Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Carl Herrmann
- Health Data Science Unit, Biomedical Genomics Group, Bioquant, Faculty of Medicine Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Immunology and Animal Physiology, School of Life Science, TUM, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine and Health, TUM, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan P Böttcher
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Dietmar Zehn
- Institute of Immunology and Animal Physiology, School of Life Science, TUM, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Georg M Lauer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Third Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Souphalone Luangsay
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Percy A Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich site, Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, School of Life Science, TUM, Munich, Germany.
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7
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Yue B, Gao Y, Hu Y, Zhan M, Wu Y, Lu L. Harnessing CD8 + T cell dynamics in hepatitis B virus-associated liver diseases: Insights, therapies and future directions. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1731. [PMID: 38935536 PMCID: PMC11210506 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection playsa significant role in the etiology and progression of liver-relatedpathologies, encompassing chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventual hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC). Notably, HBV infection stands as the primary etiologicalfactor driving the development of HCC. Given the significant contribution ofHBV infection to liver diseases, a comprehensive understanding of immunedynamics in the liver microenvironment, spanning chronic HBV infection,fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, is essential. In this review, we focused on thefunctional alterations of CD8+ T cells within the pathogenic livermicroenvironment from HBV infection to HCC. We thoroughly reviewed the roles ofhypoxia, acidic pH, metabolic reprogramming, amino acid deficiency, inhibitory checkpointmolecules, immunosuppressive cytokines, and the gut-liver communication in shapingthe dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in the liver microenvironment. Thesefactors significantly impact the clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we comprehensivelyreviewed CD8+ T cell-based therapy strategies for liver diseases,encompassing HBV infection, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Strategies includeimmune checkpoint blockades, metabolic T-cell targeting therapy, therapeuticT-cell vaccination, and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered CD8+ T cells, along with the combined usage of programmed cell death protein-1/programmeddeath ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.Given that targeting CD8+ T cells at various stages of hepatitis Bvirus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV + HCC) shows promise, we reviewedthe ongoing need for research to elucidate the complex interplay between CD8+ T cells and the liver microenvironment in the progression of HBV infection toHCC. We also discussed personalized treatment regimens, combining therapeuticstrategies and harnessing gut microbiota modulation, which holds potential forenhanced clinical benefits. In conclusion, this review delves into the immunedynamics of CD8+ T cells, microenvironment changes, and therapeuticstrategies within the liver during chronic HBV infection, HCC progression, andrelated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentSchool of MedicineFaculty of Medical ScienceJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
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Galasso L, Cerrito L, Maccauro V, Termite F, Mignini I, Esposto G, Borriello R, Ainora ME, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Inflammatory Response in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Double-Edged Weapon. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7191. [PMID: 39000296 PMCID: PMC11241080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent among primary liver tumors (90%) and one of the main causes of cancer-related death. It develops usually in a chronically inflamed environment, ranging from compensatory parenchymal regeneration to fibrosis and cirrhosis: carcinogenesis can potentially happen in each of these stages. Inflammation determined by chronic viral infection (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis delta viruses) represents an important risk factor for HCC etiology through both viral direct damage and immune-related mechanisms. The deregulation of the physiological liver immunological network determined by viral infection can lead to carcinogenesis. The recent introduction of immunotherapy as the gold-standard first-line treatment for HCC highlights the role of the immune system and inflammation as a double-edged weapon in both HCC carcinogenesis and treatment. In this review we highlight how the inflammation is the key for the hepatocarcinogenesis in viral, alcohol and metabolic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Galasso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Maccauro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Termite
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Mignini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Esposto
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Borriello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Ji L, Wei J, Zhang R, Zhang X, Gao Y, Fang M, Yu Z, Cao L, Gao Y, Li M. Bushen Formula promotes the decrease of HBsAg levels in patients with CHB by regulating Tfh cells and B-cell subsets. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118072. [PMID: 38508431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Formula (BSF) is the effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) according to our previous researches. However, the special effectiveness of BSF treating CHB patients in different stages and the immunoregulatory mechanisms remain to be explored. AIM OF THE STUDY To compare the therapeutic effects of BSF in both treatment-naive patients and Peg-IFN-α-treated patients, and explore the potential mechanism of immunomodulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole electrostatic field-orbital trap high resolution mass spectrometry and the TCMSP database were used to determine the main components of BSF. Two hundred and sixty-six patients were enrolled in the retrospective study, and they were divided into the treatment group (T-Group, BSF plus Peg-IFN-α) and the control group (C-Group, Peg-IFN-α monotherapy). Within each group, patients were further grouped into subgroups, namely T1/C1 groups (treatment-naive patients, T1 = 34, C1 = 94) and T2/C2 groups (Peg-IFN-α-treated patients, T2 = 56, C2 = 82). Serum HBV markers, serum HBV DNA levels, serum ALT/AST and TCM symptoms were obtained from the record. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to obtain the potential immunoregulatory mechanisms of BSF treating CHB patients. Among patients in T2 and C2 group, peripheral mononuclear cells from 36 patients were used to analyze the characteristics of peripheral follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and B-cell subtypes by flow cytometry. Preparation of BSF-containing serum in rats. In vitro, the co-culture system of CXCR5+ cells and HepG2.2.15 cells was built to investigate the immunoregulatory effects of BSF. RESULTS A total of 14 main active compounds were detected in BSF, which were deemed critical for the treatment of CHB. Our findings indicated that the T2-Group exhibited the higher percentage of HBsAg decline ≥ 1-log10 IU/ml and rate of HBeAg seroclearance compared to the C2-Group (35.7% vs. 15.9%, P = 0.033; 33.9% vs. 11.0%, P = 0.002). Additionally, the T2-Group demonstrated the higher percentage of HBsAg decline ≥ 1-log10 IU/ml and rate of HBeAg seroclearance compared to the T1-Group (35.7% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.031; 33.9% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.000). The total effective rate based on TCM clinical syndrome in T1-Group and T2-Group were significantly greater than those in C1-Group and C2-Group (85.3% vs. 61.7%, P = 0.012; 89.1% vs. 63.4%, P = 0.000). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the immunoregulatory mechanisms of BSF treating CHB patients were mainly linked to the growth and stimulation of B-cell, T-cell differentiation, and the signaling pathway of the B-cell receptor. Furthermore, the frequencies of Tfh cells and its IL-21 level, and the IL-21R expressed by B-cell were all increased after BSF treatment. Additionally, in the co-culture system of CXCR5+ cells and HepG2.2.15 cells, HBsAg and HBeAg levels were decreased after BSF-containing serum treatment,as well as the up-regulating of Tfh cell frequencies and down-regulating of B-cell frequencies. CONCLUSIONS BSF have the higher percentage of HBsAg decline and HBeAg seroclearance in Peg-IFN-α-treated patients compared with treatment-naive patients. The potential immunoregulatory mechanism may correlate with promoting the interaction between Tfh cells and B-cell through IL-21/IL-21R signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longshan Ji
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jinghan Wei
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rongjie Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yating Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Miao Fang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lin Cao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Infectious Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Man Li
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Tahir A, Shinkafi SH, Alshrari AS, Yunusa A, Umar MT, Hudu SA, Jimoh AO. A Comprehensive Review of Hepatitis B Vaccine Nonresponse and Associated Risk Factors. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:710. [PMID: 39066348 PMCID: PMC11281605 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070710] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern worldwide, contributing to high rates of mortality and morbidity, including chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Universal vaccination programs have significantly reduced the rate of HBV transmission; however, a subset of individuals fail to develop a protective immune response following vaccination and are termed nonresponders. A comprehensive search strategy using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases was employed to search for relevant studies using keywords including "hepatitis B vaccine", "vaccine nonresponse", "immunogenicity", "immune response to the hepatitis B vaccine", and "associated risk factors". Factors influencing the vaccine's response include demographic factors, such as age and sex, with increased nonresponse rates being observed in older adults and males. Obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption are lifestyle factors that decrease the vaccine response. Medical conditions, including diabetes, chronic kidney and liver diseases, HIV, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, affect the vaccine response. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes and genetic polymorphisms linked to immune regulation are genetic factors that further influence the vaccine's effectiveness. To reduce the global burden of hepatitis B infection, it is essential to understand these factors to improve vaccine effectiveness and develop individualized vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albashir Tahir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto 840001, Nigeria; (A.T.); (A.Y.); (M.T.U.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bauchi State University, Gadau 751105, Nigeria
| | - Sa’adatu Haruna Shinkafi
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto 23270, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Subeh Alshrari
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Northern Border University, Arar 91431, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulmajeed Yunusa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto 840001, Nigeria; (A.T.); (A.Y.); (M.T.U.)
| | - Muhammad Tukur Umar
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto 840001, Nigeria; (A.T.); (A.Y.); (M.T.U.)
| | - Shuaibu Abdullahi Hudu
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto 840232, Nigeria
| | - Abdulgafar Olayiwola Jimoh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto 840001, Nigeria; (A.T.); (A.Y.); (M.T.U.)
