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AbouSamra MM. Liposomal nano-carriers mediated targeting of liver disorders: mechanisms and applications. J Liposome Res 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38988127 DOI: 10.1080/08982104.2024.2377085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Liver disorders present a significant global health challenge, necessitating the exploration of innovative treatment modalities. Liposomal nanocarriers have emerged as promising candidates for targeted drug delivery to the liver. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms and applications of liposomal nanocarriers in addressing various liver disorders. Firstly discussing the liver disorders and the conventional treatment approaches, the review delves into the liposomal structure and composition. Moreover, it tackles the different mechanisms of liposomal targeting including both passive and active strategies. After that, the review moves on to explore the therapeutic potentials of liposomal nanocarriers in treating liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, viral hepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Through discussing recent advancements and envisioning future perspectives, this review highlights the role of liposomal nanocarriers in enhancing the effectiveness and the safety of liver disorders and consequently improving patient outcomes and enhances life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M AbouSamra
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Allweiss L, Volmari A, Suri V, Wallin JJ, Flaherty JF, Manuilov D, Downie B, Lütgehetmann M, Bockmann JH, Urban S, Wedemeyer H, Dandri M. Blocking viral entry with bulevirtide reduces the number of HDV-infected hepatocytes in human liver biopsies. J Hepatol 2024; 80:882-891. [PMID: 38340811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.035] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bulevirtide (BLV) is a first-in-class entry inhibitor and the only approved treatment for patients chronically infected with HDV in Europe. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of BLV treatment in paired liver biopsies obtained at baseline and after 24 or 48 weeks of treatment. METHODS We performed a combined analysis of 126 paired liver biopsies derived from three clinical trials. In the phase II clinical trial MYR202, patients with chronic hepatitis D were randomised to receive 24 weeks of BLV at 2 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg/day. Patients in MYR203 (phase II) and MYR301 (phase III) received 48 weeks of BLV at 2 mg or 10 mg/day. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate monotherapy or delayed treatment served as comparators. Virological parameters and infection-related host genes were assessed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS At week 24, median intrahepatic HDV RNA decline from baseline was 0.9Log10 with 2 mg (n = 7), 1.1Log10 with 5 mg (n = 5) and 1.4 Log10 with 10 mg (n = 7) of BLV. At week 48, median reductions were 2.2Log10 with 2 mg (n = 27) and 2.7Log10 with 10 mg (n = 37) of BLV, while HDV RNA levels did not change in the comparator arms. Notably, a drastic decline in the number of hepatitis delta antigen-positive hepatocytes and a concomitant decrease in transcriptional levels of inflammatory chemokines and interferon-stimulated genes was determined in all BLV-treatment arms. Despite the abundance of HBsAg-positive hepatocytes, replication and covalently closed circular DNA levels of the helper virus HBV were low and remained unaffected by BLV treatment. CONCLUSION Blocking viral entry diminishes signs of liver inflammation and promotes a strong reduction of HDV infection within the liver, thus suggesting that some patients may achieve HDV cure with long-term treatment. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic infection with HDV causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis, affecting approximately 12 million people worldwide. The entry inhibitor bulevirtide (BLV) is the only recently approved anti-HDV drug, which has proven efficacious and safe in clinical trials and real-word data. Here, we investigated paired liver biopsies at baseline and after 24 or 48 weeks of treatment from three clinical trials to understand the effect of the drug on viral and host parameters in the liver, the site of viral replication. We found that BLV treatment strongly reduces the number of HDV-infected cells and signs of liver inflammation. This data implies that blocking viral entry ameliorates liver inflammation and that prolonged treatment regimens might lead to HDV cure in some patients. This concept will guide the further development of therapeutic strategies and combination treatments for patients with CHD. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBERS NCT03546621, NCT02888106, NCT03852719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Allweiss
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Heidelberg and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Sites, Germany
| | - Annika Volmari
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc Lütgehetmann
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Heidelberg and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Sites, Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Bockmann
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Heidelberg and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Sites, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Heidelberg and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Sites, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Heidelberg and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Sites, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hannover, Heidelberg and Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Sites, Germany.
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Wedemeyer H, Aleman S, Brunetto M, Blank A, Andreone P, Bogomolov P, Chulanov V, Mamonova N, Geyvandova N, Morozov V, Sagalova O, Stepanova T, Berger A, Ciesek S, Manuilov D, Mercier RC, Da BL, Chee GM, Li M, Flaherty JF, Lau AH, Osinusi A, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Cornberg M, Zeuzem S, Lampertico P. Bulevirtide monotherapy in patients with chronic HDV: Efficacy and safety results through week 96 from a phase III randomized trial. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00333-7. [PMID: 38734383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.001] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bulevirtide (BLV), a first-in-class entry inhibitor, is approved in Europe for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD). BLV monotherapy was superior to delayed treatment at week (W) 48, the primary efficacy endpoint, in the MYR301 study (NCT03852719). Here, we assessed if continued BLV therapy until W96 would improve virologic and biochemical response rates, particularly among patients who did not achieve virologic response at W24. METHODS In this ongoing, open-label, randomized phase III study, patients with CHD (N = 150) were randomized (1:1:1) to treatment with BLV 2 mg/day (n = 49) or 10 mg/day (n = 50), each for 144 weeks, or to delayed treatment for 48 weeks followed by BLV 10 mg/day for 96 weeks (n = 51). Combined response was defined as undetectable hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA or a decrease in HDV RNA by ≥2 log10 IU/ml from baseline and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization. Other endpoints included virologic response, ALT normalization, and change in HDV RNA. RESULTS Of 150 patients, 143 (95%) completed 96 weeks of the study. Efficacy responses were maintained and/or improved between W48 and W96, with similar combined, virologic, and biochemical response rates between BLV 2 and 10 mg. Of the patients with a suboptimal early virologic response at W24, 43% of non-responders and 82% of partial responders achieved virologic response at W96. Biochemical improvement often occurred independently of virologic response. Adverse events were mostly mild, with no serious adverse events related to BLV. CONCLUSIONS Virologic and biochemical responses were maintained and/or increased with longer term BLV therapy, including in those with suboptimal early virologic response. BLV monotherapy for CHD was safe and well tolerated through W96. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS In July 2023, bulevirtide was fully approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) in Europe based on clinical study results from up to 48 weeks of treatment. Understanding the efficacy and safety of bulevirtide over the longer term is important for healthcare providers. In this analysis, we demonstrate that bulevirtide monotherapy for 96 weeks in patients with CHD was associated with continued improvements in combined, virologic, and biochemical responses as well as liver stiffness from week 48 at both the 2 mg and 10 mg doses. Patients with suboptimal virologic responses to bulevirtide at week 24 also benefited from continued therapy, with the majority achieving virologic response or biochemical improvement by week 96. CLINICAL TRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT03852719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Wedemeyer
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Soo Aleman
- Karolinska University Hospital/Karolinska Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maurizia Brunetto
- University Hospital of Pisa, Hepatology Unit, Reference Center of the Tuscany Region for Chronic Liver Disease and Cancer, Pisa, Italy; University of Pisa, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antje Blank
- Heidelberg University Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pietro Andreone
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Internal Medicine, Baggiovara Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Pavel Bogomolov
- State Budgetary Institution of Health Care of Moscow Region, Moscow Regional Research Clinical Institute Named After M.F. Vladimirsky, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- FSBI National Research Medical Center for Phthisiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Nina Mamonova
- FSBI National Research Medical Center for Phthisiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | | | - Olga Sagalova
- Federal State-Funded Institution of Higher Education, South Ural State Medical University of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation
| | | | - Annemarie Berger
- Institute for Medical Virology, German Centre for Infection Research, External Partner Site Frankfurt, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- Institute for Medical Virology, German Centre for Infection Research, External Partner Site Frankfurt, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | - Ben L Da
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | | | - Mingyang Li
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Anu Osinusi
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, United States
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik Studienambulanz Hepatologie, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie und Endokrinologie, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; CRC A. M. and A. Migliavacca Center for Liver Disease, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Hofmann S, Luther J, Plank V, Oswald A, Mai J, Simons I, Miller J, Falcone V, Hansen-Palmus L, Hengel H, Nassal M, Protzer U, Schreiner S. Arsenic trioxide impacts hepatitis B virus core nuclear localization and efficiently interferes with HBV infection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0378823. [PMID: 38567974 PMCID: PMC11064512 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03788-23] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The key to a curative treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the eradication of the intranuclear episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the stable persistence reservoir of HBV. Currently, established therapies can only limit HBV replication but fail to tackle the cccDNA. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches toward curative treatment are urgently needed. Recent publications indicated a strong association between the HBV core protein SUMOylation and the association with promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) on relaxed circular DNA to cccDNA conversion. We propose that interference with the cellular SUMOylation system and PML-NB integrity using arsenic trioxide provides a useful tool in the treatment of HBV infection. Our study showed a significant reduction in HBV-infected cells, core protein levels, HBV mRNA, and total DNA. Additionally, a reduction, albeit to a limited extent, of HBV cccDNA could be observed. Furthermore, this interference was also applied for the treatment of an established HBV infection, characterized by a stably present nuclear pool of cccDNA. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment not only changed the amount of expressed HBV core protein but also induced a distinct relocalization to an extranuclear phenotype during infection. Moreover, ATO treatment resulted in the redistribution of transfected HBV core protein away from PML-NBs, a phenotype similar to that previously observed with SUMOylation-deficient HBV core. Taken together, these findings revealed the inhibition of HBV replication by ATO treatment during several steps of the viral replication cycle, including viral entry into the nucleus as well as cccDNA formation and maintenance. We propose ATO as a novel prospective treatment option for further pre-clinical and clinical studies against HBV infection. IMPORTANCE The main challenge for the achievement of a functional cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the highly stable persistence reservoir of HBV, which is maintained by further rounds of infection with newly generated progeny viruses or by intracellular recycling of mature nucleocapsids. Eradication of the cccDNA is considered to be the holy grail for HBV curative treatment; however, current therapeutic approaches fail to directly tackle this HBV persistence reservoir. The molecular effect of arsenic trioxide (ATO) on HBV infection, protein expression, and cccDNA formation and maintenance, however, has not been characterized and understood until now. In this study, we reveal ATO treatment as a novel and innovative therapeutic approach against HBV infections, repressing viral gene expression and replication as well as the stable cccDNA pool at low micromolar concentrations by affecting the cellular function of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julius Luther
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Plank
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Oswald
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Mai
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ilka Simons
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julija Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valeria Falcone
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lea Hansen-Palmus
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hartmut Hengel
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schreiner
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Matsui T. A revolutionary oral HBV treatment candidate as innovative therapeutic approach warranting clinical trials. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:434-435. [PMID: 38526624 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-024-02091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Matsui
- Center for Gastroenterology, Teine-Keijinkai Hospital, 1-jo 12-chome, Maeda, Teine-ku, Sapporo, 006-8555, Japan.
