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Zhang Y, Mou Y, Chen M, Lin X, Zhao Y, Luo X. Binary split fluorescent biosensor based on lettuce DNA aptamer for label-free and enzyme-free analysis of hepatitis B viral DNA. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:4561-4569. [PMID: 38912590 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00713a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) acts as a severe public health threat, causing chronic liver diseases. Although the quantified evaluation of HBV infection can be obtained by estimating the capacity of the HBV DNA genome, it still lacks an effective and robust detection method without using enzymes or chemical labeling. Herein, we have designed a binary split fluorescent DNA aptasensor (bsFDA) by rationally splitting the lettuce aptamer into two functional DNA short chains and utilizing the HBV DNA segment complementary sequences (HDs). In this strategy, the bsFDA has been investigated to specifically recognize the HDs, forming a triplex DNA with the lettuce aptamer structure. Meanwhile, the turn-on fluorescence of bsFDA is obtained upon formation of a fluorescent complex between DFHO and the triplex DNA structure, allowing the enzyme-free, label-free, fast-responsive, and reliable fluorescence readout for detecting HDs and the potential HDs mutants. Moreover, bsFDA has been applied for spiked HDs analysis in different real matrixes, including human serum and cell lysate. The satisfactory recovery rates and reproducibility of the bsFDA reveal its potential detection efficacy for HDs analysis in biological samples. Overall, bsFDA holds great potential in developing functionalized aptasensors and realizing viral genome analysis in biological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Energy Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China.
| | - Yue Mou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Energy Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China.
| | - Meiyun Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Energy Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China.
| | - Xinru Lin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Energy Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China.
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China.
| | - Xingyu Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Energy Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, P. R. China.
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2
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Chang CH, Shih C. Significance of hepatitis B virus capsid dephosphorylation via polymerase. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:34. [PMID: 38561844 PMCID: PMC10983652 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01022-9] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is generally believed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) dephosphorylation (de-P) is important for viral DNA synthesis and virion secretion. HBV polymerase contains four domains for terminal protein, spacer, reverse transcriptase, and RNase H activities. METHODS HBV Polymerase mutants were transfected into HuH-7 cells and assayed for replication and HBc de-P by the Phos-tag gel analysis. Infection assay was performed by using a HepG2-NTCP-AS2 cell line. RESULTS Here, we show that a novel phosphatase activity responsible for HBc de-P can be mapped to the C-terminal domain of the polymerase overlapping with the RNase H domain. Surprisingly, while HBc de-P is crucial for viral infectivity, it is essential for neither viral DNA synthesis nor virion secretion. The potential origin, significance, and mechanism of this polymerase-associated phosphatase activity are discussed in the context of an electrostatic homeostasis model. The Phos-tag gel analysis revealed an intriguing pattern of "bipolar distribution" of phosphorylated HBc and a de-P HBc doublet. CONCLUSIONS It remains unknown if such a polymerase-associated phosphatase activity can be found in other related biosystems. This polymerase-associated phosphatase activity could be a druggable target in clinical therapy for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsu Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chiaho Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Cell Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan.
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3
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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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4
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Cong XY, He JY, Shu TY, Chen H, Feng Y, Su LH, Xu M. Undescribed amino acid-sesquiterpene lactone adducts and sesquiterpene glycosides from the roots of Saussurea lappa and their anti-HBV activity. Fitoterapia 2023; 169:105570. [PMID: 37321417 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105570] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Saussurea lappa (Asteraceae family), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been found to possess anti-inflammatory, immune-promoting, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-HBV, cholestatic, and hepatoprotective activities. Herein, two undescribed amino acid-sesquiterpene lactone adducts, saussureamines G and H (1 and 2), and two new sesquiterpene glycosides, saussunosids F and G (3 and 4), along with 26 known sesquiterpenoids (5-30) have been isolated from the roots of S. lappa. Their structures and absolute configurations of these compounds were established by physical data analyses such as HRESIMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR and ECD calculations. All isolated compounds were tested for anti-hepatitis B virus (anti-HBV) activity. Ten compounds (5, 6, 12, 13, 17, 19, 23, 26, 29, and 30) exhibited activities against the secretions of HBsAg and HBeAg. In particular, compound 6 showed inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg secretion with IC50 values of 11.24 and 15.12 μM, with SI values of 1.25 and 0.93, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also conducted on the anti-HBV compounds. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential therapeutic uses of the compounds found in the roots of S. lappa, particularly in the treatment of hepatitis B virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Cong
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Jing-Yi He
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Teng-Yun Shu
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yang Feng
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Li-Hua Su
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China.
| | - Min Xu
- Center for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Chenggong Campus, Kunming 650500, China.