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11
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Yang Z, Zeng J, Chen Y, Wang M, Luo H, Huang AL, Deng H, Hu Y. Detection of HBV DNA integration in plasma cell-free DNA of different HBV diseases utilizing DNA capture strategy. Virol Sin 2024:S1995-820X(24)00082-8. [PMID: 38852920 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.06.003] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The landscape of hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration in the plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of HBV-infected patients with different stages of liver diseases [chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)] remains unclear. In this study, we developed an improved strategy for detecting HBV DNA integration in plasma cfDNA, based on DNA probe capture and next-generation sequencing. Using this optimized strategy, we successfully detected HBV integration events in chimeric artificial DNA samples and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells at day one post infection, with high sensitivity and accuracy. The characteristics of HBV integration events in the HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells and plasma cfDNA from HBV-infected individuals (CHB, LC, and HCC) were further investigated. A total of 112 and 333 integration breakpoints were detected in the HepG2-NTCP cells and 22 out of 25 (88%) clinical HBV-infected samples, respectively. In vivo analysis showed that the normalized number of support unique sequences (nnsus) in HCC was significantly higher than in CHB or LC patients (P values < 0.05). All integration breakpoints are randomly distributed on human chromosomes and are enriched in the HBV genome around nt 1800. The majority of integration breakpoints (61.86%) are located in the gene-coding region. Both non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) interactions occurred during HBV integration across the three different stages of liver diseases. Our study provides evidence that HBV DNA integration can be detected in the plasma cfDNA of HBV-infected patients, including those with CHB, LC, or HCC, using this optimized strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingyan Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yueyue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Mengchun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Hongchun Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Haijun Deng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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12
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Wang L, Liao F, Yang L, Jiang L, Duan L, Wang B, Mu D, Chen J, Huang Y, Hu Q, Chen W. KLRG1-expressing CD8+ T cells are exhausted and polyfunctional in patients with chronic hepatitis B. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303945. [PMID: 38776335 PMCID: PMC11111010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 (KLRG1) has traditionally been regarded as an inhibitory receptor of T cell exhaustion in chronic infection and inflammation. However, its exact role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains elusive. CD8+ T cells from 190 patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed ex vivo for checkpoint and apoptosis markers, transcription factors, cytokines and subtypes in 190 patients with chronic hepatitis B. KLRG1+ and KLRG1- CD8+ T cells were sorted for transcriptome analysis. The impact of the KLRG1-E-cadherin pathway on the suppression of HBV replication mediated by virus-specific T cells was validated in vitro. As expected, HBV-specific CD8+ T cells expressed higher levels of KLRG1 and showed an exhausted molecular phenotype and function. However, despite being enriched for the inhibitory molecules, thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX), eomesodermin (EOMES), and Helios, CD8+ T cells expressing KLRG1 produced significant levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, perforin, and granzyme B, demonstrating not exhausted but active function. Consistent with the in vitro phenotypic assay results, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data showed that signature effector T cell and exhausted T cell genes were enriched in KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, in vitro testing confirmed that KLRG1-E-cadherin binding inhibits the antiviral efficacy of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells. Based on these findings, we concluded that KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells are not only a terminally exhausted subgroup but also exhibit functional diversity, despite inhibitory signs in HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangli Liao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linshan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Duan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Mu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weixian Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Gu Q, Yin S, Tong X, Rui F, Zhu Y, Ma X, Huang R, Wu C, Li J. Current research insights into the role of CTLA-4 in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. J Viral Hepat 2024. [PMID: 38771314 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global public health concern, and the clearance of HBV is closely linked to the activity of HBV-specific T cells, which is regulated by various co-suppressor molecules. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is among these co-suppressor molecules which induces T cell exhaustion by competitively inhibiting CD28 and dampening the function of HBV-specific T cells. CTLA-4 also plays a role in the regulation of T helper (Th) cell differentiation and influences cytokine release. In addition, CTLA-4 can impact glucose metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma through its interaction with T regulatory (Treg) cells. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature related to the role of CTLA-4 in HBV patients across different subsets of T cells. Additionally, we propose a discussion on the possible mechanisms through which CTLA-4 may contribute to HBV infection, as well as the development of HBV-induced cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengxia Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fajuan Rui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixuan Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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14
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Woo Y, Ma M, Okawa M, Saito T. Hepatocyte Intrinsic Innate Antiviral Immunity against Hepatitis Delta Virus Infection: The Voices of Bona Fide Human Hepatocytes. Viruses 2024; 16:740. [PMID: 38793622 PMCID: PMC11126147 DOI: 10.3390/v16050740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of viral infection is attributed to two folds: intrinsic cell death pathway activation due to the viral cytopathic effect, and immune-mediated extrinsic cellular injuries. The immune system, encompassing both innate and adaptive immunity, therefore acts as a double-edged sword in viral infection. Insufficient potency permits pathogens to establish lifelong persistent infection and its consequences, while excessive activation leads to organ damage beyond its mission to control viral pathogens. The innate immune response serves as the front line of defense against viral infection, which is triggered through the recognition of viral products, referred to as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), by host cell pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The PRRs-PAMPs interaction results in the induction of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in infected cells, as well as the secretion of interferons (IFNs), to establish a tissue-wide antiviral state in an autocrine and paracrine manner. Cumulative evidence suggests significant variability in the expression patterns of PRRs, the induction potency of ISGs and IFNs, and the IFN response across different cell types and species. Hence, in our understanding of viral hepatitis pathogenesis, insights gained through hepatoma cell lines or murine-based experimental systems are uncertain in precisely recapitulating the innate antiviral response of genuine human hepatocytes. Accordingly, this review article aims to extract and summarize evidence made possible with bona fide human hepatocytes-based study tools, along with their clinical relevance and implications, as well as to identify the remaining gaps in knowledge for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yein Woo
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Muyuan Ma
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Masashi Okawa
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- R&D Department, PhoenixBio USA Corporation, New York, NY 10006, USA
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Tan A, He Y, Zhou Y, Peng X, Chang Y, Peng M, Ren H, Xu H. A potential antiviral role for CCR5+CD8+ T cells in children with hepatitis B. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29661. [PMID: 38738567 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
While dysfunctional exhausted CD8+ T cells hamper viral control when children acquire hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, it's crucial to recognize that CD8+ T cells have diverse phenotypes and functions. This study explored a subset of CD8+ T cells expressing C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) in children with HBV infection. Thirty-six patients in the immune tolerant group, 33 patients in the immune active group, 55 patients in the combined response group, and 22 healthy control children were enrolled. The frequency, functional molecules, and effector functions of the CCR5+CD8+ T cell population in different groups were evaluated. The frequency of CCR5+CD8+ T cells correlated positively with the frequency of CCR5+CD4+ T cells and patient age, and it correlated negatively with alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen, and lactic dehydrogenase levels. CCR5+CD8+ T cells had higher levels of inhibitory and activated receptors and produced higher levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α than CCR5-CD8+ T cells. CCR5+CD8+ T cells were partially exhausted but possessed a stronger antiviral activity than CCR5-CD8+ T cells. The identification of this subset increases our understanding of CD8+ T cell functions and serves as a potential immunotherapeutic target for children with HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoxue Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingzhi Zhou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaorong Peng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunan Chang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Foko S. Dynamical analysis of a general delayed HBV infection model with capsids and adaptive immune response in presence of exposed infected hepatocytes. J Math Biol 2024; 88:75. [PMID: 38689137 PMCID: PMC11061075 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-024-02096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to develop and investigate a novel mathematical model of the dynamical behaviors of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The model includes exposed infected hepatocytes, intracellular HBV DNA-containing capsids, uses a general incidence function for viral infection covering a variety of special cases available in the literature, and describes the interaction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes that kill the infected hepatocytes and the magnitude of B-cells that send antibody immune defense to neutralize free virions. Further, one time delay is incorporated to account for actual capsids production. The other time delays are used to account for maturation of capsids and free viruses. We start with the analysis of the proposed model by establishing the local and global existence, uniqueness, non-negativity and boundedness of solutions. After defined the threshold parameters, we discuss the stability properties of all possible steady state constants by using the crafty Lyapunov functionals, the LaSalle's invariance principle and linearization methods. The impacts of the three time delays on the HBV infection transmission are discussed through local and global sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number and of the classes of infected states. Finally, an application is provided and numerical simulations are performed to illustrate and interpret the theoretical results obtained. It is suggested that, a good strategy to eradicate or to control HBV infection within a host should concentrate on any drugs that may prolong the values of the three delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severin Foko
- Committed Mathematics Team, Research Unit in Mathematics and Applications, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box: 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
- School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2000, South Africa.
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17
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Martínez-López MF, Muslin C, Kyriakidis NC. STINGing Defenses: Unmasking the Mechanisms of DNA Oncovirus-Mediated Immune Escape. Viruses 2024; 16:574. [PMID: 38675916 PMCID: PMC11054469 DOI: 10.3390/v16040574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA oncoviruses represent an intriguing subject due to their involvement in oncogenesis. These viruses have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the host immune response, facilitating their persistence and actively contributing to carcinogenic processes. This paper describes the complex interactions between DNA oncoviruses and the innate immune system, with a particular emphasis on the cGAS-STING pathway. Exploring these interactions highlights that DNA oncoviruses strategically target and subvert this pathway, exploiting its vulnerabilities for their own survival and proliferation within the host. Understanding these interactions lays the foundation for identifying potential therapeutic interventions. Herein, we sought to contribute to the ongoing efforts in advancing our understanding of the innate immune system in oncoviral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra F Martínez-López
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170503, Ecuador;
| | - Claire Muslin
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170503, Ecuador;
| | - Nikolaos C. Kyriakidis
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170503, Ecuador;
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18
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Watanabe T, Hayashi S, Zhaoyu Y, Inada H, Nagaoka K, Tateyama M, Tanaka Y. A novel, small anti-HBV compound reduces HBsAg and HBV-DNA by destabilizing HBV-RNA. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:315-328. [PMID: 38315437 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, standard treatments for chronic hepatitis B such as nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs), effectively reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) loads but rarely result in a functional cure (defined as sustained HBsAg loss). We report the discovery of a novel, 4-pyridone compound, SAG-524, a potent and orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of HBV replication. METHODS The antiviral characteristics and selectivity of SAG-524 and its derivative compound against HBV were evaluated in HBV-infection assays and HBV-infected chimeric urokinase-type plasminogen activator/severe combined immunodeficiency mice with humanized livers (PXB mice), alone or in combination with entecavir. Toxicity studies were conducted in mice and monkeys. RESULTS SAG-524 reduced HBV-DNA (IC50 = 0.92 nM) and HBsAg (IC50 = 1.4 nM) in the supernatant of the HepG2.2.15 cells. SAG-524 selectively destabilized HBV-RNA via PAPD5, but not GAPDH or albumin mRNA, by shortening the poly(A) tail. PAPD5 may also be involved in HBV regulation via ELAVL1. In a study of HBV-infected PXB mice, SAG-524 produced potent reductions of serum HBsAg and HBcrAg, and the minimum effective dose was estimated to be 6 mg/kg/day. The combination therapy with entecavir greatly reduced HBsAg and cccDNA in the liver due to reduction of human hepatocytes with good tolerability. Administration of SAG-524 to monkeys, up to 1000 mg/kg/day for two weeks, led to no significant toxicity, as determined by blood tests and pathological images. CONCLUSIONS We have identified SAG-524 as novel and orally bioavailable HBV-RNA destabilizers which can reduce HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels, and possibly contribute a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Sanae Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yan Zhaoyu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Hiroki Inada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masakuni Tateyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Chuo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Japan.