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Liu H, Zakrzewicz D, Nosol K, Irobalieva RN, Mukherjee S, Bang-Sørensen R, Goldmann N, Kunz S, Rossi L, Kossiakoff AA, Urban S, Glebe D, Geyer J, Locher KP. Structure of antiviral drug bulevirtide bound to hepatitis B and D virus receptor protein NTCP. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2476. [PMID: 38509088 PMCID: PMC10954734 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46706-w] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular entry of the hepatitis B and D viruses (HBV/HDV) requires binding of the viral surface polypeptide preS1 to the hepatobiliary transporter Na+-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). This interaction can be blocked by bulevirtide (BLV, formerly Myrcludex B), a preS1 derivative and approved drug for treating HDV infection. Here, to elucidate the basis of this inhibitory function, we determined a cryo-EM structure of BLV-bound human NTCP. BLV forms two domains, a plug lodged in the bile salt transport tunnel of NTCP and a string that covers the receptor's extracellular surface. The N-terminally attached myristoyl group of BLV interacts with the lipid-exposed surface of NTCP. Our structure reveals how BLV inhibits bile salt transport, rationalizes NTCP mutations that decrease the risk of HBV/HDV infection, and provides a basis for understanding the host specificity of HBV/HDV. Our results provide opportunities for structure-guided development of inhibitors that target HBV/HDV docking to NTCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Liu
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dariusz Zakrzewicz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kamil Nosol
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Somnath Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rose Bang-Sørensen
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nora Goldmann
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Giessen-Marburg-Langen Partner Site, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kunz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Rossi
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anthony A Kossiakoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Giessen-Marburg-Langen Partner Site, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Joachim Geyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Kaspar P Locher
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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He Y, Zhou J, Gao H, Liu C, Zhan P, Liu X. Broad-spectrum antiviral strategy: Host-targeting antivirals against emerging and re-emerging viruses. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116069. [PMID: 38160620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116069] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Viral infections are amongst the most prevalent diseases that pose a significant threat to human health. Targeting viral proteins or host factors represents two primary strategies for the development of antiviral drugs. In contrast to virus-targeting antivirals (VTAs), host-targeting antivirals (HTAs) offer advantages in terms of overcoming drug resistance and effectively combating a wide range of viruses, including newly emerging ones. Therefore, targeting host factors emerges as an extremely promising strategy with the potential to address critical challenges faced by VTAs. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the discovery and development of HTAs, leading to the approval of maraviroc, a chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) antagonist used for the treatment of HIV-1 infected individuals, with several other potential treatments in various stages of development for different viral infections. This review systematically summarizes advancements made in medicinal chemistry regarding various host targets and classifies them into four distinct catagories based on their involvement in the viral life cycle: virus attachment and entry, biosynthesis, nuclear import and export, and viral release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Jiahui Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Huizhan Gao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Chuanfeng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China.
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Hu JL, Huang AL. Classifying hepatitis B therapies with insights from covalently closed circular DNA dynamics. Virol Sin 2024; 39:9-23. [PMID: 38110037 PMCID: PMC10877440 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.12.005] [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: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The achievement of a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains limited to a minority of patients treated with currently approved drugs. The primary objective in developing new anti-HBV drugs is to enhance the functional cure rates for CHB. A critical prerequisite for the functional cure of CHB is a substantial reduction, or even eradication of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Within this context, the changes in cccDNA levels during treatment become as a pivotal concern. We have previously analyzed the factors influencing cccDNA dynamics and introduced a preliminary classification of hepatitis B treatment strategies based on these dynamics. In this review, we employ a systems thinking perspective to elucidate the fundamental aspects of the HBV replication cycle and to rationalize the classification of treatment strategies according to their impact on the dynamic equilibrium of cccDNA. Building upon this foundation, we categorize current anti-HBV strategies into two distinct groups and advocate for their combined use to significantly reduce cccDNA levels within a well-defined timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Li Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, 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.
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9
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Ji G, Li Y, Zhang Z, Li H, Sun P. Recent advances of novel targeted drug delivery systems based on natural medicine monomers against hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24667. [PMID: 38312669 PMCID: PMC10834828 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent type of liver cancer, is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgical interventions are often ineffective, leading HCC patients to rely on systemic chemotherapy. Unfortunately, commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs have limited efficacy and can adversely affect vital organs, causing significant physical and psychological distress for patients. Natural medicine monomers (NMMs) have shown promising efficacy and safety profiles in HCC treatment, garnering attention from researchers. In recent years, the development of novel targeted drug delivery systems (TDDS) combining NMMs with nanocarriers has emerged. These TDDS aim to concentrate drugs effectively in HCC cells by manipulating the characteristics of nanomedicines, leveraging receptor and ligand interactions, and utilizing endogenous stimulatory responses to promote specific nanomedicines distribution. This comprehensive review presents recent research on TDDS for HCC treatment using NMMs from three perspectives: passive TDDS, active TDDS, and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems (SDDS). It consolidates the current state of research on TDDS for HCC treatment with NMMs and highlights the potential of these innovative approaches in improving treatment outcomes. Moreover, the review also identifies research gaps in the related fields to provide references for future targeted therapy research in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjie Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Zhiyue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, China
| | - Ping Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
- Grade Three Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China
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10
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Groenen C, Nguyen TA, Paulusma C, van de Graaf S. Bile salt signaling and bile salt-based therapies in cardiometabolic disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:1-21. [PMID: 38180064 PMCID: PMC10767275 DOI: 10.1042/cs20230934] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Bile salts have an established role in the emulsification and intestinal absorption of dietary lipids, and their homeostasis is tightly controlled by various transporters and regulators in the enterohepatic circulation. Notably, emerging evidence points toward bile salts as major modulators of cardiometabolic disease (CMD), an umbrella disease of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels that is caused by systemic metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the latter encompassing also metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The underlying mechanisms of protective effects of bile salts are their hormonal properties, enabling them to exert versatile metabolic effects by activating various bile salt-responsive signaling receptors with the nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) as most extensively investigated. Activation of FXR and TGR5 is involved in the regulation of glucose, lipid and energy metabolism, and inflammation. Bile salt-based therapies directly targeting FXR and TGR5 signaling have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential in CMD. More recently, therapeutics targeting bile salt transporters thereby modulating bile salt localization, dynamics, and signaling, have been developed and evaluated in CMD. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the contribution of bile salt signaling in the pathogenesis of CMD and the potential of bile salt-based therapies for the treatment of CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C.J. Groenen
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands
| | - Thuc-Anh Nguyen
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands
| | - Coen C. Paulusma
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands
| | - Stan F.J. van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, The Netherlands
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11
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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Lou Y, Ge L, Zhang W, Zhang W, Song F, Huang P. Role of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) in HBV-induced hepatitis: Opportunities for developing novel therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115956. [PMID: 38049009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115956] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the HBV virus. It presents a significant challenge for treatment due to its chronic nature and the potential for developing severe complications, including hepatocirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These complications not only cause physical and psychological distress to patients but also impose substantial economic and social burdens on both individuals and society as a whole. The internalization of HBV relies on endocytosis and necessitates the involvement of various proteins, including heparin sulfate proteoglycans, epidermal growth factor receptors, and NTCP. Among these proteins, NTCP is pivotal in HBV internalization and is primarily located in the liver's basement membrane. As a transporter of bile acids, NTCP also serves as a receptor facilitating HBV entry into cells. Numerous molecules have been identified to thwart HBV infection by stifling NTCP activity, although only a handful exhibit low IC50 values. In this systematic review, our primary focus dwells on the structure and regulation of NTCP, as well as the mechanism involved in HBV internalization. We underscore recent drug breakthroughs that specifically target NTCP to combat HBV infection. By shedding light on these advances, this review contributes novel insights into developing effective anti-HBV medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yutao Lou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luqi Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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12
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Zhu H, Hua H, Dong Y, Zhang J, Xu H, Ge X, Lu Q, Feng J. Long-Term Strategies for Poorly Water-Soluble Peptides: Combining Fatty Acid Modification with PAS Fusion. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:2366-2374. [PMID: 38037956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Bulevirtide, an entry inhibitor for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), is currently available on the European market. However, its clinical application is constrained by its short half-life and poor water solubility, rendering it unsuitable for fatty acid modification, aimed at achieving long-term effects. To address this limitation, we integrated a polypeptide chain consisting of Pro, Ala, and Ser at the C-terminus, which increased its hydrophilicity. To obtain the fusion sequence of A1 and A2, encompassing amino acids 1-47 of Bulevirtide and PAS, we used Escherichia coli fermentation expression. Subsequently, the N-terminal myristoyl groups of A1 and A2 were modified to yield Myr-A1 and Myr-A2, respectively. Five fatty acid moieties with the same hydrophilic spacers and different fatty acids were conjugated to analogs, generating 10 bioconjugations. The bioconjugates were then evaluated for their anti-HBV activity. Among them, HB-10 was selected for pharmacokinetic analysis and demonstrated a significantly prolonged half-life, with 5.88- and 13.18-fold increases in beagle dogs and rats, respectively. Additionally, higher drug doses resulted in substantially elevated liver concentrations. In conclusion, via fatty acid incorporation and PASylation, we successfully developed a novel Bulevirtide bioconjugate, HB-10, that exhibits an extended action duration. This compound holds substantial promise as a prospective long-acting entry inhibitor, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Zhu
