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Cheng H, Sun F, Ouyang Y, Li C. Correlation analysis of IL-37 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic HBV infection among Han people in Central China. Int J Immunogenet 2023; 50:299-305. [PMID: 37735774 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for various liver diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which pose a significant threat to human health. An ineffective immune response to HBV can result in viral chronicity. Interleukin-37 (IL-37), an immunomodulator, is capable of inhibiting both innate and adaptive immune responses. It is believed that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL-37 gene could contribute to the regulation of HBV clearance. Our aim to conduct this study was to investigate whether SNPs in the IL-37 gene were associated with the risk of chronic HBV infection in adults. A total of 342 participants, consisting of 171 cases and 171 controls, were recruited for this study. Sanger sequencing was employed for genotyping six SNPs (rs3811042 G/A, rs3811043 G/C, rs2466449 A/G, rs3811045 C/T, rs3811046 T/G and rs3811047G/A). There was no significant difference in allele and genotype distribution between the two groups, and the constructed haplotypes were not found to be associated with the risk of chronic HBV infection. Our results revealed that there was no relationship between these six SNPs (rs3811042G/A, rs3811043G/C, rs2466449A/G, rs3811045C/T, rs3811046T/G and rs3811047G/A) in the IL-37 gene and susceptibility to chronic HBV infection among Han people in Central China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Cheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Fenglan Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yaoling Ouyang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Chengbin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jingzhou Hospital Affiliated to Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
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Cai Y, Ji H, Zhou X, Zhao K, Zhang X, Pan L, Shi R. Interleukin-21 modulates balance between regulatory T cells and T-helper 17 cells in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:719. [PMID: 37875903 PMCID: PMC10594809 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic HBV infection is always accompanied by differences in the balance between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells in infection phases. IL-21 plays an important role in the progression of chronic HBV infection. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the role of the regulatory function of IL-21 in maintaining the balance between Tregs and Th17 cells in chronic HBV infection. METHODS Twenty-five chronic HBV-infected patients in the immune-tolerant (IT) phase and 23 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients were recruited in this study. Cytokines production was measured by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels were determined by qPCR. CD4+T cells were stimulated with or without IL-21. Tregs and Th17 cells were measured by flow cytometry. pSTAT3 and STAT3 expression was assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS The concentration of IL-21 in the serum of CHB were significantly higher than that in the serum from IT patients, and IL-21 and IL-21R levels in the PBMCs from CHB were higher than those from IT patients. IL-21 promoted Th17 cells differentiation and function but inhibited Treg cells differentiation and function by activating STAT3 signaling pathways, upregulating RORγt expression, downregulating Foxp3 expression, by increasing IL-17and IL-22 secretion, and decreasing TGF-β secretion in chronic HBV infection. The proportion of Tregs and TGF-β concentrations in CHB was significantly lower than that in IT patients. Furthermore, the percentage of Th17 cells and the IL-17 concentration in CHB was markedly higher than that in IT patients, causing a reduction in the Tregs/Th17 ratio in CHB patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that IL-21 may contribute to inflammation in chronic HBV infection by modulating the balance between Treg and Th17 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Cai
- Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China
- Department of Gastroenterology Disease, The First People's Hospital of Jintan District, Changzhou, 213200, China
| | - Hailei Ji
- Department of Infections Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology Disease, The First People's Hospital of Jintan District, Changzhou, 213200, China
| | - Kai Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology Disease, The First People's Hospital of Jintan District, Changzhou, 213200, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology Disease, The First People's Hospital of Jintan District, Changzhou, 213200, China
| | - Liang Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology Disease, The First People's Hospital of Jintan District, Changzhou, 213200, China
| | - Ruihua Shi
- Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, Nanjing, 210009, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology Disease, The Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Tang L, Li Q, Chen L, Li X, Gu S, He W, Pan Q, Wang L, Sun J, Yi X, Li Y. IL-21 collaborates with anti-TIGIT to restore NK cell function in chronic HBV infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29142. [PMID: 37815034 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are not satisfying, and interleukin-21 (IL-21) and checkpoint inhibitors are potential therapeutic options. However, the mechanism underlying IL-21 and checkpoint inhibitors in treating chronic HBV infection is unclear. To explore whether IL-21 and checkpoint inhibitors promote HBV clearance by modulating the function of natural killer (NK) cells, we measured the phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV-infected patients and healthy controls on mRNA and protein levels. We found that chronic HBV infection disturbed the transcriptome of NK cells, including decreased expression of KLRK1, TIGIT, GZMA, PRF1, and increased expression of CD69. We also observed altered phenotypes and functions of NK cells in chronic HBV-infected patients, characterized by decreased NKG2D expression, increased TIGIT expression and impaired interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. Furthermore, these alterations cannot be restored by telbivudine treatment but can be partially restored by IL-21 and anti-TIGIT stimulation. IL-21 upregulated the expression of activating receptor CD16, CD69, and NKG2D on NK cells, enhanced IFN-γ production, cytolysis, and proliferation of NK cells, while anti-TIGIT promoted IFN-γ production in CD56dim subset exclusively in chronic HBV infected patients. Additionally, IL-21 was indispensable for anti-TIGIT in HBsAg clearance in mice bearing HBV. It enhanced IFN-γ production in splenic NK cells rather than intrahepatic NK cells, indicating a brand-new mechanism of IL-21 in HBV clearance when combined with anti-TIGIT. Overall, our findings contribute to the design of immunotherapy through enhancing the antiviral efficacy of NK cells in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanrun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Infectious Diseases Laboratory (Preparatory) of Yunnan Provincial Department of Education, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Yunnan Provincial Clinical Medical Center (Branch) for Infectious Diseases, Hospital of Dali University, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowei Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuqin Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiying He
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianru Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Yi
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang X, Tang W, Qin X, Li S, Liang D. Interleukin-16 genetic polymorphisms in Guangxi Chinese with hepatitis B virus-related liver cirrhosis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5247-5254. [PMID: 37138138 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study has reported that interleukin-16 (IL-16) genetic polymorphisms are significantly related to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatitis B virus-related (HBV-related) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As CHB, liver cirrhosis (LC), and HCC are development processes, this study aimed to determine genetic correlation of IL-16 polymorphisms with HBV-related LC in a Chinese population. METHODS IL-16 gene rs11556218, rs4072111, and rs4778889 polymorphism in 129 patients with HBV-related LC and 168 healthy individuals were genotyped via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). PCR-RFLP results were verified by DNA sequencing. RESULTS The allelic and genotypic distributions of IL-16 rs11556218, rs4072111, and rs4778889 polymorphisms in HBV-related LC patients showed no significant difference from those in healthy controls. Furthermore, no relationship was observed between the haplotype distribution and susceptibility to HBV-related LC. CONCLUSIONS This work provided the first evidence that the IL-16 genetic polymorphisms may not be associated with HBV-related LC risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wenjun Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Xue Qin
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shan Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Medicine of Guangxi Department of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Dong Liang
- Medical Equipment Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
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Li HM, Wang LJ, Huang Q, Pan HF, Zhang TP. Exploring the association between Th17 pathway gene polymorphisms and pulmonary tuberculosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994247. [PMID: 36483566 PMCID: PMC9723456 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994247] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Th17 cells play a key role in immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and this study aimed to explore the association of Th17 pathway gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) susceptibility in a Chinese population. A total of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms in Th17 pathway genes (IL-17A gene rs2275913, rs3748067, rs8193036, rs3819024, IL-17F gene rs7741835, rs763780, IL-21 gene