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19
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Jiang Y, Chen X, Ye X, Wen C, Xu T, Yu C, Ning W, Wang G, Xiang X, Liu X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Liu X, Shi C, Liu C, Yuan Q, Chen Y, Zhang T, Luo W, Xia N. A Dual-domain Engineered Antibody for Efficient HBV Suppression and Immune Responses Restoration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305316. [PMID: 38342604 PMCID: PMC11022716 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major public health concern because of the inefficiency of currently approved therapies in clearing the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Antibody-based regimens have demonstrated potency regarding virus neutralization and HBsAg clearance. However, high dosages or frequent dosing are required for virologic control. In this study, a dual-domain-engineered anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) therapeutic antibody 73-DY is developed that exhibits significantly improved efficacy regarding both serum and intrahepatic viral clearance. In HBV-tolerant mice, administration of a single dose of 73-DY at 2 mg kg-1 is sufficient to reduce serum HBsAg by over 3 log10 IU mL-1 and suppress HBsAg to < 100 IU mL-1 for two weeks, demonstrating a dose-lowering advantage of at least tenfold. Furthermore, 10 mg kg-1 of 73-DY sustainably suppressed serum viral levels to undetectable levels for ≈ 2 weeks. Molecular analyses indicate that the improved efficacy exhibited by 73-DY is attributable to the synergy between fragment antigen binding (Fab) and fragment crystallizable (Fc) engineering, which conferred sustained viral suppression and robust viral eradication, respectively. Long-term immunotherapy with reverse chimeric 73-DY facilitated the restoration of anti-HBV immune responses. This study provides a foundation for the development of next-generation antibody-based CHB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Xinya Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Can Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Tao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Chao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Guosong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Xinchu Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsNational Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious DiseasesNational Innovation Platform for Industry‐Education Integration in Vaccine ResearchSchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Yalin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Yuanzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Changrong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsNational Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious DiseasesNational Innovation Platform for Industry‐Education Integration in Vaccine ResearchSchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular DiagnosticsNational Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious DiseasesNational Innovation Platform for Industry‐Education Integration in Vaccine ResearchSchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Yixin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Tianying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Wenxin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthSchool of Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious DiseasesCenter for Molecular Imaging and Translational MedicineXiang An Biomedicine LaboratorySchool of Public HealthXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamen361102P.R. China
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20
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Lin HC, Jeng WJ, Liu J, Pan MH, Lee MH, Batrla-Utermann R, Lu SN, Chen CF, Yang HI, Chen CJ. Persistently high HBsAg levels during HBeAg-seropositive stage predict lower risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:993-1002. [PMID: 38410882 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level predicts hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with low viral load. The role of longitudinal HBsAg levels in predicting HCC in HBeAg-positive CHB patients remains unknown. METHOD HBeAg-positive CHB participants from the REVEAL-HBV cohort with ≥2 HBsAg measurements before HBeAg seroclearance were enrolled. Group-based trajectory modelling identified distinct HBsAg trajectory groups during a median of 11 years of HBeAg-positive status. Cox regression models were applied for investigating independent predictors of HCC and estimating adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 319 patients were enrolled and classified by HBsAg trajectory patterns as (A) persistently high group (n = 72): HBsAg persistently ≥104 IU/mL, and (B) non-stationary group (n = 233): low HBsAg at baseline or declining to <104 IU/mL during the follow-up. Group B had higher proportions of abnormal ALT levels, HBV genotype C and basal core mutation than group A (p < 0.05); age at entry and gender were comparable. The annual incidence of HCC in group A and group B were 0.37% and 1.16%, respectively (p = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, age >40 years (HRadj [95% CI] = 4.11 [2.26-7.48]), genotype C (HRadj [95% CI] = 4.39 [1.96-9.81]) and the non-stationary group (HRadj [95% CI] = 3.50 [1.49-8.21]) were independent predictors of HCC. Basal core promoter mutation was the only risk factor of HCC in the persistently high HBsAg group (HRadj [95% CI] = 32.75 [5.41-198.42]). CONCLUSION Patients with persistently high HBsAg levels during HBeAg-seropositive stage represent a unique population with low risk of HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Che Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jessica Liu
- Perinatal Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mei-Hung Pan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | | | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chuen-Fei Chen
- Mackay Medical College Department of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Doctoral Program of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Liu Y, Ren S, Ma L, Lin X, Lu J, Cao Z, Zheng S, Hu Z, Xu X, Chen X. Peg-IFNα combined with hepatitis B vaccination contributes to HBsAg seroconversion and improved immune function. Virol J 2024; 21:77. [PMID: 38555445 PMCID: PMC10981809 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02344-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate immunological variations between a group that received the hepatitis B vaccine and a non-vaccine group. We focused on a cohort that achieved HBsAg seroclearance after Peg-IFNα treatment of CHB. METHODS We enrolled twenty-eight individuals who achieved HBsAg seroclearance after Peg-IFNα treatment. They were divided into two groups: a vaccine group (n = 14) and a non-vaccine group (n = 14). We assessed lymphocyte subpopulations, B cell- and T cell-surface costimulatory/inhibitory factors, cytokines and immunoglobulin levels were detected at different time points to explore immune-function differences between both groups. RESULTS The seroconversion rate in the vaccine group at 24 weeks post-vaccination was 100%, which was significantly higher (p = 0.006) than that of the non-vaccine group (50%). Additionally, more individuals in the vaccine group exhibited anti-HBs levels exceeding 100 IUs/L and 300 IUs/L compared to the non-vaccine group (p < 0.05). The vaccine group demonstrated significantly increase total B cells and class-switched B cells at 24 weeks and plasma cells, CD80+B cells, Tfh cells, and ICOS+Tfh cell at 12 weeks, compared with baseline levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, Bregs (CD24+CD27+ and CD24+CD38high) decreased significantly at 24 weeks (p < 0.05). None of the above changes were statistically significance in the non-vaccine group (p > 0.05). Total IgG increased significantly in the vaccine group, and IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 concentrations increased significantly at week 24 (p < 0.05). Differences in various types of cytokines and immunoglobulins in the plasma of the non-vaccine group were not significant (p > 0.05). Anti-HBs titers positively correlated with Th1/Th2 cells at 24 weeks (r = 0.448 and 0.458, respectively, p = 0.022 and 0.019, respectively), and negatively with CD24+CD38highBreg cells (r = -0.402, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS After achieving HBsAg seroclearance through Peg-IFNα treatment for CHB, administering the hepatitis B vaccine significantly increased anti-HBs-seroconversion rates and antibody levels. We also observed significant immunological differences between the vaccine and non-vaccine groups. Specifically, the vaccine group exhibited significant increases in B cells, plasma cells, and Tfh cells, while Breg levels was significantly lower. These immunological changes are likely conducive to the production of anti-HBs antibodies. However, in the non-vaccine group, the observed changes were not significantlly significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisi Liu
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shan Ren
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lina Ma
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Junfeng Lu
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhenhuan Cao
- Third Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Sujun Zheng
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhongjie Hu
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- Department of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xinyue Chen
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China.
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22
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Jia Y, Zhao J, Wang C, Meng J, Zhao L, Yang H, Zhao X. HBV DNA polymerase upregulates the transcription of PD-L1 and suppresses T cell activity in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2024; 22:272. [PMID: 38475878 PMCID: PMC10936085 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05069-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In HBV-associated HCC, T cells often exhibit a state of functional exhaustion, which prevents the immune response from rejecting the tumor and allows HCC to progress. Moreover, polymerase-specific T cells exhibit more severe T-cell exhaustion compared to core-specific T cells. However, whether HBV DNA polymerase drives HBV-specific CD8+ T cell exhaustion in HBV-related HCC remains unclear. METHODS We constructed a Huh7 cell line stably expressing HA-HBV-DNA-Pol and applied co-culture systems to clarify its effect on immune cell function. We also examined how HBV-DNA-Pol modulated PD-L1 expression in HCC cells. In addition, HBV-DNA-Pol transgenic mice were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism of HBV-DNA-Pol/PD-L1 axis-induced T cell exhaustion. RESULTS Biochemical analysis showed that Huh7 cells overexpressing HBV-DNA-Pol inhibited the proliferation, activation, and cytokine secretion of Jurkat cells and that this effect was dependent on their direct contact. A similar inhibitory effect was observed in an HCC mouse model. PD-L1 was brought to our attention during screening. Our results showed that the overexpression of HBV-DNA-Pol upregulated PD-L1 mRNA and protein expression. PD-L1 antibody blockade reversed the inhibitory effect of Huh7 cells overexpressing HBV-DNA-Pol on Jurkat cells. Mechanistically, HBV-DNA-Pol interacts with PARP1, thereby inhibiting the nuclear translocation of PARP1 and further upregulating PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HBV-DNA-Pol can act as a regulator of PD-L1 in HCC, thereby directing anti-cancer immune evasion, which further provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Jianing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, China
| | - Chunqing Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Jing Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Liqing Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, 277100, China
| | - Hongwei Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China.