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haoju Hua
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanzhen Dong
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongjiang Xu
- Chia tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Xingfeng Ge
- Chia tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Qin Lu
- Chia tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jun Feng
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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13
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Zhuang AQ, Chen Y, Chen SM, Liu WC, Li Y, Zhang WJ, Wu YH. Current Status and Challenges in Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Agents Based on Inactivation/Inhibition or Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Viruses 2023; 15:2315. [PMID: 38140556 PMCID: PMC10747957 DOI: 10.3390/v15122315] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been over half a century since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to now, but approximately 300 million patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) still live in the world, resulting in about one million deaths every year. Although currently approved antivirals (e.g., nucleoside analogues) are effective at reducing HBV replication, they have almost no impact on the existing HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir. HBV cccDNA is a critical obstacle to the complete elimination of the virus via antiviral therapy. The true cure of HBV infection requires the eradication of viral cccDNA from HBV-infected cells; thus, the development of new agents directly or indirectly targeting HBV cccDNA is urgently needed due to the limitations of current available drugs against HBV infection. In this regard, it is the major focus of current anti-HBV research worldwide via different mechanisms to either inactivate/inhibit (functional cure) or eliminate (complete cure) HBV cccDNA. Therefore, this review discussed and summarized recent advances and challenges in efforts to inactivate/silence or eliminate viral cccDNA using anti-HBV agents from different sources, such as small molecules (including epigenetic drugs) and polypeptides/proteins, and siRNA or gene-editing approaches targeting/attenuating HBV cccDNA via different mechanisms, as well as future directions that may be considered in efforts to truly cure chronic HBV infection. In conclusion, no breakthrough has been made yet in attenuating HBV cccDNA, although a number of candidates have advanced into the phase of clinical trials. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the candidates function to indirectly target HBV cccDNA. No outstanding candidate directly targets HBV cccDNA. Relatively speaking, CCC_R08 and nitazoxanide may be some of the most promising agents to clear HBV infection in small molecule compounds. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 systems can directly target HBV cccDNA for decay and demonstrate significant anti-HBV activity. Consequently, gene-editing approaches targeting HBV cccDNA may be one of the most promising means to achieve the core goal of anti-HBV therapeutic strategies. In short, more basic studies on HBV infection need to be carried out to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi-Hang Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, Department of Pharmacy, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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14
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Abdul Majeed N, Zehnder B, Koh C, Heller T, Urban S. Hepatitis delta: Epidemiology to recent advances in therapeutic agents. Hepatology 2023; 78:1306-1321. [PMID: 36738087 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000331] [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: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) was first described in 1977 and is dependent on the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for its entry into cells and on the human host for replication. Due to the envelopment with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope, early phases of HDV entry resemble HBV infection. Unlike HBV, HDV activates innate immune responses. The global prevalence of HDV is estimated to be about 5% of HBsAg positive individuals. However, recent studies have described a wide range of prevalence between 12 to 72 million individuals. Infection can occur as super-infection or co-infection. The diagnosis of active HDV infection involves screening with anti HDV antibodies followed by quantitative PCR testing for HDV RNA in those who are HBsAg positive. The diagnostic studies have evolved over the years improving the validity and reliability of the tests performed. HDV infection is considered the most severe form of viral hepatitis and the HDV genotype may influence the disease course. There are eight major HDV genotypes with prevalence varying by geographic region. HDV treatment has been challenging as HDV strongly depends on the host cell for replication and provides few, if any viral targets. Better understanding of HDV virology has led to the development of several therapeutic agents currently being studied in different phase II and III clinical trials. There is increasing promise of effective therapies that will ameliorate the course of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nehna Abdul Majeed
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Benno Zehnder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) - Heidelberg Partner Site, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Ogunnaike M, Das S, Raut SS, Sultana A, Nayan MU, Ganesan M, Edagwa BJ, Osna NA, Poluektova LY. Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: New Approaches towards Cure. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1208. [PMID: 37627273 PMCID: PMC10452112 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lifelong treatment with nucleotides/nucleoside antiviral agents is effective at suppressing HBV replication, however, adherence to daily therapy can be challenging. This review discusses recent advances in the development of long-acting formulations for HBV treatment and prevention, which could potentially improve adherence. Promising new compounds that target distinct steps of the virus life cycle are summarized. In addition to treatments that suppress viral replication, curative strategies are focused on the elimination of covalently closed circular DNA and the inactivation of the integrated viral DNA from infected hepatocytes. We highlight promising long-acting antivirals and genome editing strategies for the elimination or deactivation of persistent viral DNA products in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojisola Ogunnaike
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Srijanee Das
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Samiksha S. Raut
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Ashrafi Sultana
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Benson J. Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Natalia A. Osna
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Larisa Y. Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
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16
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Wedemeyer H, Aleman S, Brunetto MR, Blank A, Andreone P, Bogomolov P, Chulanov V, Mamonova N, Geyvandova N, Morozov V, Sagalova O, Stepanova T, Berger A, Manuilov D, Suri V, An Q, Da B, Flaherty J, Osinusi A, Liu Y, Merle U, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Zeuzem S, Ciesek S, Cornberg M, Lampertico P. A Phase 3, Randomized Trial of Bulevirtide in Chronic Hepatitis D. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:22-32. [PMID: 37345876 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2213429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coinfection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) accelerates the progression of liver disease associated with chronic hepatitis B. Bulevirtide inhibits the entry of HDV into hepatocytes. METHODS In this ongoing phase 3 trial, patients with chronic hepatitis D, with or without compensated cirrhosis, were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to receive bulevirtide subcutaneously at 2 mg per day (2-mg group) or 10 mg per day (10-mg group) for 144 weeks or to receive no treatment for 48 weeks followed by bulevirtide subcutaneously at 10 mg per day for 96 weeks (control group). Patients will complete 96 weeks of additional follow-up after the end of treatment. The primary end point was a combined response at week 48 of an undetectable HDV RNA level, or a level that decreased by at least 2 log10 IU per milliliter from baseline, and normalization of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. The key secondary end point was an undetectable HDV RNA level at week 48, in a comparison between the 2-mg group and the 10-mg group. RESULTS A total of 49 patients were assigned to the 2-mg group, 50 to the 10-mg group, and 51 to the control group. A primary end-point response occurred in 45% of patients in the 2-mg group, 48% in the 10-mg group, and 2% in the control group (P<0.001 for the comparison of each dose group with the control group). The HDV RNA level at week 48 was undetectable in 12% of patients in the 2-mg group and in 20% in the 10-mg group (P = 0.41). The ALT level normalized in 12% of patients in the control group, 51% in the 2-mg group (difference from control, 39 percentage points [95% confidence interval {CI}, 20 to 56]), and 56% in the 10-mg group (difference from control, 44 percentage points [95% CI, 26 to 60]). Loss of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) or an HBsAg level that decreased by at least 1 log10 IU per milliliter did not occur in the bulevirtide groups by week 48. Headache, pruritus, fatigue, eosinophilia, injection-site reactions, upper abdominal pain, arthralgia, and asthenia were more common in the 2-mg and 10-mg groups combined than in the control group. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred. Dose-dependent increases in bile acid levels were noted in the 2-mg and 10-mg groups. CONCLUSIONS After 48 weeks of bulevirtide treatment, HDV RNA and ALT levels were reduced in patients with chronic hepatitis D. (Funded by Gilead Sciences; MYR 301 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03852719.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Wedemeyer
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Soo Aleman
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Antje Blank
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Pietro Andreone
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Pavel Bogomolov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Nina Mamonova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Natalia Geyvandova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Viacheslav Morozov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Olga Sagalova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Tatyana Stepanova
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Annemarie Berger
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Dmitry Manuilov
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Vithika Suri
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Qi An
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Ben Da
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - John Flaherty
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Anu Osinusi
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Yang Liu
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Uta Merle
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Sandra Ciesek
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Markus Cornberg
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- From Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Excellence Cluster RESIST, and D-SOLVE Consortium (H.W., M.C.), Hannover, German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig (H.W., M.C.), Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology and DZIF Partner Site Heidelberg (A. Blank) and the Department of Internal Medicine IV (U.M.), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, the Institute of Medical Virology (A. Berger, S.C.), the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt (S.Z.), DZIF (S.C.), and Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP (S.C.), Frankfurt, and Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Medizinische Klinik, and DZIF, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg (J.S.W.) - all in Germany; the Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm (S.A.); the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, and the Hepatology Unit, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa (M.R.B.), the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (P.A.), and the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, and the Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan (P.L.) - all in Italy; M.F. Vladimirsky Moscow Regional Research and Clinical Institute (P.B.), National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health (V.C.), Sechenov University (V.C.), and the Clinic of Modern Medicine (T.S.), Moscow, the National Medical Research Center of Physiopulmonology and Infectious Diseases, Yekaterinburg (N.M.), Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol (N.G.), Hepatolog, Samara (V.M.), and Southern Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk (O.S.) - all in Russia; and Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA (D.M., V.S., Q.A., B.D., J.F., A.O., Y.L.)