rs907715, rs2055979, IL-23R gene rs11805303, and rs7518660) were genotyped in 456 PTB patients and 466 controls using SNPscan technique. The IL-23R rs11805303 CC genotype, C allele frequencies were significantly lower in PTB patients than in controls, and the rs11805303 variant was significantly associated with the reduced risk of PTB in a recessive model. There were no significant associations between IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-21 gene variations and PTB risk. In IL-17A gene, rs2275913, rs3748067, and rs3819024 variants were associated with drug resistance in PTB patients. In IL-17F gene, rs7741835 variant affected drug resistance, and rs763780 variant was associated with hypoproteinemia in PTB patients. In addition, the lower frequencies of the TT genotype, T allele of rs2055979 were found in PTB patients with drug-induced liver injury. Haplotype analysis showed that IL-23R CG haplotype frequency was significantly lower in PTB patients than in controls, while the TG haplotype frequency was higher. In conclusion, IL-23R rs11805303 polymorphism may contribute to the genetic underpinnings of PTB in the Chinese population, and the IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-21 genetic variations are associated with several clinical manifestations of PTB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Miao Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China,Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li-Jun Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Public Health, Medical Department, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Tian-Ping Zhang, ; Hai-Feng Pan,
| | - Tian-Ping Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,*Correspondence: Tian-Ping Zhang, ; Hai-Feng Pan,
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Chen XL, Wang JH, Zhao W, Shi CW, Yang KD, Niu TM, Yang GL, Cao X, Jiang YL, Wang JZ, Huang HB, Zeng Y, Wang N, Yang WT, Wang CF. Lactobacillus plantarum surface-displayed ASFV (p54) with porcine IL-21 generally stimulates protective immune responses in mice. AMB Express 2021; 11:114. [PMID: 34383171 PMCID: PMC8360262 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-021-01275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
African classical swine fever virus (ASFV) has spread seriously around the world and has dealt with a heavy blow to the pig breeding industry due to the lack of vaccines. In this study, we produced recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) expressing an ASFV p54 and porcine IL-21 (pIL-21) fusion protein and evaluated the immune effect of NC8-pSIP409-pgsA'-p54-pIL-21 in a mouse model. First, we verified that the ASFV p54 protein and p54-pIL-21 fusion protein were anchored on the surface of L. plantarum NC8 by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Then, the results were verified by flow cytometry, ELISA and MTT assays. Mouse-specific humoral immunity and mucosal and T cell-mediated immune responses were induced by recombinant L. plantarum. The results of feeding mice recombinant L. plantarum showed that the levels of serum IgG and mucosal secreted IgA (SIgA), the number of CD4 and CD8 T cells, and the expression of IFN-γ in CD4 and CD8 T cells increased significantly, and lymphocyte proliferation occurred under stimulation with the ASFV p54 protein. Our data lay a foundation for the development of oral vaccines against ASFV in the future.
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Zhang X, Liang Y, Li X, Wang W, Tong J, Xu Y. Clearance of HBsAg in a patient with familial multiple myeloma after a bortezomib-based regimen combined with anti-HBV drug: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22642. [PMID: 33019490 PMCID: PMC7535632 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) after treatment with bortezomib-based regimens in HBV-positive patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has been reported in the past few years. Nevertheless, there is evidence of inhibition of HBV replication by bortezomib in transgenic mice. However, there is still no clinical evidence that bortezomib inhibits HBV. PATIENT CONCERNS A 55-year-old MM patient with a family history of MM, who was also a chronic HBV carrier, achieved HBV clearance after treatment with a bortezomib-based regimen in combination with anti-HBV drugs. DIAGNOSES The diagnosis was MM with chronic carrier of HBV. INTERVENTIONS He received bortezomib-based regimen for MM as well as entecavir as a prophylaxis to prevent HBV reactivation. OUTCOMES This patient achieved HBsAg and HBV-DNA clearance after 2 months and the remission was maintained during the next 2 years. He also achieved complete remission of MM and underwent consolidation therapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. LESSONS This is the first case of MM with HBV clearance after receiving a bortezomib-based regimen combined with anti-HBV drug. Research on related mechanisms might provide new suggestions and hope for better management of HBV positive patients with MM and for the treatment of HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuzhao Zhang
- Department of Hematology
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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