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Chen J, Shen L, Guo Q, Ma S, Zhang Y, Chen J, Qu L, Ng SS, Chen X. The downregulation of Tapasin in dendritic cell regulates CD8 + T cell autophagy to hamper hepatitis B viral clearance in the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte organoid. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29546. [PMID: 38516804 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Tapasin, a crucial molecular chaperone involved viral antigen processing and presentation, plays an important role in antivirus immunity. However, its impact on T cell differentiation in the context of virus clearance remains unclear. In this study, we employed induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cell, which were subsequently inserted to the inverted colloidal crystal scaffolds, thus establishing a hepatocyte organoid (HO). By inoculating hepatitis B virus (HBV) particles in the system, we successfully engineered a robust in vitro HBV infection model for at least 3 weeks. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the effects of lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting human Tapasin on the differentiation and antiviral function of CD8+ T cells. Specifically, we transfected dendritic cells (DCs) with Tapasin-shRNA and cocultured with T cells. The results demonstrated that Tapasin-shRNA transfected DCs effectively suppressed T cell proliferation and impeded HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses. Our investigation also revealed the role of mTOR pathway activation in reducing autophagy activity within CD8+ T cells. Expressions of autophagy-related proteins, beclin-1, LC3II/LC3I were decreased and PI3K/AKT/mTOR activity was increased in Tapasin-shRNA group. Collectively, our findings elucidate that shRNA targeting the Tapasin gene within DCs inhibits T cell differentiation by reducing autophagy activity to hamper viral clearance in the HBV-infected HO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Leer Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingxin Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyuan Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Soon Seng Ng
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xiaohua Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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24
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Ou G, Qing L, Zhang L, Yang Y, Ye G, Peng L, Li Y, Yang L, Liu Y. Cytokine IL-5 and HGF: combined prediction of non-/low immune response to hepatitis B vaccination at birth in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1332666. [PMID: 38495649 PMCID: PMC10940320 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1332666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The immune response to hepatitis B vaccine may be influenced by numerous factors, and patients with non/low response re-exposed to hepatitis B virus remain susceptible. Thus, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of non/low immune response in infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers is essential. Methods 100 infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers from 2015 to 2020 were enrolled in the study, further divided into the non/low response group (n=13) and the moderate strong response group (n=87) based on the quantification of hepatitis B surface antibody at 12 months of age. The differential expression of 48 immune-related cytokines in the two groups was compared and analyzed in detail. The key cytokines were further identified and clinically predictive models were developed. Results We found that 13 cytokines were lowly expressed and one cytokine was highly expressed in the non/low response group, compared with the moderate strong response group at birth. In addition, 9 cytokines were lowly expressed and one cytokine was highly expressed in the non/low response group at 12 months of age. Furthermore, we found that IL-5 and HGF were promising predictors for predicting the immunization response to hepatitis B vaccine in infants, and the combination of the two cytokines showed the best predictive efficiency, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.844. Conclusion The present study provides a theoretical basis on cytokines for developing and implementing effective immunotherapies against non/low immune response in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanyong Ou
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Qing
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guoguo Ye
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ling Peng
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanjie Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingxia Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, The Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Van Gulck E, Conceição-Neto N, Aerts L, Pierson W, Verschueren L, Vleeschouwer M, Krishna V, Nájera I, Pauwels F. Retreatment with HBV siRNA Results in Additional Reduction in HBV Antigenemia and Immune Stimulation in the AAV-HBV Mouse Model. Viruses 2024; 16:347. [PMID: 38543713 PMCID: PMC10975807 DOI: 10.3390/v16030347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Treatment with siRNAs that target HBV has demonstrated robust declines in HBV antigens. This effect is also observed in the AAV-HBV mouse model, which was used to investigate if two cycles of GalNAc-HBV-siRNA treatment could induce deeper declines in HBsAg levels or prevent rebound, and to provide insights into the liver immune microenvironment. METHODS C57Bl/6 mice were transduced with one of two different titers of AAV-HBV for 28 days, resulting in stable levels of HBsAg of about 103 or 105 IU/mL. Mice were treated for 12 weeks (four doses q3wk) per cycle with 3 mg/kg of siRNA-targeting HBV or an irrelevant sequence either once (single treatment) or twice (retreatment) with an 8-week treatment pause in between. Blood was collected to evaluate viral parameters. Nine weeks after the last treatment, liver samples were collected to perform phenotyping, bulk RNA-sequencing, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Independent of HBsAg baseline levels, treatment with HBV-siRNA induced a rapid decline in HBsAg levels, which then plateaued before gradually rebounding 12 weeks after treatment stopped. A second cycle of HBV-siRNA treatment induced a further decline in HBsAg levels in serum and the liver, reaching undetectable levels and preventing rebound when baseline levels were 103 IU/mL. This was accompanied with a significant increase in inflammatory macrophages in the liver and significant upregulation of regulatory T-cells and T-cells expressing immune checkpoint receptors. CONCLUSIONS Retreatment induced an additional decline in HBsAg levels, reaching undetectable levels when baseline HBsAg levels were 3log10 or less. This correlated with T-cell activation and upregulation of Trem2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Gulck
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
| | - Nádia Conceição-Neto
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
| | - Liese Aerts
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
| | - Wim Pierson
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
| | - Lore Verschueren
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
| | - Mara Vleeschouwer
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
| | - Vinod Krishna
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Road, Springhouse, PA 19002, USA
| | - Isabel Nájera
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, 1600 Sierra Point Parkway, South San Fransisco, CA 94005, USA
| | - Frederik Pauwels
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.)
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26
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Pan B, Wang Z, Chen R, Zhang X, Qiu J, Wu X, Yao Y, Luo Y, Wang X, Tang N. Single-cell atlas reveals characteristic changes in intrahepatic HBV-specific leukocytes. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0286023. [PMID: 38032223 PMCID: PMC10782979 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02860-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T cells play a central role in the clearance of virus and HBV-related liver injury. Acute infection with HBV induces a vigorous, multifunctional CD8+ T cell response, whereas chronic one exhibits a weaker response. Our study elucidated HBV-specific T cell responses in terms of viral abundance rather than the timing of infection. We showed that in the premalignant stage, the degree of impaired T cell function was not synchronized with the viral surface antigen, which was attributed the liver's tolerance to the virus. However, after the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, T cell exhaustion was inevitable, and it was marked by the exhaustion of the signature transcription factor TOX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zengbin Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Zhao Q, Liu H, Tang L, Wang F, Tolufashe G, Chang J, Guo JT. Mechanism of interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B and potential approaches to improve its therapeutic efficacy. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105782. [PMID: 38110058 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 296 million people worldwide and causes more than 820,000 deaths annually due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current standard-of-care medications for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) include nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) viral DNA polymerase inhibitors and pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α). NAs can efficiently suppress viral replication and improve liver pathology, but not eliminate or inactivate HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). CCC DNA is the most stable HBV replication intermediate that exists as a minichromosome in the nucleus of infected hepatocyte to transcribe viral RNA and support viral protein translation and genome replication. Consequentially, a finite duration of NA therapy rarely achieves a sustained off-treatment suppression of viral replication and life-long NA treatment is most likely required. On the contrary, PEG-IFN-α has the benefit of finite treatment duration and achieves HBsAg seroclearance, the indication of durable immune control of HBV replication and functional cure of CHB, in approximately 5% of treated patients. However, the low antiviral efficacy and poor tolerability limit its use. Understanding how IFN-α suppresses HBV replication and regulates antiviral immune responses will help rational optimization of IFN therapy and development of novel immune modulators to improve the rate of functional cure. This review article highlights mechanistic insight on IFN control of HBV infection and recent progress in development of novel IFN regimens, small molecule IFN mimetics and combination therapy of PEG-IFN-α with new direct-acting antivirals and therapeutic vaccines to facilitate the functional cure of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Hui Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Liudi Tang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Fuxuan Wang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | | | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States.
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28
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Marzo B, Vidal-Jordana A, Castilló J, Robles-Sanchez MA, Otero-Romero S, Tintore M, Montalban X, Buti M, Riveiro-Barciela M. Hepatitis B reactivation is a rare event among patients with resolved infection undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies in monotherapy without antiviral prophylaxis: results from the HEBEM study. J Neurol 2024; 271:134-140. [PMID: 37695530 PMCID: PMC10769953 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11973-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prospective data on the risk of hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) among patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies monotherapy is scarce. We aimed to assess the risk of HBVr in patients with resolved HBV infection treated with rituximab or ocrelizumab in monotherapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) without antiviral prophylaxis. METHODS HEBEM is a prospective study that included all consecutive adults HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive who initiated anti-CD20 antibodies for MS or NMOSD at Cemcat. Inclusion criteria encompassed undetectable HBV-DNA, absence of other immunosuppressants or antiviral therapy. Every 6 months HBsAg, ALT and HBV-DNA were performed to rule out HBVr (defined by 2-log increase in HBV-DNA or seroconversion to HBsAg+). RESULTS From August/2019 to August/2022, 540 subjects initiated anti-CD20 antibodies, 28 (5.2%) were anti-HBc-positive and were included. Twenty-two received rituximab and 6 ocrelizumab. The majority (89.3%) had previously received ≥ 1 immunomodulatory drug, with corticosteroids (82.1%) and interferon (42.9%) as the most common. At inclusion, all presented normal transaminases and undetectable HBV-DNA. Median anti-HBs levels were 105.5 mIU/mL (IQR 0-609). Median follow-up was 3.1 years (2.1-4.0). Median number of cycles of anti-CD20 antibodies was 6 (3-7), with a cumulative dose of 8.5 g (5.8-11.2) of rituximab and 3 g (1.8-3.8) of ocrelizumab. Neither cases of HBVr nor changes in anti-HBs titers were observed per 83.6 patient-years treated with monotherapy with anti-CD20 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of patients with MS or NMOSD and resolved HBV infection, anti-CD20 monotherapy was not associated with detectable risk of HBV reactivation despite the lack of antiviral prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Marzo
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angela Vidal-Jordana
- Servei de Neurologia. Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat). Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquín Castilló
- Servei de Neurologia. Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat). Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel-Angel Robles-Sanchez
- Servei de Neurologia. Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat). Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup d'Investigació Multidisciplinari d'Infermeria, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Otero-Romero
- Servei de Neurologia. Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat). Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Servei de Medicina Preventiva i Epidemiologia. Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Tintore
- Servei de Neurologia. Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat). Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Montalban
- Servei de Neurologia. Centre d'Esclerosi Múltiple de Catalunya (Cemcat). Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain.