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17
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Keskin O, Yurdaydin C. Emerging drugs for hepatitis D. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37096555 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2205639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Until recently, its treatment consisted of pegylated interferon alfa (pegIFN) use. AREAS COVERED Current and new drugs for treating CHD. Virus entry inhibitor bulevirtide has received conditional approval by the European Medicines Agency. Prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib and pegIFN lambda are in phase 3 and nucleic acid polymers in phase 2 of drug development. EXPERT OPINION Bulevirtide appears to be safe. Its antiviral efficacy increases with treatment duration. Combining bulevirtide with pegIFN has the highest antiviral efficacy short-term. The prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib prevents hepatitis D virus assembly. It is associated with dose dependent gastrointestinal toxicity and is better used with ritonavir which increases liver lonafarnib concentrations. Lonafarnib also possesses immune modulatory properties which explains some post-treatment beneficial flare cases. Combining lonafarnib/ritonavir with pegIFN has superior antiviral efficacy. Nucleic acid polymers are amphipathic oligonucleotides whose effect appears to be a consequence of phosphorothioate modification of internucleotide linkages. These compounds led to HBsAg clearance in a sizeable proportion of patients. PegIFN lambda is associated with less IFN typical side effects. In a phase 2 study it led to 6 months off treatment viral response in one third of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Keskin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yurdaydin
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Koc University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
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18
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Soriano V, Moreno-Torres V, Treviño A, Corral O, de Mendoza C. Bulevirtide in the Treatment of Hepatitis Delta: Drug Discovery, Clinical Development and Place in Therapy. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:155-166. [PMID: 36712949 PMCID: PMC9875571 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s379964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been ten years since the identification of NTCP as the cell surface receptor for HBV and HDV entry into hepatocytes. The search for molecules interfering with the binding of NTCP and HBV/HDV led to design bulevirtide (BLV). This large polypeptide mimics a region of the pre-S1 HBsAg and blocks viral entry by inhibitory competition. BLV was initially tested in cell cultures, animal models and more recently in Phase I-III human trials (called 'MYRS'). As monotherapy or in combination with peginterferon, BLV is well tolerated and exhibits potent antiviral activity. Plasma viremia significantly declines and/or becomes undetectable in more than 75% of patients treated for >24 weeks. However, serum HBsAg concentrations remain unchanged. No selection of BLV resistance in HBV/HDV has been reported in vivo to date. BLV is administered subcutaneously once daily at doses between 2 and 10 mg. BLV received conditional approval in Europe in 2020 to treat chronic hepatitis delta. The advent of peginterferon lambda or new specific anti-HDV antivirals (lonafarnib, etc.) will open the door for combination therapies with BLV. Since there is no stable reservoir for HDV-RNA within infected hepatocytes, viral clearance might be achieved using antivirals for a minimum timeframe. This is what happens in hepatitis C combining several antivirals, curing nearly all patients treated for 3 months. Clearance of HDV-RNA genomes may occur despite HBV persistence as cccDNA or chromosome integrated HBV-DNA within hepatocytes. This is supported by cases of HDV elimination using BLV despite persistence of serum HBsAg. Another path for HDV cure will derive from achieving HBsAg clearance, the goal of new promising anti-HBV gene therapies (bepirovirsen, etc.). In summary, the advent of BLV has triggered a renovated interest for antiviral therapy in hepatitis delta. We envision combination therapies that will lead to HDV cure in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Soriano
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain,Correspondence: Vicente Soriano, UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Calle García Martín 21, Pozuelo de Alarcón 28224, Madrid, Spain, Tel +34 659687981, Email
| | - Victor Moreno-Torres
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain,Puerta de Hierro University Hospital & Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Treviño
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Octavio Corral
- Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Universidad Internacional La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- Puerta de Hierro University Hospital & Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
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19
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Gillard J, Leclercq IA. Biological tuners to reshape the bile acid pool for therapeutic purposes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:65-85. [PMID: 36601783 PMCID: PMC9816373 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Bile acids synthesized within the hepatocytes are transformed by gut microorganisms and reabsorbed into the portal circulation. During their enterohepatic cycling, bile acids act as signaling molecules by interacting with receptors to regulate pathways involved in many physiological processes. The bile acid pool, composed of a variety of bile acid species, has been shown to be altered in diseases, hence contributing to disease pathogenesis. Thus, understanding the changes in bile acid pool size and composition in pathological processes will help to elaborate effective pharmacological treatments. Five crucial steps along the enterohepatic cycle shape the bile acid pool size and composition, offering five possible targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we provide an insight on the strategies to modulate the bile acid pool, and then we discuss the potential benefits in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Gillard
- Laboratory of Hepato‐Gastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle A. Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato‐Gastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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20
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Khalfi P, Kennedy PT, Majzoub K, Asselah T. Hepatitis D virus: Improving virological knowledge to develop new treatments. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105461. [PMID: 36396025 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a satellite of hepatitis B virus (HBV), possesses the smallest viral genome known to infect animals. HDV needs HBV surface protein for secretion and entry into target liver cells. However, HBV is dispensable for HDV genome amplification, as it relies almost exclusively on cellular host factors for replication. HBV/HDV co-infections affect over 12 million people worldwide and constitute the most severe form of viral hepatitis. Co-infected individuals are at higher risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared to HBV mono-infected patients. Bulevirtide, an entry inhibitor, was conditionally approved in July 2020 in the European Union for adult patients with chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) and compensated liver disease. There are several drugs in development, including lonafarnib and interferon lambda, with different modes of action. In this review, we detail our current fundamental knowledge of HDV lifecycle and review antiviral treatments under development against this virus, outlining their respective mechanisms-of-action. Finally, we describe the antiviral effect these compounds are showing in ongoing clinical trials, discussing their promise and potential pitfalls for managing HDV infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Khalfi
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Montpellier 34293 cedex 5, France
| | - Patrick T Kennedy
- The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, The Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Karim Majzoub
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS-UMR 5535, Montpellier 34293 cedex 5, France.
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Université de Paris, Cité CRI, INSERM UMR 1149, Department of Hepatology, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
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Zhu V, Burhenne J, Weiss J, Haag M, Hofmann U, Schwab M, Urban S, Mikus G, Czock D, Haefeli WE, Blank A. Evaluation of the drug-drug interaction potential of the novel hepatitis B and D virus entry inhibitor bulevirtide at OATP1B in healthy volunteers. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1128547. [PMID: 37089922 PMCID: PMC10117888 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1128547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bulevirtide is a first-in-class antiviral drug to treat chronic hepatitis B/D. We investigated the drug-drug interaction potential and pharmacokinetics of high-dose subcutaneous bulevirtide (5 mg twice daily) with organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) and cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. Methods: This was a single-center, open-label, fixed-sequence drug-drug interaction trial in 19 healthy volunteers. Before and at bulevirtide steady state, participants ingested a single 40 mg dose of pravastatin. A midazolam microdose was applied to quantify CYP3A4 activity. Results: At bulevirtide steady state, pravastatin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-∞) increased 1.32-fold (90% CI 1.08-1.61). The 5 mg bulevirtide twice-daily treatment resulted in a mean AUC0-12 of 1210 h*ng/ml (95% CI 1040-1408) and remained essentially unchanged under the influence of pravastatin. CYP3A4 activity did not change to a clinically relevant extent. As expected, total bile acids increased substantially (35-fold) compared to baseline during bulevirtide treatment. All study medication was well tolerated. Discussion: The study demonstrated that high-dose bulevirtide inhibited OATP1B-mediated hepatic uptake of the marker substrate pravastatin but the extent is considered clinically not relevant. Changes in CYP3A4 activity were also not clinically relevant. In conclusion, this study suggests that OATP1B substrate drugs as well as CYP3A4 substrates may safely be used without dose adjustment in patients treated with bulevirtide. However, in patients using high statin doses and where concomitant factors potentially further increase statin exposure, caution may be required when using bulevirtide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Burhenne
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johanna Weiss
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Haag
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ute Hofmann
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and of Biochemistry and Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180), Image‐guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerd Mikus
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Czock
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E. Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antje Blank
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Antje Blank,
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22
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Wedemeyer H, Schöneweis K, Bogomolov P, Blank A, Voronkova N, Stepanova T, Sagalova O, Chulanov V, Osipenko M, Morozov V, Geyvandova N, Sleptsova S, Bakulin IG, Khaertynova I, Rusanova M, Pathil A, Merle U, Bremer B, Allweiss L, Lempp FA, Port K, Haag M, Schwab M, Zur Wiesch JS, Cornberg M, Haefeli WE, Dandri M, Alexandrov A, Urban S. Safety and efficacy of bulevirtide in combination with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in patients with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis D virus coinfection (MYR202): a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, open-label, phase 2 trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:117-129. [PMID: 36113537 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00318-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bulevirtide is a first-in-class peptidic entry inhibitor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus infection. In July, 2020, bulevirtide 2 mg received conditional marketing authorisation by the European Medical Agency for treatment of chronic hepatitis D virus infection. We investigated the antiviral activity of bulevirtide in patients chronically infected with HBV and hepatitis D virus. METHODS MYR202 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03546621; EudraCT, 2016-000395-13) was a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial. Adults (aged 18-65 years) with chronic hepatitis D virus infection, including patients with cirrhosis and patients who had contraindications to PegIFNα treatment or for whom treatment did not work, were eligible and were enrolled from four hospitals in Germany and 12 hospitals in Russia. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) to receive 2 mg (n=28), 5 mg (n=32), or 10 mg (n=30) subcutaneous bulevirtide once per day with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF; 245 mg once per day orally) or TDF alone (245 mg once per day orally; n=30) for 24 weeks. Randomisation was done using a digital block scheme with stratification, consisting of 480 randomisation numbers separated into 30 blocks. The primary endpoint was undetectable hepatitis D virus RNA or 2 log10 IU/mL or higher decline in hepatitis D virus RNA at week 24, which was analysed in the modified intention-to-treat population, including patients who received study medication at least once after randomisation. Hepatitis D virus RNA concentrations were monitored until week 48. Safety was assessed for all patients who received at least one dose of bulevirtide or TDF. FINDINGS Between Feb 16, 2016, and Dec 8, 2016, 171 patients with chronic hepatitis D virus infection were screened; 51 were ineligible based on the exclusion criteria and 120 patients (59 with cirrhosis) were enrolled. At week 24, 15 (54%, 95% CI 34-73) of 28 patients achieved undetectable hepatitis D virus RNA or a 2 log10 IU/mL or more decline in hepatitis D virus RNA (p<0·0001 vs TDF alone) with 2 mg bulevirtide, 16 (50%, 32-68) of 32 with 5 mg bulevirtide (p<0·0001), and 23 (77%, 58-90) of 30 with 10 mg bulevirtide (p<0·0001), versus one (4%, 0·1-18) of 28 with TDF alone. By week 48 (24 weeks after bulevirtide cessation), hepatitis D virus RNA concentrations had rebounded, with median changes from week 24 to week 48 of 1·923 log10 IU/mL (IQR 0·566-2·485) with 2 mg bulevirtide, 1·732 log10 (0·469-2·568) with 5 mg bulevirtide, and 2·030 log10 (1·262-2·903) with 10 mg bulevirtide. There were no deaths associated with treatment. Three (9%) patients in the bulevirtide 5 mg group, two (7%) patients in the bulevirtide 10 mg group, and one (4%) patient in the TDF group had serious adverse events. Common treatment-emergent adverse events included asymptomatic bile salt increases and increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. INTERPRETATION Bulevirtide induced a significant decline in hepatitis D virus RNA over 24 weeks. After cessation of bulevirtide, hepatitis D virus RNA concentrations rebounded. Longer treatment durations and combination therapies should be investigated. FUNDING Hepatera LLC, MYR GmbH, and the German Centre for Infection Research, TTU Hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Cluster of Excellence RESIST (EXC 2155), Hannover, Germany; Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) partner site, Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Katrin Schöneweis