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5
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Zhao H, Yu Y, Wang Y, Zhao L, Yang A, Hu Y, Pan Z, Wang Z, Yang J, Han Q, Tian Z, Zhang J. Cholesterol accumulation on dendritic cells reverses chronic hepatitis B virus infection-induced dysfunction. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1347-1360. [PMID: 36369367 PMCID: PMC9708651 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00939-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection remains a serious public health problem worldwide; however, the relationship between cholesterol levels and CHB remains unclear. We isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy blood donors and CHB patients to analyze free cholesterol levels, lipid raft formation, and cholesterol metabolism-related pathways. Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-carrier mice were generated and used to confirm changes in cholesterol metabolism and cell-surface lipid raft formation in dendritic cells (DCs) in the context of CHB. Additionally, HBV-carrier mice were immunized with a recombinant HBV vaccine (rHBVvac) combined with lipophilic statins and evaluated for vaccine efficacy against HBV. Serum samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and alanine aminotransferase levels, and liver samples were evaluated for HBV DNA and RNA and HBcAg. CHB reduced free cholesterol levels and suppressed lipid raft formation on DCs in patients with CHB and HBV-carrier mice, whereas administration of lipophilic statins promoted free cholesterol accumulation and restored lipid rafts on DCs accompanied by an enhanced antigen-presentation ability in vitro and in vivo. Cholesterol accumulation on DCs improved the rHBVvac-mediated elimination of serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic HBV DNA, HBV RNA, and HBcAg and promoted the rHBVvac-mediated generation and polyfunctionality of HBV-specific CD11ahi CD8αlo cells, induction of the development of memory responses against HBV reinfection, and seroconversion from HBsAg to anti-HBs. The results demonstrated the important role of cholesterol levels in DC dysfunction during CHB, suggesting that strategies to increase cholesterol accumulation on DCs might enhance therapeutic vaccine efficacy against HBV and support development toward clinical CHB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yating Yu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yucan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lianhui Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ailu Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Yifei Hu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zhaoyi Pan
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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COVID-19 as Another Trigger for HBV Reactivation: Clinical Case and Review of Literature. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11070816. [PMID: 35890060 PMCID: PMC9318431 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11070816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Universal hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination has been applied for years in most countries, but HBV infection remains an unresolved public health problem worldwide, with over one-third of the world’s population infected during their lifetime and approximately 248 million hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) chronic carriers. HBV infection may reactivate with symptomatic and sometimes life-threatening clinical manifestations due to a reduction in the immune response of various origins, due to chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy, treatments increasingly practiced worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 and its COVID-19 associated disease have introduced new chances for HBV reactivation due to the use of dexamethasone and tocilizumab to counteract the cytokine storm. This could and should be prevented by accurate screening of HBV serologic markers and adequate pharmacologic prophylaxis. This article describes the case of a patient with COVID-19 who developed HBV reactivation and died of liver failure and analyzes published data on this setting to provide useful information to physicians who manage these patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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7
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Su PY, Yen SCB, Yang CC, Chang CH, Lin WC, Shih C. Hepatitis B virus virion secretion is a CRM1-spike-mediated late event. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:44. [PMID: 35729569 PMCID: PMC9210616 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00827-w] [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: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major human pathogen worldwide. To date, there is no curative treatment for chronic hepatitis B. The mechanism of virion secretion remains to be investigated. Previously, we found that nuclear export of HBc particles can be facilitated via two CRM1-specific nuclear export signals (NES) at the spike tip. Methods In this study, we used site-directed mutagenesis at the CRM1 NES, as well as treatment with CRM1 inhibitors at a low concentration, or CRM1-specific shRNA knockdown, in HBV-producing cell culture, and measured the secretion of various HBV viral and subviral particles via a native agarose gel electrophoresis assay. Separated HBV particles were characterized by Western blot analysis, and their genomic DNA contents were measured by Southern blot analysis. Secreted extracellular particles were compared with intracellular HBc capsids for DNA synthesis and capsid formation. Virion secretion and the in vivo interactions among HBc capsids, CRM1 and microtubules, were examined by proximity ligation assay, immunofluorescence microscopy, and nocodazole treatment. Results We report here that the tip of spike of HBV core (HBc) particles (capsids) contains a complex sensor for secretion of both HBV virions and naked capsids. HBV virion secretion is closely associated with HBc nuclear export in a CRM1-dependent manner. At the conformationally flexible spike tips of HBc particles, NES motifs overlap extensively with motifs important for secretion of HBV virions and naked capsids. Conclusions We provided experimental evidence that virions and naked capsids can egress via two distinct, yet overlapping, pathways. Unlike the secretion of naked capsids, HBV virion secretion is highly CRM1- and microtubule-dependent. CRM1 is well known for its involvement in nuclear transport in literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report that CRM1 is required for virion secretion. CRM1 inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic candidate for chronic HBV patients in clinical medicine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12929-022-00827-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Su
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin, 80708, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Chwen Bruce Yen
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin, 80708, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Yang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsu Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chang Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiaho Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin, 80708, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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8
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Prevention of HBV Reactivation in Hemato-Oncologic Setting during COVID-19. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11050567. [PMID: 35631088 PMCID: PMC9144674 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11050567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Onco-hematologic patients are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and, once infected, frequently develop COVID-19 due to the immunosuppression caused by tumor growth, chemotherapy and immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, COVID-19 has also been recognized as a further cause of HBV reactivation, since its treatment includes the administration of corticosteroids and some immunosuppressive drugs. Consequently, onco-hematologic patients should undergo SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and comply with the rules imposed by lockdowns or other forms of social distancing. Furthermore, onco-hematologic facilities should be adapted to new needs and provided with numerically adequate health personnel vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Onco-hematologic patients, both HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative/HBcAb-positive, may develop HBV reactivation, made possible by the support of the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) persisting in the hepatocytic nuclei of patients with an ongoing or past HBV infection. This occurrence must be prevented by administering high genetic barrier HBV nucleo(t)side analogues before and throughout the antineoplastic treatment, and then during a long-term post-treatment follow up. The prevention of HBV reactivation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the topic of this narrative review.
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9
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CRM1-spike-mediated nuclear export of hepatitis B virus encapsidated viral RNA. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110472. [PMID: 35263598 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global pathogen. We report here that the cellular CRM1 machinery can mediate nuclear export of entire HBV core (HBc) particles containing encapsidated viral RNAs. Two CRM1-mediated nuclear export signals (NESCRM1) cluster at the conformationally flexible spike tips of HBc particles. Mutant NESCRM1 capsids exhibit strongly reduced associations with CRM1 and nucleoporin358 in vivo. CRM1 and NXF1 machineries mediate nuclear export of HBc particles independently. Inhibition of nuclear export has pleiotropic consequences, including nuclear accumulation of HBc particles, a significant reduction of encapsidated viral RNAs in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus, and barely detectable viral DNA. We hypothesize an HBV life cycle where encapsidation of the RNA pregenome can initiate early in the nucleus, whereas DNA genome maturation occurs mainly in the cytoplasm. We identified a druggable target for HBV by blocking its intracellular trafficking.