- Liver Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Yang S, Chang J, Zhang J, Guo JT. A Particle Gel Assay for Detection of Intracellular Hepatitis B Virus Subviral Particles in Cultured Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2837:89-97. [PMID: 39044077 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4027-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is due to the failure of host immune system to resolve the viral infection. Accordingly, restoration or reconstitution of a functional antiviral immune response to HBV is essential to achieve durable control of HBV replication leading to a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Noninfectious subviral particles (SVPs), comprised of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), are the predominant viral products secreted by HBV-infected hepatocytes. The high levels of SVPs in the circulation induce immune tolerance and contribute to the establishment of chronic HBV infection. The current standard-of-care medications for CHB efficiently suppress HBV replication but fail to reduce the levels of HBsAg in majority of treated patients. Further understanding the mechanisms underlying SVP morphogenesis, secretion and regulation by viral and host cellular factors are critical for the discovery of therapeutics that can inhibit SVP production and/or induce the degradation of HBV envelope proteins. We describe herein a protocol for intracellular SVP detection by a native agarose gel electrophoresis-based particle gel assy. The method is suitable for quantitative detection of intracellular HBV SVPs and can be applied in dissecting the molecular mechanism of SVP morphogenesis and the discovery of antiviral agents targeting SVP formation in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.
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30
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Abdelwahed AH, Heineman BD, Wu GY. Novel Approaches to Inhibition of HBsAg Expression from cccDNA and Chromosomal Integrants: A Review. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1485-1497. [PMID: 38161502 PMCID: PMC10752814 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a widely prevalent liver infection that can cause acute or chronic hepatitis. Although current treatment modalities are highly effective in the suppression of viral levels, they cannot eliminate the virus or achieve definitive cure. This is a consequence of the complex nature of HBV-host interactions. Major challenges to achieving sustained viral suppression include the presence of a high viral burden from the HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the presence of reservoirs for HBV replication and antigen production, and the HBV-impaired innate and adaptive immune response of the host. Those therapeutic methods include cell entry inhibitors, HBsAg inhibitors, gene editing approaches, immune-targeting therapies and direct inhibitors of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Novel approaches that target these key mechanisms are now being studied in preclinical and clinical phases. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive review on mechanisms by which HBV escapes elimination from current treatments, and highlight new agents to achieve a definitive HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed H. Abdelwahed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Brent D. Heineman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - George Y. Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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31
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Yang D, Duan Z, Yuan P, Ding C, Dai X, Chen G, Wu D. How does TCR-T cell therapy exhibit a superior anti-tumor efficacy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 687:149209. [PMID: 37944471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
TCR-engineered T cells have achieved great progress in solid tumor therapy, some of which have been applicated in clinical trials. Deep knowledge about the current progress of TCR-T in tumor therapy would be beneficial to understand the direction. Here, we classify tumor antigens into tumor-associated antigens, tumor-specific antigens, tumor antigens expressed by oncogenic viruses, and tumor antigens caused by abnormal protein modification; Then we detail the TCR-T cell therapy effects targeting those tumor antigens in clinical or preclinical trials, and propose that neoantigen specific TCR-T cell therapy is expected to be a promising approach for solid tumors; Furthermore, we summarize the optimization strategies, such as tumor microenvironment, TCR pairing and affinity, to improve the therapeutic effect of TCR-T. Overall, this review provides inspiration for the antigen selection and therapy strategies of TCR-T in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Yang
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Zhihui Duan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Chengming Ding
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xiaoming Dai
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Guodong Chen
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Daichao Wu
- Laboratory of Structural Immunology, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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Jacobs R, Dogbey MD, Mnyandu N, Neves K, Barth S, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. AAV Immunotoxicity: Implications in Anti-HBV Gene Therapy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2985. [PMID: 38138129 PMCID: PMC10745739 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has afflicted humankind for decades and there is still no treatment that can clear the infection. The development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy for HBV infection has become important in recent years and research has made exciting leaps. Initial studies, mainly using mouse models, showed that rAAVs are non-toxic and induce minimal immune responses. However, several later studies demonstrated rAAV toxicity, which is inextricably associated with immunogenicity. This is a major setback for the progression of rAAV-based therapies toward clinical application. Research aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind rAAV immunity and toxicity has contributed significantly to the inception of approaches to overcoming these challenges. The target tissue, the features of the vector, and the vector dose are some of the determinants of AAV toxicity, with the latter being associated with the most severe adverse events. This review discusses our current understanding of rAAV immunogenicity, toxicity, and approaches to overcoming these hurdles. How this information and current knowledge about HBV biology and immunity can be harnessed in the efforts to design safe and effective anti-HBV rAAVs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridhwaanah Jacobs
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Makafui Dennis Dogbey
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
| | - Njabulo Mnyandu
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Keila Neves
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa; (M.D.D.)
- South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Parktown 2193, South Africa
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Wang L, Zeng X, Wang Z, Fang L, Liu J. Recent advances in understanding T cell activation and exhaustion during HBV infection. Virol Sin 2023; 38:851-859. [PMID: 37866815 PMCID: PMC10786656 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health concern globally, and T cell responses are widely believed to play a pivotal role in mediating HBV clearance. Accordingly, research on the characteristics of HBV-specific T cell responses, from activation to exhaustion, has advanced rapidly. Here, we summarize recent developments in characterizing T cell immunity in HBV infection by reviewing basic and clinical research published in the last five years. We provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms that induce effective anti-HBV T cell immunity, as well as the latest developments in understanding T cell dysfunction in chronic HBV infection. Furthermore, we briefly discuss current novel treatment strategies aimed at restoring anti-HBV T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China; Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zida Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Central Sterile Supply Department, 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; Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Liao F, Xie J, Du R, Gao W, Lan L, Wang M, Rong X, Fu Y, Wang H. Replication and Expression of the Consensus Genome of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C from the Chinese Population. Viruses 2023; 15:2302. [PMID: 38140543 PMCID: PMC10747539 DOI: 10.3390/v15122302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C is a prevalent HBV genotype in the Chinese population. Although genotype C shows higher sequence heterogeneity and more severe liver disease than other genotypes, its pathogenesis and immunological traits are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we first established and chemically synthesized the consensus sequence based on representative 138 full-length HBV genotype C genomes from the Chinese population. The pHBV1.3C plasmid system, containing a 1.3-fold full-length HBV genotype C consensus sequence, was constructed for subsequent validation. Next, we performed functional assays to investigate the replicative competence of pHBV1.3C in vitro through the transient transfection of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and validated the in vivo function via a hydrodynamic injection to BALB/c recipient mice. The in vitro investigation revealed that the extracellular HBV DNA and intracellular replicative intermediate (i.e., pregenomic RNA, pgRNA) were apparently measurable at 48 h, and the HBsAg and HBcAg were still positive in hepatoma cells at 96 h. We also found that HBsAg and HBeAg accumulated at the extracellular and intracellular levels in a time-dependent manner. The in vivo validation demonstrated that pHBV1.3C plasmids induced HBV viremia, triggered morphological changes and HBsAg- or HBcAg- positivity of hepatocytes, and ultimately caused inflammatory infiltration and focal or piecemeal necrosis in the livers of the murine recipients. HBV protein (HBsAg) colocalized with CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cells in the liver. F4/80+ Kupffer cells were abundantly recruited around the altered murine hepatocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that the synthetic consensus sequence of HBV genotype C is replication-competent in vitro and in vivo. This genotype C consensus genome supports the full HBV life cycle, which is conducive to studying its pathogenesis and immune response, screening novel antiviral agents, and further optimizing testing and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfang Liao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Junmou Xie
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Rongsong Du
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Wenbo Gao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Lanyin Lan
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Min Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xia Rong
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
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Yao B, Xu Q, Zhang X, Han Y. Genetic variations underlying Gilbert syndrome and HBV infection outcomes: a cross-sectional study. Front Genet 2023; 14:1265268. [PMID: 38028601 PMCID: PMC10657892 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1265268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Constant cellular damage causes a poor prognosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Accumulating evidence indicates the cytoprotective properties of bilirubin. Here, we investigated the association of UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1), the genetic cause of Gilbert syndrome (GS), a common condition of mild unconjugated bilirubinemia, with HBV infection outcomes. Methods: Patients (n = 2,792) with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were screened for HBV infection and host UGT1A1 variations in Ruijin Hospital from January 2015 to May 2023, and those with confirmed HBV exposure were included. The promoter/exons/adjacent intronic regions of UGT1A1 were sequenced. HBV infection outcomes were compared between hosts with wild-type and variant-type UGT1A1. The effect magnitudes of UGT1A1 variations were evaluated using three classification approaches. Results: In total, 175 patients with confirmed HBV exposure were recruited for final analysis. Age, gender, level of HBV serological markers, and antiviral treatment were comparable between UGT1A1 wild-type and disease-causing variation groups. Five known disease-causing mutations (UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*27, UGT1A1*63, and UGT1A1*7) were detected. The incidence of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (LC/HCC) was significantly lower in UGT1A1 variant hosts than in UGT1A1 wild-type hosts (13.14% vs. 78.95%, p < 0.0001). The rarer the UGT1A1 variation a patient possessed, the higher the age at which LC/HCC was diagnosed (R = 0.34, p < 0.05). In contrast, patients without cirrhosis achieving HBsAg clearance were identified only in the UGT1A1 variant group (12.32% vs. 0%). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide insights into the association between preexisting genetically mild bilirubin elevation and viral infection outcome. We showed that the accumulation of UGT1A1 variants or the rarity of the variation is associated with a better prognosis, and the effect magnitude correlates with UGT1A1 deficiency. This study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of host UGT1A1 variations underlying GS against HBV infection outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilian Yao
- Department of General Practice, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 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
- Clinical Research Center, 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