- MYR GmbH, Bad Homburg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pavel Bogomolov
- Hepatology Department, Moscow Regional Scientific Research, Clinic Institute MF Vladimirsky, Moscow, Russia
| | - Antje Blank
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Olga Sagalova
- Clinic of the South-Ural State Medical University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Reference Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Natalia Geyvandova
- Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol Regional Clinical Hospital, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Snezhana Sleptsova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Physiology, Dermatology, and Venereology, Medical Institute of the North-Eastern Federal University MK Ammosov, Yakutsk, Russia
| | - Igor G Bakulin
- Gastroenterology and Dietology SM Riss, North-Western State Medical University, Mechnikov, Russia
| | - Ilsiyar Khaertynova
- Republican Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital Professor AF Agafonov, Kazan, Russia
| | - Marina Rusanova
- Infectious Clinical Hospital Number 1, Moscow City Department, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anita Pathil
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Internal Medicine IV Gastroenterology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Lena Allweiss
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Centre for Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | - Florian A Lempp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Haag
- Clinical Pharmacology, Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute, Stuttgart, Germany; University of Tuübingen, Tuübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Clinical Pharmacology, Dr Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute, Stuttgart, Germany; Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze Zur Wiesch
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Centre for Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | | | - Walter E Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Centre for Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, Hamburg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Germany
| | | | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research, Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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Yardeni D, Chang KM, Ghany MG. Current Best Practice in Hepatitis B Management and Understanding Long-term Prospects for Cure. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:42-60.e6. [PMID: 36243037 PMCID: PMC9772068 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Despite an effective vaccine, the prevalence of chronic infection remains high. Current therapy is effective at achieving on-treatment, but not off-treatment, viral suppression. Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, the best surrogate marker of off-treatment viral suppression, is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, this end point is rarely achieved with current therapy because of their lack of effect on covalently closed circular DNA, the template of viral transcription and genome replication. Major advancements in our understanding of HBV virology along with better understanding of immunopathogenesis have led to the development of a multitude of novel therapeutic approaches with the prospect of achieving functional cure (hepatitis B surface antigen loss) and perhaps complete cure (clearance of covalently closed circular DNA and integrated HBV DNA). This review will cover current best practice for managing chronic HBV infection and emerging novel therapies for HBV infection and their prospect for cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yardeni
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- Medical Research, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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24
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Cheng D, Wen Z, Chen H, Lin S, Zhang W, Tang X, Wu W. Hepatocyte-targeting and tumor microenvironment-responsive liposomes for enhanced anti-hepatocarcinoma efficacy. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:2995-3008. [PMID: 36104946 PMCID: PMC9487930 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2122635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
To increase the antitumor drug concentration in the liver tumor site and improve the therapeutic effects, a functionalized liposome (PPP-LIP) with tumor targetability and enhanced internalization after matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2)-triggered cell-penetrating peptide (TATp) exposure was modified with myrcludex B (a synthetic HBV preS-derived lipopeptide endowed with compelling liver tropism) for liver tumor-specific delivery. After intravenous administration, PPP-LIP was mediated by myrcludex B to reach the hepatocyte surface. The MMP2-overexpressing tumor microenvironment deprotected PEG, exposing it to TATp, facilitating tumor penetration and subsequent efficient destruction of tumor cells. In live imaging of small animals and cellular uptake, PPP-LIP was taken up much more than typical unmodified liposomes in the ICR mouse liver and liver tumor cells. Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded PPP-LIP showed a better antitumor effect than commercially available HCPT injections among MTT, three-dimensional (3 D) tumor ball, and tumor-bearing nude mouse experiments. Our findings indicated that PPP-LIP nanocarriers could be a promising tumor-targeted medication delivery strategy for treating liver cancers with elevated MMP2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Zhiwei Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Shiyuan Lin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Xin Tang
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Wei Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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25
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Metabolic Effect of Blocking Sodium-Taurocholate Co-Transporting Polypeptide in Hypercholesterolemic Humans with a Twelve-Week Course of Bulevirtide-An Exploratory Phase I Clinical Trial. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415924. [PMID: 36555566 PMCID: PMC9787649 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BA) play an important role in cholesterol metabolism and possess further beneficial metabolic effects as signalling molecules. Blocking the hepatocellular uptake of BA via sodium-taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) with the first-in-class drug bulevirtide, we expected to observe a decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol. In this exploratory phase I clinical trial, volunteers with LDL cholesterol > 130 mg/dL but without overt atherosclerotic disease were included. Thirteen participants received bulevirtide 5 mg/d subcutaneously for 12 weeks. The primary aim was to estimate the change in LDL cholesterol after 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included changes in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), inflammatory biomarkers, and glucose after 12 weeks. In addition, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was performed at four time points. BA were measured as biomarkers of the inhibition of hepatocellular uptake. After 12 weeks, LDL cholesterol decreased not statistically significantly by 19.6 mg/dL [−41.8; 2.85] (Hodges−Lehmann estimator with 95% confidence interval). HDL cholesterol showed a significant increase by 5.5 mg/dL [1.00; 10.50]. Lipoprotein(a) decreased by 1.87 mg/dL [−7.65; 0]. Inflammatory biomarkers, glucose, and cardiac function were unchanged. Pre-dose total BA increased nearly five-fold (from 2026 nmol/L ± 2158 (mean ± SD) at baseline to 9922 nmol/L ± 7357 after 12 weeks of treatment). Bulevirtide was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events being administration site reactions. The exploratory nature of the trial with a limited number of participants allows the estimation of potential effects, which are crucial for future pharmacological research on bile acid metabolism in humans.
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26
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Chen S, Zhang L, Chen Y, Fu L. Inhibiting Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide in HBV-Related Diseases: From Biological Function to Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12546-12561. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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27
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Identification of antiviral peptide inhibitors for receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 omicron and its sub-variants: an in-silico approach. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:198. [PMID: 35923684 PMCID: PMC9342843 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Omicron, a variant of concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2, emerged in South Africa in November 2021. Omicron has been continuously acquiring a series of new mutations, especially in the spike (S) protein that led to high infectivity and transmissibility. Peptides targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein by which omicron and its variants attach to the host receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) can block the viral infection at the first step. This study aims to identify antiviral peptides from the Antiviral peptide database (AVPdb) and HIV-inhibitory peptide database (HIPdb) against the RBD of omicron by using a molecular docking approach. The lead RBD binder peptides obtained through molecular docking were screened for allergenicity and physicochemical criteria (isoelectric point (pI) and net charge) required for peptide-based drugs. The binding affinity of the best five peptide inhibitors with the RBD of omicron was validated further by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Our result introduces five antiviral peptides, including AVP1056, AVP1059, AVP1225, AVP1801, and HIP755, that may effectively hinder omicron-host interactions. It is worth mentioning that all the three major sub-variants of omicron, BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1), BA.2 (B.1.1.529.2), and BA.3 (B.1.1.529.3), exhibits conserved ACE-2 interacting residues. Hence, the screened antiviral peptides with similar affinity can also interrupt the RBD-mediated invasion of different major sub-variants of omicron. Altogether, these peptides can be considered in the peptide-based therapeutics development for omicron treatment after further experimentation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03258-4.
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28
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A Review of HDV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081749. [PMID: 36016371 PMCID: PMC9414459 DOI: 10.3390/v14081749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis D is the most severe viral hepatitis. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) has a very small RNA genome with unique biological properties. It requires for infection the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is transmitted parenterally, mainly by superinfection of HBsAg carriers who then develop chronic hepatitis D. HDV has been brought under control in high-income countries by the implementation of HBV vaccination, and the clinical pattern has changed to a chronic hepatitis D seen in ageing patients with advanced fibrotic disease; the disease remains a major health concern in developing countries of Africa and Asia. Every HBsAg-positive subject should be tested for HDV serum markers by reflex testing, independently of clinical status. Vaccination against HBV provides the best prophylaxis against hepatitis D. The only therapy available so far has been the poorly performing Interferon alfa; however, several new and promising therapeutic approaches are under study.
