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Xu Z, Lin JZ, Zeng YF, Yang XH, Wu ZB, Hu ZX, Zhao QY, Liu J, Gao ZL. Changes of cytokine levels and T cell surface molecules in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the association with functional cure. J Med Virol 2021; 93:4966-4974. [PMID: 33913556 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine changes in levels of cytokine and T cell surface molecules in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving sequential interferon therapy following 1-year nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) treatment. Cytokine levels were measured in 30 patients, and T cell surface molecule expression was measured in 48 patients receiving sequential interferon therapy and 24 patients only receiving NA mono-therapy. An HBsAg titer of <0.05 IU/ml was defined as a "functional cure." In the cured group (HBsAg < 0.05 IU/ml), a decreasing probability was observed in IFN-γ (after Week 0), and IL-22 and IP-10 (after Week 12). In the non-cured group (HBsAg ≥ 0.05 IU/ml), a probability of slightly decreasing was observed for IFN-γ (after Week 12), and a probability of increasing IP-10 concentration (after Week 0) was observed. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses showed significant differences in the levels of IL-10, IL-23, CCL-3, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-12P70 between the two groups. In GEE analysis, there were significant differences in expressions of CD45RO+ between the cured group and the non-cured group. The frequencies of T cells expressing Tim-3, CD62L, and CD152 were significantly lower in the sequential interferon therapy group than in the NA mono-therapy group. Changes in cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IP-10, IL-10, IL-23, CCL-3, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-12P70) and T cell surface molecules (CD45RO+ ) may predict HBsAg seroconversion in CHB patients receiving sequential interferon therapy. The period from Weeks 12 to 24 during sequential interferon therapy may be a critical time of immune status change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ji-Zong Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying-Fu Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhe-Bin Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao-Xia Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Yi Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Liang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Alexopoulou A, Vasilieva L, Karayiannis P. New Approaches to the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103187. [PMID: 33019573 PMCID: PMC7601587 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The currently recommended treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection achieves only viral suppression whilst on therapy, but rarely hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. The ultimate therapeutic endpoint is the combination of HBsAg loss, inhibition of new hepatocyte infection, elimination of the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) pool, and restoration of immune function in order to achieve virus control. This review concentrates on new antiviral drugs that target different stages of the HBV life cycle (direct acting antivirals) and others that enhance both innate and adaptive immunity against HBV (immunotherapy). Drugs that block HBV hepatocyte entry, compounds that silence or deplete the cccDNA pool, others that affect core assembly, agents that degrade RNase-H, interfering RNA molecules, and nucleic acid polymers are likely interventions in the viral life cycle. In the immunotherapy category, molecules that activate the innate immune response such as Toll-like-receptors, Retinoic acid Inducible Gene-1 (RIG-1) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists or checkpoint inhibitors, and modulation of the adaptive immunity by therapeutic vaccines, vector-based vaccines, or adoptive transfer of genetically-engineered T cells aim towards the restoration of T cell function. Future therapeutic trends would likely be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned drugs that target the viral life cycle and at least one immunomodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Alexopoulou
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2132-088-178; Fax: +30-2107-706-871
| | - Larisa Vasilieva
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Peter Karayiannis
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Nicosia, Engomi, CY-1700 Nicosia, Cyprus;
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Zhang K, Liu Y, Yang X, Sun H, Shu X, Zhang Y, Cao H, Wu M, Liu N, Zou Y, Xu Q, Li G. HBV promotes the recruitment of IL-17 secreting T cells via chemokines CCL22 and CCL17. Liver Int 2020; 40:1327-1338. [PMID: 32187823 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Little is known about the mechanisms of IL-17 secreting T cells accumulation in HBV-transfected livers. Here, we investigated the role of the chemokines CCL17, CCL20 and CCL22 in this process. METHODS Peripheral blood and liver tissues were obtained from 30 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and 15 healthy volunteers and were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and immunohistochemistry. Chemokine production by monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) cocultured with HBV-transfected or untransfected Huh7 cells was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The