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10
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Zhao H, Han Q, Yang A, Wang Y, Wang G, Lin A, Wang X, Yin C, Zhang J. CpG-C ODN M362 as an immunoadjuvant for HBV therapeutic vaccine reverses the systemic tolerance against HBV. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:154-165. [PMID: 34975324 PMCID: PMC8692134 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.62424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection is a global public health problem. Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing class C unmethylated cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG-C) motifs may provide potential adjuvants for the immunotherapeutic strategy against CHB, since CpG-C ODNs stimulate both B cell and dendritic cell (DC) activation. However, the efficacy of CpG-C ODN as an anti-HBV vaccine adjuvant remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that CpG M362 (CpG-C ODN) as an adjuvant in anti-HBV vaccine (cHBV-vaccine) successfully and safely eliminated the virus in HBV-carrier mice. The cHBV-vaccine enhanced DC maturation both in vivo and in vitro, overcame immune tolerance, and recovered exhausted T cells in HBV-carrier mice. Furthermore, the cHBV-vaccine elicited robust hepatic HBV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses, with increased cellular proliferation and IFN-γ secretion. Additionally, the cHBV-vaccine invoked a long-lasting follicular CXCR5+ CD8+ T cell response following HBV re-challenge. Taken together, CpG M362 in combination with rHBVvac cleared persistent HBV and achieved long-term virological control, making it a promising candidate for treating CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ailu Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yucan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ang Lin
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunlai Yin
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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11
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Chang CH, Chou SF, Shih C. A nuanced role of the small loop of hepatitis B virus small envelope protein in virion morphogenesis and secretion. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:82. [PMID: 34852809 PMCID: PMC8638367 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The virion secretion mechanism of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains to be investigated. In our current study, we characterized a reverse transcriptase mutant, which changed from the YMDD motif to YMHA. We noted that this mutant YMHA secreted no virions in the medium. Because of the overlapping open reading frame (ORF) between the polymerase and the envelope genes, the lack of virion secretion is likely due to corresponding concurrent mutations in a small loop of the envelope protein (HBsAg, HBV surface antigen). In literature, small loop mutations are thought to affect virion secretion of hepatitis delta virus (HDV), but not HBV. METHODS Here, we revisited the relationship between the small loop and virion secretion by site-directed mutagenesis and native agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS A proline substitution at residue 196 or 198 in the small loop blocked both HBV genome-containing and genome-free virion secretion, but not the secretion of 22-nm HBsAg subviral particles. Surprisingly, a leucine substitution at residue 196 enhanced genome-containing virion secretion. It is also intriguing that a proline-197, sandwiched by residue 196 and 198, exhibited no apparent defect in secreted virions, with or without containing an HBV genome. By complementation assay, we demonstrated that the wild type small envelope protein alone is sufficient to rescue the virion secretion defect of a small loop mutant M198P. CONCLUSIONS The effect of the small loop mutation of HBV small envelope protein on virion secretion is position-dependent. It warrants further investigation how the small loop of HBsAg plays a subtle role in HBV morphogenesis and secretion of virions with or without containing an HBV genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsu Chang
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fan Chou
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chiaho Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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12
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Philips CA, Ahamed R, Abduljaleel JK, Rajesh S, Augustine P. Critical Updates on Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in 2021. Cureus 2021; 13:e19152. [PMID: 34733599 PMCID: PMC8557099 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global healthcare burden in the form of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. There is no definite cure for the virus and even though extensive vaccination programs have reduced the burden of liver disease in the future population, treatment options to eradicate the virus from the host are still lacking. In this review, we discuss in detail current updates on the structure and applied biology of the virus in the host, examine updates to current treatment and explore novel and state-of-the-art therapeutics in the pipeline for management of chronic HBV. Furthermore, we also specifically review clinical updates on HBV-related acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Current treatments for chronic HBV infection have seen important updates in the form of considerations for treating patients in the immune tolerant phase and some clarity on end points for treatment and decisions on finite therapy with nucleos(t)ide inhibitors. Ongoing cutting-edge research on HBV biology has helped us identify novel target areas in the life cycle of the virus for application of new therapeutics. Due to improvements in the area of genomics, the hope for therapeutic vaccines, vector-based treatments and focused management aimed at targeting host integration of the virus and thereby a total cure could become a reality in the near future. Newer clinical prognostic tools have improved our understanding of timing of specific treatment options for the catastrophic syndrome of ACLF secondary to reactivation of HBV. In this review, we discuss in detail pertinent updates regarding virus biology and novel therapeutic targets with special focus on the appraisal of prognostic scores and treatment options in HBV-related ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac A Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Rizwan Ahamed
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Jinsha K Abduljaleel
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Sasidharan Rajesh
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