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29
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Tremmel R, Nies AT, van Eijck BAC, Handin N, Haag M, Winter S, Büttner FA, Kölz C, Klein F, Mazzola P, Hofmann U, Klein K, Hoffmann P, Nöthen MM, Gaugaz FZ, Artursson P, Schwab M, Schaeffeler E. Hepatic Expression of the Na+-Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide Is Independent from Genetic Variation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137468. [PMID: 35806468 PMCID: PMC9267852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatic Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide NTCP/SLC10A1 is important for the uptake of bile salts and selected drugs. Its inhibition results in increased systemic bile salt concentrations. NTCP is also the entry receptor for the hepatitis B/D virus. We investigated interindividual hepatic SLC10A1/NTCP expression using various omics technologies. SLC10A1/NTCP mRNA expression/protein abundance was quantified in well-characterized 143 human livers by real-time PCR and LC-MS/MS-based targeted proteomics. Genome-wide SNP arrays and SLC10A1 next-generation sequencing were used for genomic analyses. SLC10A1 DNA methylation was assessed through MALDI-TOF MS. Transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) were correlated to identify NTCP-related metabolic pathways. SLC10A1 mRNA and NTCP protein levels varied 44-fold and 10.4-fold, respectively. Non-genetic factors (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption) influenced significantly NTCP expression. Genetic variants in SLC10A1 or other genes do not explain expression variability which was validated in livers (n = 50) from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The identified two missense SLC10A1 variants did not impair transport function in transfectants. Specific CpG sites in SLC10A1 as well as single metabolic alterations and pathways (e.g., peroxisomal and bile acid synthesis) were significantly associated with expression. Inter-individual variability of NTCP expression is multifactorial with the contribution of clinical factors, DNA methylation, transcriptional regulation as well as hepatic metabolism, but not genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Tremmel
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Anne T. Nies
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- iFIT Cluster of Excellence (EXC2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Barbara A. C. van Eijck
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Niklas Handin
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (N.H.); (F.Z.G.); (P.A.)
| | - Mathias Haag
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Winter
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Florian A. Büttner
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Kölz
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Franziska Klein
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Pascale Mazzola
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ute Hofmann
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klein
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (P.H.); (M.M.N.)
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus M. Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany; (P.H.); (M.M.N.)
- Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabienne Z. Gaugaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (N.H.); (F.Z.G.); (P.A.)
| | - Per Artursson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden; (N.H.); (F.Z.G.); (P.A.)
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- iFIT Cluster of Excellence (EXC2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology, and of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-711-8101-3700
| | - Elke Schaeffeler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, 70376 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.T.); (A.T.N.); (B.A.C.v.E.); (M.H.); (S.W.); (F.A.B.); (C.K.); (F.K.); (P.M.); (U.H.); (K.K.); (E.S.)
- University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- iFIT Cluster of Excellence (EXC2180) “Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Harant H. Selective Inhibition of Murine Cytomegalovirus Viral Gene Expression by the Antiviral Peptide TAT-I24. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137246. [PMID: 35806257 PMCID: PMC9267059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of the antiviral peptide TAT-I24 on viral gene expression in cells infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) was investigated. The expression of immediate-early, early and late genes was highly induced upon infection with MCMV. In the presence of the peptide, the expression of all tested genes was sustainably reduced to a similar extent, independent of whether they were immediate-early, early or late genes. In contrast, the expression of host genes, such as NF-κB inhibitor alpha (Nfkbia), interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (Ifit1), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (Cxcl10), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (Ccl7) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (Ccl5), which are induced early upon virus infection, was only transiently suppressed in peptide-treated cells. The expression of other host genes which are affected by MCMV infection and play a role in endoplasmic reticulum stress or DNA-damage repair was not inhibited by the peptide. A combination of TAT-I24 with the nucleoside analogue cidofovir showed enhancement of the antiviral effect, demonstrating that viral replication can be more efficiently inhibited with a combination of drugs acting at different stages of the viral life-cycle.
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Abstract
The last few years have seen a resurgence of activity in the hepatitis B drug pipeline, with many compounds in various stages of development. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in therapeutics for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We will discuss the broad spectrum of direct-acting antivirals in clinical development, including capsids inhibitors, siRNA, HBsAg and polymerase inhibitors. In addition, host-targeted therapies (HTT) will be extensively reviewed, focusing on the latest progress in immunotherapeutics such as toll-like receptors and RIG-1 agonists, therapeutic vaccines and immune checkpoints modulators. A growing number of HTT in pre-clinical development directly target the key to HBV persistence, namely the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and hold great promise for HBV cure. This exciting area of HBV research will be highlighted, and molecules such as cyclophilins inhibitors, APOBEC3 deaminases and epigenetic modifiers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Phillips
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
| | - Ravi Jagatia
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
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32
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Bagwe PV, Bagwe PV, Ponugoti SS, Joshi SV. Peptide-Based Vaccines and Therapeutics for COVID-19. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022; 28:94. [PMID: 35463185 PMCID: PMC9017722 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pritam V. Bagwe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 India
| | - Priyal V. Bagwe
- Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, Center for Drug Delivery and Research, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341 USA
| | - Sai Srinivas Ponugoti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 India
| | - Shreerang V. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400019 India
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Yardeni D, Heller T, Koh C. Chronic hepatitis D-What is changing? J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:240-251. [PMID: 35122369 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is a chronic viral disease of the liver that is still largely considered to be incurable due to lack of effective treatment options. Without treatment, the risk for the development of advanced liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is significantly high. Currently, new therapeutic options are emerging out of ongoing phase 3 clinical trials, promising a new hope of cure for this devastating liver infection. Recently, bulevirtide, a first in its class HDV entry inhibitor, has received conditional authorization of use from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and was also submitted for approval in the United States. Other novel therapeutic options in clincal trials include interferon lambda, the prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib and nucleic acidic polymers (NAPs). This review describes all recent advances and ongoing changes to the field of HDV therpaeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yardeni
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Koh
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Nagra N, Kozarek RA, Burman BE. Therapeutic Advances in Viral Hepatitis A-E. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1524-1552. [PMID: 35220557 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02070-z] [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: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis remains a significant global health problem. All forms of viral hepatitis A through E (A-E) can lead to acute symptomatic infection, while hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality related to progression to cirrhosis, end-stage-liver disease, and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis occurs worldwide, though certain regions are disproportionately affected. We now, remarkably, have highly effective curative regimens for hepatitis C, and safe and tolerable medications to suppress hepatitis B activity, and to prevent liver damage and slow disease progression. We have effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B which provide long-lasting immunity, while improved sanitation and awareness can curb outbreaks of hepatitis A and E. However, more effective and available preventive and curative strategies are needed to achieve global eradication of viral hepatitis. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and clinical features of each viral hepatitis with a primary focus on current and future therapeutic and curative options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navroop Nagra
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Richard A Kozarek
- Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Blaire E Burman
- Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
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35
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Yardeni D, Ghany MG. Review article: hepatitis B-current and emerging therapies. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:805-819. [PMID: 35224760 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimated 290 million individuals worldwide and is responsible for approximately 900 000 deaths annually, mostly from complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current treatment is effective at preventing complications of chronic hepatitis B, it is not curative, and often must be administered long term. There is a need for safe, effective, finite duration curative therapy. AIM Our aim was to provide a concise, up to date review of all currently available and emerging treatment options for chronic hepatitis B. METHODS We conducted a search of PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, major meeting abstracts and pharmaceutical websites for publications and communications on current and emerging therapies for HBV. RESULTS Currently approved treatment options for chronic hepatitis B include peginterferon alpha-2a and nucleos(t)ide analogues. Both options do not offer a 'complete cure' (clearance of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA) and rarely achieve a 'functional cure' (hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss). An improved understanding of the viral lifecycle, immunopathogenesis and recent advances in drug delivery technologies have led to many novel therapeutic approaches that are currently being evaluated in clinical trials including targeting of viral entry, cccDNA, viral transcription, core protein, and release of HBsAg and HBV polymerase. Additionally, novel immunological approaches that include targeting the innate and adaptive immune system and therapeutic vaccination are being pursued. CONCLUSION The breadth and scope of novel therapies in development hold promise for regimen/s that will achieve functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yardeni
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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36
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Saracco GM, Marzano A, Rizzetto M. Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Light at the End of the Tunnel? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030534. [PMID: 35327336 PMCID: PMC8945793 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis determines significant morbidity and mortality globally and is caused by three main etiological actors (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis D Virus) with different replicative cycles and biological behaviors. Thus, therapies change according to the different characteristics of the viruses. In chronic hepatitis B, long term suppressive treatments with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have had a dramatic impact on the evolution of liver disease and liver-related complications. However, a conclusive clearance of the virus is difficult to obtain; new strategies that are able to eradicate the infection are currently objects of research. The therapy for Hepatitis D Virus infection is challenging due to the unique virology of the virus, which uses the synthetic machinery of the infected hepatocyte for its own replication and cannot be targeted by conventional antivirals that are active against virus-coded proteins. Recently introduced antivirals, such as bulevertide and lonafarnib, display definite but only partial efficacy in reducing serum HDV-RNA. However, in combination with pegylated interferon, they provide a synergistic therapeutic effect and appear to represent the current best therapy for HDV-positive patients. With the advent of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs), a dramatic breakthrough has occurred in the therapeutic scenario of chronic hepatitis C. Cure of HCV infection is achieved in more than 95% of treated patients, irrespective of their baseline liver fibrosis status. Potentially, the goal of global HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization can be obtained if more global subsidised supplies of DAAs are provided.