- Sino-French Research Centre for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Bei J, Chen Y, Zhang Q, Wang X, Lin L, Huang J, Huang W, Cai M, Cai W, Guo Y, Zhu K. HBV suppresses macrophage immune responses by impairing the TCA cycle through the induction of CS/PDHC hyperacetylation. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0294. [PMID: 37820280 PMCID: PMC10578720 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is now understood that HBV can induce innate and adaptive immune response disorders by affecting immunosuppressive macrophages, resulting in chronic HBV infection. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Dysregulated protein acetylation can reportedly influence the differentiation and functions of innate immune cells by coordinating metabolic signaling. This study aims to assess whether HBV suppresses macrophage-mediated innate immune responses by affecting protein acetylation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HBV immune escape. METHODS We investigated the effect of HBV on the acetylation levels of human THP-1 macrophages and identified potential targets of acetylation that play a role in glucose metabolism. Metabolic and immune phenotypes of macrophages were analyzed using metabolomic and flow cytometry techniques. Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence were performed to measure the interactions between deacetylase and acetylated targets. Chronic HBV persistent infected mice were established to evaluate the role of activating the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in macrophages for HBV clearance. RESULTS Citrate synthase/pyruvate dehydrogenase complex hyperacetylation in macrophages after HBV stimulation inhibited their enzymatic activities and was associated with impaired TCA cycle and M2-like polarization. HBV downregulated Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression in macrophages by means of the toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-NF-κB- peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) axis, resulting in citrate synthase/pyruvate dehydrogenase complex hyperacetylation. In vivo administration of the TCA cycle agonist dichloroacetate inhibited macrophage M2-like polarization and effectively reduced the number of serum HBV DNA copies. CONCLUSIONS HBV-induced citrate synthase/pyruvate dehydrogenase complex hyperacetylation negatively modulates the innate immune response by impairing the TCA cycle of macrophages. This mechanism represents a potential therapeutic target for controlling HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Bei
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ye Chen
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qianbing Zhang
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liteng Lin
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jingjun Huang
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wensou Huang
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mingyue Cai
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiguo Cai
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongjian Guo
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kangshun Zhu
- Laboratory of Interventional Radiology, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Radiology and Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Bertoletti A, Le Bert N, Tan AT, Boni C, Fisicaro P, Ferrari C, Chang KM, Gehring AJ, Lauer G, Maini M, Thimme R, Neumann-Haefelin C. Comment on 'End-of-treatment HBcrAg and HBsAb levels identify durable functional cure after Peg-IFN-based therapy in patients with CHB'. J Hepatol 2023; 79:e202-e204. [PMID: 37307998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Georg Lauer
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA
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Li D, Zeng Z, Zhao S, Ao X, Wu H, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Zhou X, Miao X. Human Leukocyte Antigen Polymorphism HLA-A*24:02 is Associated with Acute Liver Disease in HBV-Infected Han Chinese Adults. Immunol Invest 2023; 52:767-778. [PMID: 37417317 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2232409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether polymorphic Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 alleles were associated with acute liver disease after hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections was investigated. METHODS In this study, from initially 100 participants in each group, HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 sequences were available from 86 acute hepatitis B (AHB) patients and from 84 HBV-resistant individuals (controls), using sequencing-based typing allele groups and alleles that exhibited differences in distribution between the case and control groups were subjected to chi-squared and logistic regression analyses to identify those associated with AHB. A dose response analysis was also performed on the effect of HLA-A*24:02 allele number on acute liver disease following HBV infection. RESULTS The frequency distribution of HLA-B and HLA-DRB1 alleles in the control group were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (P > .05). HLA-A*24:02 (χ2 = 6.949, P = .008) occurred most frequently in the AHB and HLA-DRB1*12:02 (χ2 = 7.768, P = .005) in the control group. With adjustment for sex, the logistic regression model showed that the HLA-A*24:02 allele was significantly associated with AHB liver injury (P = .0326, OR = 2.270, 95% CI: 1.070-4.816), whereas the other HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 alleles were not (P > .05). A linear response was observed for the association between HLA-A*24:02 allele number and acute liver disease after HBV infections (χ2 = 4.428, P = .025). CONCLUSION The HLA-A*24:02 allele may influence the severity of the cellular response to HBV infection, increasing the elimination of HBV-infected hepatocytes. The HLA-A*24:02 allele may be a potential screening marker for identifying people or regional populations in China at higher risk of acute liver disease following HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiyu Zeng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shumin Zhao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Chang Zheng Hospital, The Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiulan Ao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haicong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Disease, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fuzhou General Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Miao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Chang Zheng Hospital, The Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Rossi M, Vecchi A, Tiezzi C, Barili V, Fisicaro P, Penna A, Montali I, Daffis S, Fletcher SP, Gaggar A, Medley J, Graupe M, Lad L, Loglio A, Soffredini R, Borghi M, Pollicino T, Musolino C, Alfieri A, Brillo F, Laccabue D, Massari M, Boarini C, Abbati G, Pedrazzi G, Missale G, Lampertico P, Ferrari C, Boni C. Phenotypic CD8 T cell profiling in chronic hepatitis B to predict HBV-specific CD8 T cell susceptibility to functional restoration in vitro. Gut 2023; 72:2123-2137. [PMID: 36717219 PMCID: PMC10579518 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exhausted hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8 T cells in chronic HBV infection are broadly heterogeneous. Characterisation of their functional impairment may allow to distinguish patients with different capacity to control infection and reconstitute antiviral function. DESIGN HBV dextramer+CD8 T cells were analysed ex vivo for coexpression of checkpoint/differentiation markers, transcription factors and cytokines in 35 patients with HLA-A2+chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and in 29 control HBsAg negative CHB patients who seroconverted after NUC treatment or spontaneously. Cytokine production was also evaluated in HBV peptide-stimulated T cell cultures, in the presence or absence of antioxidant, polyphenolic, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and TLR-8 agonist compounds and the effect on HBV-specific responses was further validated on additional 24 HLA-A2 negative CHB patients. RESULTS Severely exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cell subsets with high expression of inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, TOX and CD39, were detected only in a subgroup of chronic viraemic patients. Conversely, a large predominance of functionally more efficient HBV-specific CD8 T cell subsets with lower expression of coinhibitory molecules and better response to in vitro immune modulation, typically detected after resolution of infection, was also observed in a proportion of chronic viraemic HBV patients. Importantly, the same subset of patients who responded more efficiently to in vitro immune modulation identified by HBV-specific CD8 T cell analysis were also identified by staining total CD8 T cells with PD-1, TOX, CD127 and Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS The possibility to distinguish patient cohorts with different capacity to respond to immune modulatory compounds in vitro by a simple analysis of the phenotypic CD8 T cell exhaustion profile deserves evaluation of its clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Camilla Tiezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Barili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Amalia Penna
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Montali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Anuj Gaggar
- Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | - Latesh Lad
- Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, California, USA
| | - Alessandro Loglio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Soffredini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Borghi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Arianna Alfieri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Brillo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Diletta Laccabue
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Massari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Boarini
- Division of Internal Medicine 2 and Center for Hemochromatosis, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Abbati
- Division of Internal Medicine 2 and Center for Hemochromatosis, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pedrazzi
- Department of Neuroscience - Biophysics and Medical Physics Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Milano, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Lempp FA, Volz T, Cameroni E, Benigni F, Zhou J, Rosen LE, Noack J, Zatta F, Kaiser H, Bianchi S, Lombardo G, Jaconi S, Vincenzetti L, Imam H, Soriaga LB, Passini N, Belnap DM, Schulze A, Lütgehetmann M, Telenti A, Cathcart AL, Snell G, Purcell LA, Hebner CM, Urban S, Dandri M, Corti D, Schmid MA. Potent broadly neutralizing antibody VIR-3434 controls hepatitis B and D virus infection and reduces HBsAg in humanized mice. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1129-1138. [PMID: 37459920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis B is a global public health problem, and coinfection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) worsens disease outcome. Here, we describe a hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg)-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb) with the potential to treat chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis D. METHODS HBsAg-specific mAbs were isolated from memory B cells of HBV vaccinated individuals. In vitro neutralization was determined against HBV and HDV enveloped with HBsAg representing eight HBV genotypes. Human liver-chimeric mice were treated twice weekly with a candidate mAb starting 3 weeks post HBV inoculation (spreading phase) or during stable HBV or HBV/HDV coinfection (chronic phase). RESULTS From a panel of human anti-HBs mAbs, VIR-3434 was selected and engineered for pre-clinical development. VIR-3434 targets a conserved, conformational epitope within the antigenic loop of HBsAg and neutralized HBV and HDV infection with higher potency than hepatitis B immunoglobulins in vitro. Neutralization was pan-genotypic against strains representative of HBV genotypes A-H. In the spreading phase of HBV infection in human liver-chimeric mice, a parental mAb of VIR-3434 (HBC34) prevented HBV dissemination and the increase in intrahepatic HBV RNA and covalently closed circular DNA. In the chronic phase of HBV infection or co-infection with HDV, HBC34 treatment decreased circulating HBsAg by >1 log and HDV RNA by >2 logs. CONCLUSIONS The potently neutralizing anti-HBs mAb VIR-3434 reduces circulating HBsAg and HBV/HDV viremia in human liver-chimeric mice. VIR-3434 is currently in clinical development for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B or D. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus and co-infection with hepatitis D virus place approximately 290 million individuals worldwide at risk of severe liver disease and cancer. Available treatments result in low rates of functional cure or require lifelong therapy that does not eliminate the risk of liver disease. We isolated and characterized a potent human antibody that neutralizes hepatitis B and D viruses and reduces infection in a mouse model. This antibody could provide a new treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B and D.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tassilo Volz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Sites, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Cameroni
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Benigni
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Jiayi Zhou
- Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Laura E Rosen
- Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Julia Noack
- Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Fabrizia Zatta
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Hannah Kaiser
- Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Siro Bianchi
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gloria Lombardo
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Jaconi
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Vincenzetti
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Hasan Imam
- Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | | | - Nadia Passini
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - David M Belnap
- School of Biological Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Andreas Schulze
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Sites, Germany; Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Gyorgy Snell
- Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | | | | | - Stephan Urban
- German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Sites, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems and Heidelberg Sites, Germany
| | - Davide Corti
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Michael A Schmid
- Humabs Biomed SA, A Subsidiary of Vir Biotechnology, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland.