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Zhao H, Wang H, Hu Y, Xu D, Yin C, Han Q, Zhang J. Chitosan Nanovaccines as Efficient Carrier Adjuvant System for IL-12 with Enhanced Protection Against HBV. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:4913-4928. [PMID: 34321879 PMCID: PMC8312321 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s317113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Alum adjuvant in HBV prophylactic vaccines is poor in inducing cellular immunity with the inhibition of IL-12 secretion, and approximately 5–10% of immunised individuals fail to clear HBV upon infection. IL-12 plasmids (pIL-12) as adjuvants enhance significant humoral and cellular immune response in vaccines. However, finding a novel delivery system to protect pIL-12 from enzymatic degradation and achieve efficient delivery remains a major challenge. Methods We prepared the chitosan nanovaccine-loaded IL-12 expression plasmid (termed as “Ng(-)pIL-12”) and analysed the physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency and safety. Then, we evaluated the efficiency of Ng(-)pIL-12 for prophylactic HBV vaccine. Serum samples were collected and analysed for IL-12, HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b. Liver tissues were collected and analysed for HBV DNA and RNA. BMDCs and lymphocytes were collected and analysed for HBV-specific immune responses. To further confirm the long-term protective immune response against HBV, these immunised mice were challenged with hydrodynamic injection of pAAV/HBV 1.2 plasmid on day 56 after the initiation of immunisation. Results Chitosan nanovaccine prepared with CS and γ-PGA could load pIL-12 effectively and safely, and IL-12 was efficiently produced in vivo. Interestingly, Ng(-)pIL-12 adjuvant combined with HBsAg induced higher levels of anti-HBs IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b, promoted maturation and presentation capacity of DCs, especially CD8α+/CD103+ DCs. Meanwhile, Ng(-)pIL-12 adjuvant generated robust HBV-specific CD8+ T and CD4+ T cell responses. More importantly, Ng(-)pIL-12 adjuvant triggered terminally differentiated effector memory responses with strong anti-HBV effects. Conclusion Chitosan nanovaccines as an efficient carrier adjuvant system for pIL-12 combined with HBsAg induced protective anti-HBs IgG and enhanced HBV-specific CD8+ T and CD4+ T cell responses, and achieved long-term memory response against HBV, making it a promising candidate for prophylactic HBV vaccines. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/RZZ_0Z5j7Yc
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Haigang Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Hu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongqing Xu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlai Yin
- Department of Immunology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Song H, Xu F, Pang X, Xiao Q, Wei Q, Lei B, Li X, Fan X, Tan G. STAT3-Dependent Gene TRIM5γ Interacts With HBx Through a Zinc Binding Site on the BBox Domain. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:663534. [PMID: 34276596 PMCID: PMC8283784 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.663534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to its broad-spectrum antivirus activities, interferon (IFN) is an important alternative agent for use in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients; however, the mechanism involved in the inhibition of HBV infection and replication by IFN remains unclear. We previously reported that the induction of TRIM5γ is important in the IFN treatment of HBV patients as it promotes the degradation of the HBx protein, while the manner in which TRIM5γ is induced by IFN and how TRIM5γ interacts with HBx remain unestablished until date. Our present findings confirmed the TRIM5γ-HBx-DDB1 interactions in the HBV-infected Primary human hepatocytes (PHH), and we further found that STAT3, and not STAT1, was responsible for the induction of TRIM5γ upon IFN stimulation and that the zinc binding site His123 on the BBOX domain was a decisive site in the interaction between TRIM5γ BBOX and HBx. In addition, based on the BBOX domain, we detected a 7-amino acid peptide with the potential of promoting HBx degradation and inhibiting HBV replication. On the other hand, we noted that the TRIM5γ expression was inhibited by HBV in chronically HBV infected patients. Thus, our study identified the crucial role of STAT3 in the induction of TRIM5γ, as well as proposed a 7-amino acid, small peptide as a potential candidate for the development of therapeutic agents targeting HBx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiao Song
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fengchao Xu
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoli Pang
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qingfei Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qi Wei
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingxin Lei
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xixi Fan
- Department of Clinical Specialty of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyun Tan
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Shih C, Wu SY, Chou SF, Yuan TTT. Virion Secretion of Hepatitis B Virus Naturally Occurring Core Antigen Variants. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010043. [PMID: 33396864 PMCID: PMC7823318 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In natural infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) accumulates frequent mutations. The most frequent HBc variant in chronic hepatitis B patients is mutant 97L, changing from an isoleucine or phenylalanine to a leucine (L) at HBc amino acid 97. One dogma in the HBV research field is that wild type HBV secretes predominantly virions containing mature double-stranded DNA genomes. Immature genomes, containing single-stranded RNA or DNA, do not get efficiently secreted until reaching genome maturity. Interestingly, HBc variant 97L does not follow this dogma in virion secretion. Instead, it exhibits an immature secretion phenotype, which preferentially secretes virions containing immature genomes. Other aberrant behaviors in virion secretion were also observed in different naturally occurring HBc variants. A hydrophobic pocket around amino acid 97 was identified by bioinformatics, genetic analysis, and cryo-EM. We postulated that this hydrophobic pocket could mediate the transduction of the genome maturation signal for envelopment from the capsid interior to its surface. Virion morphogenesis must involve interactions between HBc, envelope proteins (HBsAg) and host factors, such as components of ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport). Immature secretion can be offset by compensatory mutations, occurring at other positions in HBc or HBsAg. Recently, we demonstrated in mice that the persistence of intrahepatic HBV DNA is related to virion secretion regulated by HBV genome maturity. HBV virion secretion could be an antiviral drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaho Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (T.-T.T.Y.)