chemotactic activity of the culture supernatants was also tested. RESULTS The proportions of IL-17 secreting CD4 (Th17) and CD8 (Tc17) T cells were both increased in liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of CHB patients compared to those in HVs. CHB patients showed higher intrahepatic levels of CCL17 mRNA, CCL22 mRNA, CCR6 mRNA and CCR4 mRNA than HVs. The expression of CCR6 and CCR4 on the surface of Th17 and Tc17 cells in CHB patients was also significantly higher than that in HVs. Significant correlations existed between the CCR4/CCR6 levels and both the alanine transaminase levels and HBV DNA loads. Contact between MoDCs and pBlue-HBV-transfected Huh7 cells induced the expression of CCL17 and CCL22 dependent on the dose of HBV DNA. However, CCL20 expression was lower in CHB patients than in HVs. Transwell experiments showed that upregulation of CCL17 and CCL22 enhanced the migration of IL-17 secreting T cells. CONCLUSIONS Contact of HBV-transfected cells with MoDCs induces CCL17 and CCL22 chemokine production, which may favour the recruitment of Th17 and Tc17 cells to liver tissue in CHB. Our results reveal the mechanism of IL-17 secreting T cells recruitment to liver tissue and thus provide new immunotherapy targets for CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yanqiong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Haixia Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Xin Shu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yeqiong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Mengdi Wu
- General Practice Center, Nanhai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, P. R. China
| | - Nan Liu
- General Practice Center, Nanhai Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, P. R. China
| | - Yong Zou
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qihuan Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
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Zhang Z, Wang C, Liu Z, Zou G, Li J, Lu M. Host Genetic Determinants of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Genet 2019; 10:696. [PMID: 31475028 PMCID: PMC6702792 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major health problem worldwide. Recently, a great number of genetic studies based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association studies have been performed to search for host determinants of the development of chronic HBV infection, clinical outcomes, therapeutic efficacy, and responses to hepatitis B vaccines, with a focus on human leukocyte antigens (HLA), cytokine genes, and toll-like receptors. In addition to SNPs, gene insertions/deletions and copy number variants are associated with infection. However, conflicting results have been obtained. In the present review, we summarize the current state of research on host genetic factors and chronic HBV infection, its clinical type, therapies, and hepatitis B vaccine responses and classify published results according to their reliability. The potential roles of host genetic determinants of chronic HBV infection identified in these studies and their clinical significance are discussed. In particular, HLAs were relevant for HBV infection and pathogenesis. Finally, we highlight the need for additional studies with large sample sizes, well-matched study designs, appropriate statistical methods, and validation in multiple populations to improve the treatment of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Changtai Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Affiliated Anqing Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Zhongping Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guizhou Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Yang L, Liu F, Tong X, Hoffmann D, Zuo J, Lu M. Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection Using Small Molecule Modulators of Nucleocapsid Assembly: Recent Advances and Perspectives. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:713-724. [PMID: 30896149 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the recent advance of basic research on molecular biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, novel antiviral drugs targeting various steps of the HBV life cycle have been developed in recent years. HBV nucleocapsid assembly is now recognized as a hot target for anti-HBV drug development. Structural and functional analysis of HBV nucleocapsid allowed rational design and improvement of small molecules with the ability to interact with the components of HBV nucleocapsid and modulate the viral nucleocapsid assembly process. Prototypes of small molecule modulators targeting HBV nucleocapsid assembly are being preclinically tested or have moved forward in clinical trials, with promising results. This Review summarizes the recent advances in the approach to develop antiviral drugs based on the modulation of HBV nucleocapsid assembly. The antiviral mechanisms of small molecule modulators beyond the capsid formation and the potential implications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feifei Liu
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiankun Tong
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University Duisburg Essen, Universitätsstraße 1, Essen 45117, Germany
| | - Jianping Zuo
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech
Park, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen 45122, Germany
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