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Boni C, Rossi M, Montali I, Tiezzi C, Vecchi A, Penna A, Doselli S, Reverberi V, Ceccatelli Berti C, Montali A, Schivazappa S, Laccabue D, Missale G, Fisicaro P. What Is the Current Status of Hepatitis B Virus Viro-Immunology? Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:819-836. [PMID: 37778772 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely dependent on the dynamic interplay between the host immune response and viral replication. Spontaneous HBV clearance in acute self-limited infection is the result of an adequate and efficient antiviral immune response. Instead, it is widely recognized that in chronic HBV infection, immunologic dysfunction contributes to viral persistence. Long-lasting exposure to high viral antigens, upregulation of multiple co-inhibitory receptors, dysfunctional intracellular signaling pathways and metabolic alterations, and intrahepatic regulatory mechanisms have been described as features ultimately leading to a hierarchical loss of effector functions up to full T-cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Boni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Marzia Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Montali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Camilla Tiezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Amalia Penna
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Doselli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Reverberi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Anna Montali
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simona Schivazappa
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Diletta Laccabue
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Kim SR, Kim SK. Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis: Advanced Diagnosis and Management with a Focus on the Prevention of Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3212. [PMID: 37892033 PMCID: PMC10605503 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203212] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Though the world-wide hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination program has been well completed for almost thirty years in many nations, almost HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs in unvaccinated middle-aged and elderly adults. Apparently, treating 80% of qualified subjects could decrease HBV-related mortality by 65% in a short period. Nevertheless, globally, only 2.2% of CHB patients undergo antiviral therapy. The HBV markers related to HCC occurrence and prevention are as follows: the HCC risk is the highest at a baseline of HBV DNA of 6-7 log copies/mL, and it is the lowest at a baseline of an HBV DNA level of >8 log copies/mL and ≤4 log copies/mL (parabolic, and not linear pattern). The titer of an HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) reflecting the amount of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (ccc DNA) in the liver is related to HCC occurrence. The seroclearance of HBs antigen (HBsAg) is more crucial than HBV DNA negativity for the prevention of HCC. In terms of the secondary prevention of hepatitis B-related HCC involving antiviral therapies with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), unsolved issues include the definition of the immune-tolerant phase; the optimal time for starting antiviral therapies with NAs; the limits of increased aminotransferase (ALT) levels as criteria for therapy in CHB patients; the normalization of ALT levels with NAs and the relation to the risk of HCC; and the relation between serum HBV levels and the risk of HCC. Moreover, the first-line therapy with NAs including entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) remains to be clarified. Discussed here, therefore, are the recent findings of HBV markers related to HCC occurrence and prevention, unsolved issues, and the current secondary antiviral therapy for the prevention of HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soo Ki Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe Asahi Hospital, Kobe 653-0801, Japan;
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Gane E, Lim YS, Kim JB, Jadhav V, Shen L, Bakardjiev AI, Huang SA, Cathcart AL, Lempp FA, Janas MM, Cloutier DJ, Kaittanis C, Sepp-Lorenzino L, Hinkle G, Taubel J, Haslett P, Milstein S, Anglero-Rodriguez YI, Hebner CM, Pang PS, Yuen MF. Evaluation of RNAi therapeutics VIR-2218 and ALN-HBV for chronic hepatitis B: Results from randomized clinical trials. J Hepatol 2023; 79:924-932. [PMID: 37290591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.023] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Current therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) infection involves lifelong treatment. New treatments that enable HBV functional cure would represent a clinically meaningful advance. ALN-HBV and VIR-2218 are investigational RNA interference therapeutics that target all major HBV transcripts. METHODS We report on: i) the safety of single doses of VIR-2218 (modified from ALN-HBV by enhanced stabilization chemistry plus technology to reduce off-target, seed-mediated binding while maintaining on-target antiviral activity) and ALN-HBV in humanized mice; ii) a cross-study comparison of the safety of single doses of VIR-2218 and ALN-HBV in healthy human volunteers (n = 24 and n = 49, respectively); and iii) the antiviral activity of two doses of 20, 50, 100, 200 mg of VIR-2218 (total n = 24) vs. placebo (n = 8), given 4 weeks apart, in participants with cHBV infection. RESULTS In humanized mice, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were markedly lower following administration of VIR-2218 compared with ALN-HBV. In healthy volunteers, post-treatment ALT elevations occurred in 28% of participants receiving ALN-HBV compared with none in those receiving VIR-2218. In participants with cHBV infection, VIR-2218 was associated with dose-dependent reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The greatest mean reduction of HBsAg at Week 20 in participants receiving 200 mg was 1.65 log IU/ml. The HBsAg reduction was maintained at 0.87 log IU/ml at Week 48. No participants had serum HBsAg loss or hepatitis B surface antibody seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS VIR-2218 demonstrated an encouraging hepatic safety profile in preclinical and clinical studies as well as dose-dependent HBsAg reductions in patients with cHBV infection. These data support future studies with VIR-2218 as part of combination regimens with a goal of HBV functional cure. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02826018 and NCT03672188. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS A significant unmet need exists for therapies for chronic HBV (cHBV) infection that achieve functional cure. We report clinical and non-clinical data on two investigational small-interfering RNAs that target HBx, ALN-HBV and VIR-2218, demonstrating that incorporation of enhanced stabilization chemistry plus technology in VIR-2218 reduces its propensity to cause ALT elevations relative to its parent compound, ALN-HBV. We also show that VIR-2218 reduces hepatitis B surface antigen levels in a dose-dependent manner in participants with cHBV infection. These studies support the continued development of VIR-2218 as part of therapeutic regimens for cHBV infection, with the goal of a functional cure, and are important for HBV researchers and physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Gane
- University of Auckland and New Zealand Clinical Research, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae B Kim
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vasant Jadhav
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ling Shen
- Vir Biotechnology, Inc., San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maja M Janas
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jorg Taubel
- Richmond Pharmacology Ltd., St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhan Y, Tao Q, Lang Z, Lin L, Li X, Yu S, Yu Z, Zhou G, Wu K, Zhou Z, Yu Z, Zheng J. Serum ribonucleotide reductase M2 is a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29157. [PMID: 37814947 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
It is known that ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2) could be induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) via DNA damage response. However, whether RRM2 is a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is still unclear. In this study, CHB patients from GSE84044 (a transcriptome data from GEO data set) were downloaded and RRM2 was selected as a hub gene. Interestingly, a positive correlation was found between serum RRM2 and liver fibrosis stage. The similar results were found in CHB patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Notably, RRM2 could effectively differentiate preliminary fibrosis from advanced fibrosis in CHB patients with/without normal ALT. In addition, RRM2 had a better performance in diagnosing liver fibrosis than two commonly used noninvasive methods (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index and fibrosis index based on the four factors), two classic fibrotic biomarkers (hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen) as well as Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer, a known serum fibrosis marker. Moreover, CHB patients with high RRM2, who were associated with advanced fibrosis, had higher expressions of immune checkpoints. Overall, serum RRM2 may be a promising biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiqi Tao
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhichao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lifan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Suhui Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guangyao Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kaifeng Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Zunyi, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhenxu Zhou
- Department of Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhixian Yu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Xu H, Kang J, Zhong S, Chen M, Hu P, Ren H, Zhou Z, Lei Y. Function and autophagy of monocyte-derived dendritic cells is affected by hepatitis B virus infection. BMC Immunol 2023; 24:31. [PMID: 37752416 PMCID: PMC10521579 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-023-00571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of dendritic cells and the autophagy state of dendritic cells in the immune response of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was still controversial. In this study, we carefully examined the phenotype, function and autophagy pathway of dendritic cells in HBV infection. METHODS Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from healthy blood donors and patients with chronic HBV infection were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, supernatant of HepG2.2.15 cells or supernatant of HepG2 cells respectively. Phenotype of dendritic cells was examined by flow cytometry and cytokines secretion was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Autophagy related proteins were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that the expression of both major histocompatibility complex II molecules and co-stimulated molecules including cluster of differentiation antigen 80, cluster of differentiation antigen 86 in the monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with chronic HBV infection was significantly higher than that from healthy donors when cultured with supernatant of HepG2.2.15 cells. The amount of cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-10 and interleukin-12, secreted by monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with chronic HBV infection was also significantly higher than that from healthy donors when stimulate by HBV. Interestingly, the expression level of autophagy-related proteins including autophagy-related protein5 and associated protein 1 light chain in dendritic cells from patients with chronic HBV infection was significantly increased when compared with that from healthy donors when re-exposed to HBV. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that dendritic cells from patients with chronic HBV infection could intensively present antigen and express co-stimulatory molecules. The increased activation of dendritic cells might be related to the enhanced autophagy of dendritic cells in HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
- Department of oncology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 6, 7 Branch Road, Panxi, Jiangbei District, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Juan Kang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Zhong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, No.288 Tianwen Rd., Nan Ping District, Chongqing, 400060, People's Republic of China.