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37
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Hui RWH, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. RNA interference as a novel treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis B infection. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:408-424. [PMID: 35172540 PMCID: PMC9293617 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Functional cure of CHB, defined as sustainable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, functional cure is rarely attainable by current treatment modalities. RNA interference (RNAi) by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been studied as a novel treatment strategy for CHB. RNAi targets post-transcriptional messenger RNAs and pregenomic RNAs to reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen production and viral replication. By reducing viral antigens, host immune reconstitution against HBV may also be attained. Phase I/II trials on siRNAs have demonstrated them to be safe and well-tolerated. siRNA is effective when given in monthly doses with different total number of doses according to different trial design, and can lead to sustainable dose-dependent mean HBsAg reduction by 2–2.5 log. Incidences of HBsAg seroclearance after siRNA therapy have also been reported. ASOs have also been studied in early phase trials, and a phase Ib study using frequent dosing regimen within 4 weeks could achieve similar HBsAg reduction of 2 log from baseline. Given the established efficacy and safety of nucleos(t) ide analogues (NAs), future RNAi regimens will likely include NA backbone. While the current evidence on RNAi appears promising, it remains undetermined whether the potent HBsAg reduction by RNAi can result in a high rate of HBsAg seroclearance with durability. Data on RNAi from phase IIb/III trials are keenly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Li Y, Zhang R, Xu Z, Wang Z. Advances in Nanoliposomes for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:909-925. [PMID: 35250267 PMCID: PMC8893038 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s349426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of liver cancer is gradually increasing worldwide due to the increasing risk factors such as fatty liver, diabetes, and alcoholic cirrhosis. The diagnostic methods of liver cancer include ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), among others. The treatment of liver cancer includes surgical resection, transplantation, ablation, and chemoembolization; however, treatment still faces multiple challenges due to its insidious development, high rate of recurrence after surgical resection, and high failure rate of transplantation. The emergence of liposomes has provided new insights into the treatment of liver cancer. Due to their excellent carrier properties and maneuverability, liposomes can be used to perform a variety of functions such as aiding in imaging diagnoses, combinatorial therapies, and integrating disease diagnosis and treatment. In this paper, we further discuss such advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruihang Zhang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zhicheng Wang, NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Jilin University), School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xinmin Street, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13843131059, Fax +86 431185619443, Email
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39
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T. Chronic hepatitis B: New potential therapeutic drugs target. World J Virol 2022; 11:57-72. [PMID: 35117971 PMCID: PMC8788212 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i1.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection remains the most causative agent of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. It impacts nearly 300 million people. The current treatment for chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is complex and lacks a durable treatment response, especially hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, necessitating indefinite treatment in most CHB patients due to the persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). New drugs that target distinct steps of the HBV life cycle have been investigated, which comprise inhibiting the entry of HBV into hepatocytes, disrupting or silencing HBV cccDNA, modulating nucleocapsid assembly, interfering HBV transcription, and inhibiting HBsAg release. The achievement of a functional cure or sustained HBsAg loss in CHB patients represents the following approach towards HBV eradication. This review will explore the up-to-date advances in the development of new direct-acting anti-HBV drugs. Hopefully, with the combination of the current antiviral drugs and the newly developed direct-acting antiviral drugs targeting the different steps of the HBV life cycle, the ultimate eradication of CHB infection will soon be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
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Nkongolo S, Hollnberger J, Urban S. [Bulevirtide as the first specific agent against hepatitis D virus infections-mechanism and clinical effect]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2022; 65:254-263. [PMID: 35028672 PMCID: PMC8813823 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-022-03486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Die Blockade des Zelleintritts von Krankheitserregern ist ein geeigneter Ansatz, um Neuinfektionen zu verhindern. Der therapeutische Einsatz von Eintrittsinhibitoren bei chronisch infizierten Patienten war jedoch bisher nur begrenzt erfolgreich. Zur Behandlung von chronischen Hepatitis-D-Virus-(HDV-)Infektionen wurde im Juli 2020 mit Bulevirtide (BLV) ein vielversprechender Wirkstoff bedingt zugelassen, der auf diesem Wirkprinzip beruht. Zuvor hatten für HDV keine gezielte Medikation zur Verfügung gestanden und die Behandlung beruhte auf dem Off-Label-Einsatz von Interferon-Alpha/Peginterferon-Alpha (IFNα/Peg-IFNα). In diesem Beitrag wird ein Überblick über die Grundlagen des Wirkmechanismus von BLV gegeben und bisher vorliegende klinische Daten werden zusammengefasst. Eine HDV-Infektion manifestiert sich als Ko- oder Superinfektion bei Hepatitis-B-Virus-(HBV-)Infektionen und betrifft 4,5–15 % der HBV-Patienten weltweit. HDV nutzt die Hüllproteine von HBV zur Verbreitung. BLV wirkt, indem es den HBV/HDV-Rezeptor natriumtaurocholat-co-transportierendes Polypeptid (NTCP) blockiert und so den Eintritt von HBV/HDV in Hepatozyten verhindert. BLV senkt die HDV-Serum-RNA-Spiegel und führt bei HBV/HDV-infizierten Personen zur Normalisierung der Alanin-Aminotransferase-(ALT-)Werte. Es hat ein ausgezeichnetes Sicherheitsprofil, selbst wenn es über 48 Wochen in hohen Dosen (10 mg täglich) verabreicht wird. In Kombination mit Peg-IFNα zeigt BLV synergistische Effekte auf die Senkung der HDV-RNA im Serum, aber auch auf die Hepatitis-B-Oberflächenantigen-(HBsAg‑)Spiegel. Dies führte bei einer Untergruppe von Patienten zu einer funktionellen Heilung, wenn 2 mg BLV plus Peg-IFNα verabreicht wurden. Der Mechanismus dieser wahrscheinlich immunvermittelten Eliminierung wird in Folgestudien untersucht.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Nkongolo
- Molekulare Virologie, Translationale Virologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Partnerstandort Heidelberg, Deutschland.,Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Kanada
| | - Julius Hollnberger
- Molekulare Virologie, Translationale Virologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland.,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Partnerstandort Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Stephan Urban
- Molekulare Virologie, Translationale Virologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 344, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland. .,Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Partnerstandort Heidelberg, Deutschland.
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects 240 million people worldwide. Current therapy profoundly suppresses HBV replication but requires long-term maintenance therapy. Therefore, there is still a medical need for an efficient HBV cure. HBV enters host cells by binding via the preS1 domain of the viral L protein to the Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). Thus, NTCP should be a key target for the development of anti-HBV therapeutics. Indeed, myrcludex B, a synthetic form of the myristoylated preS1 peptide, effectively reduces HBV/hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection and has been approved as Hepcludex in Europe for the treatment of patients with chronic HDV infection. We established a monoclonal antibody (MAb), N6HB426-20, that recognizes the extracellular domain of human NTCP and blocks HBV entry in vitro into human liver cells but has much less of an inhibitory effect on bile acid uptake. In vivo, administration of the N6HB426-20 MAb prevented HBV viremia for an extended period of time after HBV inoculation in a mouse model system without strongly inhibiting bile acid absorption. Among the extracellular loops (ECLs) of NTCP, regions of amino acids (aa) 84 to 87 in ECL1 and aa 157 to 165 near ECL2 of transmembrane domain 5 are critically important for HBV/HDV infection. Epitope mapping and the three-dimensional (3D) model of the NTCP structure suggested that the N6HB426-20 MAb may recognize aa 276/277 at the tip of ECL4 and interfere with binding of HBV to the region from aa 84 to 87. In summary, we identified an in vivo neutralizing NTCP-targeting antibody capable of preventing HBV infection. Further improvements in efficacy of this drug will pave the way for its clinical applications. IMPORTANCE A number of entry inhibitors are being developed to enhance the treatment of HBV patients with oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NA). To amplify the effectiveness of NA therapy, several efforts have been made to develop therapeutic MAbs with neutralizing activity against HBs antigens. However, the neutralizing effect of these MAbs may be muted by a large excess of HBsAg-positive noninfectious particles in the blood of infected patients. The advantage of NTCP-targeted HBV entry inhibitors is that they remain effective regardless of viral genotype, viral mutations, and the presence of subviral particles. Although N6HB426-20 requires a higher dose than myrcludex to obtain equivalent suppression of HBV in a model mouse system, it maintained the inhibitory effect for a long time postadministration in proportion to the half-life of an IgG MAb. We believe that further improvements will make this antibody a promising treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Yang F, Xu W, Wu L, Yang L, Zhu S, Wang L, Wu W, Zhang Y, Chong Y, Peng L. NTCP Deficiency Affects the Levels of Circulating Bile Acids and Induces Osteoporosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:898750. [PMID: 35937832 PMCID: PMC9353038 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.898750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The p.Ser267Phe mutation in the SLC10A1 gene can cause NTCP deficiency. However, the full clinical presentation of p.Ser267Phe homozygous individuals and its long-term consequences remain unclear. Hence, in the present study, we characterized the phenotypic characteristics of NTCP deficiency and evaluated its long-term prognosis. METHODS Ten NTCP p.Ser267Phe homozygous individuals were recruited and a comprehensive medical evaluation with a 5-year follow-up observation was performed. The phenotypic characteristics of NTCP deficiency were also demonstrated using an NTCP-global knockout mouse model. RESULTS During the 5-year follow-up observation of 10 NTCP p.Ser267Phe homozygous adults, we found that the most common phenotypic features of NTCP deficiency in adults were hypercholanemia, vitamin D deficiency, bone loss, and gallbladder abnormalities. The profile of bile acids (BAs) in the serum was significantly altered in these individuals and marked by both elevated proportion and concentration of primary and conjugated BAs. Moreover, the NTCP deficiency led to increased levels of serum BAs, decreased levels of vitamin D, and aggravated the osteoporotic phenotype induced by estrogen withdrawal in mice. CONCLUSIONS Both mice and humans with NTCP deficiency presented hypercholanemia and were more prone to vitamin D deficiency and aggravated osteoporotic phenotype. Therefore, we recommend monitoring the levels of BAs and vitamin D, bone density, and abdominal ultrasounds in individuals with NTCP deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangji Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxiong Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luo Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Department of Spine Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yutian Chong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liang Peng, ; Yutian Chong,
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liang Peng, ; Yutian Chong,
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Khan IW, Dad Ullah MU, Choudhry M, Ali MJ, Ali MA, Lam SLK, Shah PA, Kaur SP, Lau DTY. Novel Therapies of Hepatitis B and D. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2607. [PMID: 34946209 PMCID: PMC8707465 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue and is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to replicate. The eradication of HBV, therefore, can also cure HDV. The current therapies for chronic hepatitis B and D are suboptimal and cannot definitely cure the viruses. In order to achieve functional or complete cure of these infections, novel therapeutic agents that target the various sites of the viral replicative cycle are necessary. Furthermore, novel immunomodulatory agents are also essential to achieve viral clearance. Many of these new promising compounds such as entry inhibitors, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) inhibitors, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), capsid assembly modulators and nucleic acid polymers are in various stages of clinical developments. In this review article, we provided a comprehensive overview of the structure and lifecycle of HBV, the limitations of the current therapies and a summary of the novel therapeutic agents for both HDV and HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Waheed Khan
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Mati Ullah Dad Ullah
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Mina Choudhry
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Mukarram Jamat Ali
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Muhammad Ashar Ali
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Sam L. K. Lam
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Pir Ahmad Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Satinder Pal Kaur
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Daryl T. Y. Lau
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
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Uchida T, Park SB, Inuzuka T, Zhang M, Allen JN, Chayama K, Liang TJ. Genetically edited hepatic cells expressing the NTCP-S267F variant are resistant to hepatitis B virus infection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:597-605. [PMID: 34853804 PMCID: PMC8608598 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The sodium-dependent taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP)-S267F variant is known to be associated with a reduced risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and disease progression. The NTCP-S267F variant displays diminished function in mediating HBV entry, but its function in HBV infection has not been fully established in more biologically relevant models. We introduced the NTCP-S267F variant and tested infectivity by HBV in genetically edited hepatic cells. HepG2-NTCP clones with both homozygous and heterozygous variants were identified after CRISPR base editing. NTCP-S267F homozygous clones did not support HBV infection. The heterozygote clones behaved similarly to wild-type clones. We generated genetically edited human stem cells with the NTCP-S267F variant, which differentiated equally well as wild-type into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) expressing high levels of hepatocyte differentiation markers. We confirmed that HLCs with homozygous variant did not support HBV infection, and heterozygous variant clones were infected with HBV equally as well as the wild-type cells. In conclusion, we successfully introduced the S267F variant by CRISPR base editing into the NTCP/SLC10A gene of hepatocytes, and showed that the variant is a loss-of-function mutation. This technology of studying genetic variants and their pathogenesis in a natural context is potentially valuable for therapeutic intervention against HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuro Uchida
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Seung Bum Park
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tadashi Inuzuka
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Min Zhang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joselyn N Allen
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bogomolov PO, Ivashkin VT, Bueverov AO, Maev IV, Sagalova OI, Sleptsova SS, Yushuk ND, Gusev DA, Zhdanov KV, Chulanov VP. Efficacy and safety of bulevirtide in patients with chronic hepatitis D and compensated cirrhosis. TERAPEVT ARKH 2021; 93:1290-1299. [DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2021.11.201163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aim. To study the efficacy and safety of bulevirtide, the HBV and HDV entry inhibitor.