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You M, Gao Y, Fu J, Xie R, Zhu Z, Hong Z, Meng L, Du S, Liu J, Wang FS, Yang P, Chen L. Epigenetic regulation of HBV-specific tumor-infiltrating T cells in HBV-related HCC. Hepatology 2023; 78:943-958. [PMID: 36999652 PMCID: PMC10442105 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HBV shapes the T-cell immune responses in HBV-related HCC. T cells can be recruited to the nidus, but limited T cells participate specifically in response to the HBV-related tumor microenvironment and HBV antigens. How epigenomic programs regulate T-cell compartments in virus-specific immune processes is unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS We developed Ti-ATAC-seq. 2 to map the T-cell receptor repertoire, epigenomic, and transcriptomic landscape of αβ T cells at both the bulk-cell and single-cell levels in 54 patients with HCC. We deeply investigated HBV-specific T cells and HBV-related T-cell subsets that specifically responded to HBV antigens and the HBV + tumor microenvironment, respectively, characterizing their T-cell receptor clonality and specificity and performing epigenomic profiling. A shared program comprising NFKB1/2-, Proto-Oncogene, NF-KB Sub unit, NFATC2-, and NR4A1-associated unique T-cell receptor-downstream core epigenomic and transcriptomic regulome commonly regulated the differentiation of HBV-specific regulatory T-cell (Treg) cells and CD8 + exhausted T cells; this program was also selectively enriched in the HBV-related Treg-CTLA4 and CD8-exhausted T cell-thymocyte selection associated high mobility subsets and drove greater clonal expansion in HBV-related Treg-CTLA4 subset. Overall, 54% of the effector and memory HBV-specific T cells are governed by transcription factor motifs of activator protein 1, NFE2, and BACH1/2, which have been reported to be associated with prolonged patient relapse-free survival. Moreover, HBV-related tumor-infiltrating Tregs correlated with both increased viral titer and poor prognosis in patients. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the cellular and molecular basis of the epigenomic programs that regulate the differentiation and generation of HBV-related T cells from viral infection and HBV + HCC unique immune exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maojun You
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of CAS, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Gao
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of CAS, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junliang Fu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Runze Xie
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of CAS, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- Senior Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA Centeral Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixian Hong
- Senior Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA Centeral Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lingzhan Meng
- Senior Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA Centeral Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shunda Du
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and PUMC, Beijing, China
| | - Junliang Liu
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of CAS, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyuan Yang
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of CAS, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Chen
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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47
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Li Y, Wen C, Gu S, Wang W, Guo L, Li CK, Yi X, Zhou Y, Dong Z, Fu X, Zhong S, Wang Y, Huang K, Yin J, Zhong C, Liang X, Fan R, Chen H, Jiang D, Zhang X, Sun J, Tang L, Peng J, Hou J. Differential response of HBV envelope-specific CD4 + T cells is related to HBsAg loss after stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. Hepatology 2023; 78:592-606. [PMID: 36896974 PMCID: PMC10344436 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Long-term maintenance of viral control, even HBsAg loss, remains a challenge for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients undergoing nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) discontinuation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between HBV-specific T-cell responses targeting peptides spanning the whole proteome and clinical outcomes in CHB patients after NA discontinuation. APPROACH AND RESULTS Eighty-eight CHB patients undergoing NA discontinuation were classified as responders (remained relapse-free up to 96 weeks) or relapsers (relapsed patients who underwent NA retreatment for up to 48 weeks and reachieved stable viral control). HBV-specific T-cell responses were detected at baseline and longitudinally throughout the follow-up. We found responders had a greater magnitude of HBV polymerase (Pol)-specific T-cell responses than relapsers at baseline. After long-term NA discontinuation, simultaneously enhanced HBV Core-induced and Pol-induced responses were observed in responders. Particularly, responders with HBsAg loss possessed enhanced HBV Envelope (Env)-induced responses after short-term and long-term follow-up. Notably, CD4 + T cells accounted for the predominance of HBV-specific T-cell responses. Correspondingly, CD4-deficient mice showed attenuated HBV-specific CD8 + T-cell responses, reduced HBsAb-producing B cells, and delayed HBsAg loss; in contrast, in vitro addition of CD4 + T cells promoted HBsAb production by B cells. Besides, IL-9, rather than PD-1 blockade, enhanced HBV Pol-specific CD4 + T-cell responses. CONCLUSION HBV-specific CD4 + T-cell responses induced by the targeted peptide possess specificities for long-term viral control and HBsAg loss in CHB patients undergoing NA discontinuation, indicating that CD4 + T cells specific to distinct HBV antigens may endow with divergent antiviral potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Chunhua Wen
- 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
| | - Shuqin Gu
- 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
| | - Weibin Wang
- 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
| | - Ling Guo
- 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
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chris Kafai Li
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xuan Yi
- 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
| | - Yang Zhou
- 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
| | - Zheyu Dong
- 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
| | - Xin Fu
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Yuhao Wang
- 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
| | - Kuiyuan Huang
- 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
| | - Junhua Yin
- 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
| | - Chunxiu 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
| | - Xieer Liang
- 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
| | - Rong Fan
- 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
| | - Haitao Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Deke Jiang
- 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
| | - Xiaoyong 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
| | - Jian Sun
- 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
| | - Jie Peng
- 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
| | - Jinlin Hou
- 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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48
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Buonaguro L, Cavalluzzo B, Mauriello A, Ragone C, Tornesello AL, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML, Tagliamonte M. Microorganisms-derived antigens for preventive anti-cancer vaccines. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 92:101192. [PMID: 37295175 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer prevention is one of the aim with the highest priority in order to reduce the burden of cancer diagnosis and treatment on individuals as well as on healthcare systems. To this aim, vaccines represent the most efficient primary cancer prevention strategy. Indeed, anti-cancer immunological memory elicited by preventive vaccines might promptly expand and prevent tumor from progressing. Antigens derived from microorganisms (MoAs), represent the obvious target for developing highly effective preventive vaccines for virus-induced cancers. In this respect, the drastic reduction in cancer incidence following HBV and HPV preventive vaccines are the paradigmatic example of such evidence. More recently, experimental evidences suggest that MoAs may represent a "natural" anti-cancer preventive vaccination or can be exploited for developing vaccines to prevent cancers presenting highly homologous tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) (e.g. molecular mimicry). The present review describes the different preventive anti-cancer vaccines based on antigens derived from pathogens at the different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Buonaguro
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cavalluzzo
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Mauriello
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Ragone
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Lucia Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Tagliamonte
- Innovative Immunological Models Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - "Fond G. Pascale", Naples, Italy.
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49
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Saleh Z, Mehdipour F, Ataollahi MR, Ali-Hassanzadeh M, Kabelitz D, Kalantar K. Frequency of B-Cell Subpopulations in Low Responders in Comparison with High Responders to Hepatitis B Vaccine Among Health Care Workers. Curr Microbiol 2023; 80:296. [PMID: 37488238 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-023-03367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Hepatitis B (HB) infection. The goal of vaccination is to induce immunological memory. Hence, determining the frequency of memory B-cell (MBC) subsets is an important indicator of vaccine efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of different B-cell subpopulations and the expression of PD-1 on B-cell subsets in low responders (LR) and high responders (HR) to HB vaccine. According to our findings, the expression level of PD-1 was significantly higher on atypical MBC (atMBC) than that of naive B cell and classical MBC (cMBC) in LR and HR groups. Moreover, cMBCs had a significant higher PD-1 expression than naive B cells in LR group. No significant differences were found in the frequency of various B-cell subpopulations and the expression level of PD-1 on B-cell subsets between LR and HR groups. We observed a negative correlation between age and HBsAb titer and a positive correlation between age and PD-1 expression level on cMBC in LR group. It can be concluded that inadequate specific memory B-cell response, rather than total memory B-cell deficiency, may be implicated in low responsive rate to HB vaccine in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Saleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 7134845794, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Mehdipour
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Ataollahi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig, Holstein Campus Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 7134845794, Shiraz, Iran.
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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50
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Ghufran SM, Sharma P, Roy B, Jaiswal S, Aftab M, Sengupta S, Ghose S, Biswas S. Transcriptome wide functional analysis of HBx expressing human hepatocytes stimulated with endothelial cell cross-talk. Genomics 2023; 115:110642. [PMID: 37209778 PMCID: PMC7615065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Identification of genes dysregulated during the hepatitis B virus (HBV)-host cell interaction adds to the understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms and aids in discovering effective therapies to improve prognosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals. Through bioinformatics analyses of transcriptomics data, this study aimed to identify potential genes involved in the cross-talk of human hepatocytes expressing the HBV viral protein HBx with endothelial cells. Transient transfection of HBV viral gene X (HBx) was performed in THLE2 cells using pcDNA3 constructs. Through mRNA Sequencing (RNA Seq) analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. THLE2 cells transfected with HBx (THLE2x) were further treated with conditioned medium from cultured human umbilical vein derived endothelial cells (HUVEC-CM). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that interferon and cytokine signaling pathways were primarily enriched for the downregulated DEGs in THLE2x cells treated with HUVEC-CM. One significant module was selected following protein-protein interaction (PPI) network generation, and thirteen hub genes were identified from the module. The prognostic values of the hub genes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter, and three genes (IRF7, IFIT1, and IFITM1) correlated with poor disease specific survival (DSS) in HCC patients with chronic hepatitis. A comparison of the DEGs identified in HUVEC-stimulated THLE2x cells with four publicly available HBV-related HCC microarray datasets revealed that PLAC8 was consistently downregulated in all four HCC datasets as well as in HUVEC-CM treated THLE2x cells. KM plots revealed that PLAC8 correlated with worse relapse free survival and progression free survival in HCC patients with hepatitis B virus infection. This study provided molecular insights which may help develop a deeper understanding of HBV-host stromal cell interaction and open avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prachi Sharma
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, AUUP, Noida, India
| | - Bornika Roy
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, AUUP, Noida, India
| | - Shivani Jaiswal
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, AUUP, Noida, India
| | - Mehreen Aftab
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Oncology, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
| | - Shinjinee Sengupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, AUUP, Noida, India
| | - Sampa Ghose
- Department of Medical Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
| | - Subhrajit Biswas
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research, AUUP, Noida, India.
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