Materials and methods. Analysis of the results of using bulevirtide in randomized controlled open-label comparative studies MYR202 and MYR203 in 56 patients with chronic hepatitis D and compensated cirrhosis, in monotherapy and combination with pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN).
Results. Monotherapy with bulevirtide for 24 weeks in the MYR202 study in 46 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis demonstrated: 1) a high rate of virological (100%) and biochemical response (alanine aminotransferase normalization rate 45.7%), 2) superiority of bulevirtide in efficacy over the control group (tenofovir), 3) comparability of treatment efficacy in patients with and without cirrhosis, 4) no progression of liver fibrosis with elastometry in most patients.
Treatment with bulevirtide in monotherapy and combination with PEG-IFN for 48 weeks in 10 patients with compensated liver cirrhosis in the MYR203 study was accompanied by a high rate of virological response (80%) and normalization of alanine aminotransferase (70%).
Bulevirtide was well tolerated, there was no deterioration in tolerability compared with patients without cirrhosis, there were no serious adverse events and cases of treatment cancellation due to adverse events.
Conclusion. Bulevirtide is recommended as the first line of treatment for chronic hepatitis D in patients with compensated cirrhosis in monotherapy and combination with PEG-IFN.
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Ergosterol peroxide inhibits HBV infection by inhibiting the binding of the pre-S1 domain of LHBsAg to NTCP. Antiviral Res 2021; 195:105184. [PMID: 34627935 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). More than 257 million individuals are chronically infected, particularly in the Western Pacific region and Africa. Although nucleotide and nucleoside analogues (NUCs) and interferons (IFNs) are the standard therapeutics for HBV infection, none eradicates HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from the infected hepatocytes. In addition, long-term treatment with NUCs increases the risk of developing drug resistance and IFNs may cause severe side effects in patients. Thus, a novel HBV therapy that can achieve a functional cure, or even complete elimination of the virus, is highly desirable. Regarding the HBV life cycle, agents targeting the entry step of HBV infection reduce the intrahepatic cccDNA pool preemptively. The initial entry step in HBV infection involves interaction between the pre-S1 domain of the large hepatitis B surface protein (LHBsAg) and the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), which is a receptor for HBV. In this study, ergosterol peroxide (EP) was identified as a new inhibitor of HBV entry. EP inhibits an early step of HBV entry into DMSO-differentiated immortalized primary human hepatocytes HuS-E/2 cells, which were overexpressed NTCP. Also, EP interfered directly with the NTCP-LHBsAg interaction by acting on the NTCP. In addition, EP had no effect on HBV genome replication, virion integrity or virion secretion. Finally, the activity of EP against infection with HBV genotypes A-D highlights the therapeutic potential of EP for fighting HBV infection.
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Abbas Z, Saad M, Asim M, Abbas M, Samejo SA. The effect of twelve weeks of treatment with ezetimibe on HDV RNA level in patients with chronic hepatitis D. TURKISH JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2021; 31:136-141. [PMID: 32141822 DOI: 10.5152/tjg.2020.18846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) is the receptor for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) entry into hepatocytes. Ezetimibe is a cholesterol-lowering drug that possesses the pharmacophore features to inhibit NTCP. This study evaluates the efficacy of ezetimibe in patients with chronic HDV infection in a nonrandomized trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS This proof of concept phase 2 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe 10 mg daily in (interferon treatment-experienced or interferon ineligible) patients with chronic hepatitis D (CHD). Forty-four patients with CHD were recruited, 38 male and 6 female patients, mean age 35.2±8.7 (range 19-64). Fifteen (34%) patients were on concomitant nucleoside therapy, and cirrhosis was present in 14 subjects. The primary therapeutic endpoint was a decline in HDV RNA at one log or more from the baseline at week 12. RESULTS The mean HDV RNA level was 5.4±1.3 log10 IU/mL. HBeAg was non-reactive in 43 (98%). HBV DNA was undetectable in 28 (64%). One patient stopped treatment at week 4, and one patient did not follow-up. One log or more reduction in the HDV RNA levels was observed in 18/44 (41%) patients. No log reduction occurred in 16 patients, and 8 experienced a log increase. No adverse effects from the concomitant nucleoside analogue use or clinical cirrhosis were observed. The drug exhibited a positive safety profile. CONCLUSION Treatment of CHD patients with ezetimibe resulted in a one log reduction of viral load in 43% (18/42) of the patients who completed the 12 weeks of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saad
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Minaam Abbas
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shoukat Ali Samejo
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, estimated to be globally responsible for ∼800,000 deaths annually. Although effective vaccines are available to prevent new HBV infection, treatment of existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is limited, as the current standard-of-care antiviral drugs can only suppress viral replication without achieving cure. In 2016, the World Health Organization called for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a global public health threat by 2030. The United States and other nations are working to meet this ambitious goal by developing strategies to cure CHB, as well as prevent HBV transmission. This review considers recent research progress in understanding HBV pathobiology and development of therapeutics for the cure of CHB, which is necessary for elimination of hepatitis B by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, USA;
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, USA;
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Bartoli A, Gabrielli F, Tassi A, Cursaro C, Pinelli A, Andreone P. Treatments for HBV: A Glimpse into the Future. Viruses 2021; 13:1767. [PMID: 34578347 PMCID: PMC8473442 DOI: 10.3390/v13091767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus is responsible for most of the chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. As actual therapeutic strategies have had little success in eradicating the virus from hepatocytes, and as lifelong treatment is often required, new drugs targeting the various phases of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) lifecycle are currently under investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of potential future treatments for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bartoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Gabrielli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Tassi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Ambra Pinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Wang W, Lempp FA, Schlund F, Walter L, Decker CC, Zhang Z, Ni Y, Urban S. Assembly and infection efficacy of hepatitis B virus surface protein exchanges in 8 hepatitis D virus genotype isolates. J Hepatol 2021; 75:311-323. [PMID: 33845061 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic HDV infections cause the most severe form of viral hepatitis. HDV requires HBV envelope proteins for hepatocyte entry, particle assembly and release. Eight HDV and 8 HBV genotypes have been identified. However, there are limited data on the replication competence of different genotypes and the effect that different HBV envelopes have on virion assembly and infectivity. METHODS We subcloned complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of all HDV and HBV genotypes and systematically studied HDV replication, assembly and infectivity using northern blot, western blot, reverse-transcription quantitative PCR, and in-cell ELISA. RESULTS The 8 HDV cDNA clones initiated HDV replication with noticeable differences regarding replication efficacy. The 8 HBV-HBsAg-encoding constructs all supported secretion of subviral particles, however variations in envelope protein stoichiometry and secretion efficacy were observed. Co-transfection of all HDV/HBV combinations supported particle assembly, however, the respective pseudo-typed HDVs differed with respect to assembly kinetics. The most productive combinations did not correlate with the natural geographic distribution, arguing against an evolutionary adaptation of HDV ribonucleoprotein complexes to HBV envelopes. All HDVs elicited robust and comparable innate immune responses. HBV envelope-dependent differences in the activity of the EMA-approved entry inhibitor bulevirtide were observed, however efficient inhibition could be achieved at therapeutically applied doses. Lonafarnib also showed pan-genotypic activity. CONCLUSIONS HDVs from different genotypes replicate with variable efficacies. Variations in HDV genomes and HBV envelope proteins are both major determinants of HDV egress and entry efficacy, and consequently assembly inhibition by lonafarnib or entry inhibition by bulevirtide. These differences possibly influence HDV pathogenicity, immune responses and the efficacy of novel drug regimens. LAY SUMMARY HDV requires the envelope protein of HBV for assembly and to infect human cells. We investigated the ability of different HDV genotypes to infect cells and replicate. We also assessed the effect that envelope proteins from different HBV genotypes had on HDV infectivity and replication. Herein, we confirmed that genotypic differences in HDV and HBV envelope proteins are major determinants of HDV assembly, de novo cell entry and consequently the efficacy of novel antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Florian A Lempp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Schlund
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Walter
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Charlotte C Decker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yi Ni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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