| | - Szu-Yao Wu
- Chimera Bioscience Inc., No. 18 Siyuan St., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10087, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Fan Chou
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ta-Tung Thomas Yuan
- TFBS Bioscience, Inc. 3F, No. 103, Ln 169, Kangning St., Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (T.-T.T.Y.)
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Kardani K, Basimi P, Fekri M, Bolhassani A. Antiviral therapy for the sexually transmitted viruses: recent updates on vaccine development. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1001-1046. [PMID: 32838584 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1814743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses including human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), human simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are major public health issues. These infections can cause cancer or result in long-term health problems. Due to high prevalence of STIs, a safe and effective vaccine is required to overcome these fatal viruses. AREAS COVERED This review includes a comprehensive overview of the literatures relevant to vaccine development against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) using PubMed and Sciencedirect electronic search engines. Herein, we discuss the efforts directed toward development of effective vaccines using different laboratory animal models including mice, guinea pig or non-human primates in preclinical trials, and human in clinical trials with different phases. EXPERT OPINION There is no effective FDA approved vaccine against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) except for HBV and HPV as prophylactic vaccines. Many attempts are underway to develop vaccines against these viruses. There are several approaches for improving prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines such as heterologous prime/boost immunization, delivery system, administration route, adjuvants, etc. In this line, further studies can be helpful for understanding the immunobiology of STVs in human. Moreover, development of more relevant animal models is a worthy goal to induce effective immune responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Parya Basimi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrshad Fekri
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
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Zhang BY, Chai DP, Wu YH, Qiu LP, Zhang YY, Ye ZH, Yu XP. Potential Drug Targets Against Hepatitis B Virus Based on Both Virus and Host Factors. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:1636-1651. [PMID: 31362671 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190729115646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B is a very harmful and epidemic disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). Although an effective anti-HBV vaccine is available, chronic infection poses still a huge health burden in the whole world. The present anti-HBV drugs including nucleoside analogues and interferonalpha have their limitations without exception. There is no effective drug and therapeutic method that can really and truly cure hepatitis B so far. The variability of HBV genome results in that a significant number of patients develop drug resistance during the long-term use of anti-HBV drugs. Hence, it is urgently needed to discover novel targets and develop new drugs against hepatitis B. OBJECTIVE The review aims to provide the theory support for designing of the anti-HBV innovative drugs by offering a summary of the current situation of antiviral potential targets. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Since HBV is obligate intracellular parasite, and as such it depends on host cellular components and functions to replicate itself. The targeting both virus and host might be a novel therapeutic option for hepatitis B. Accordingly, we analyse the advances in the study of the potential drug targets for anti-HBV infection, focusing on targeting virus genome, on targeting host cellular functions and on targeting virus-host proteins interactions, respectively. Meanwhile, the immune targets against chronic hepatitis B are also emphasized. In short, the review provides a summary of antiviral therapeutic strategies to target virus factors, host factors and immune factors for future designing of the innovative drug against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Dan-Ping Chai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yi-Hang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Li-Peng Qiu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Yong-Yong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zi-Hong Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection & Quarantine, College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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Chang S, Wang LHC, Chen BS. Investigating Core Signaling Pathways of Hepatitis B Virus Pathogenesis for Biomarkers Identification and Drug Discovery via Systems Biology and Deep Learning Method. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090320. [PMID: 32878239 PMCID: PMC7555687 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, poor understanding of its pathogenesis often gives rise to intractable immune escape and prognosis recurrence. Thus, a valid systematic approach based on big data mining and genome-wide RNA-seq data is imperative to further investigate the pathogenetic mechanism and identify biomarkers for drug design. In this study, systems biology method was applied to trim false positives from the host/pathogen genetic and epigenetic interaction network (HPI-GEN) under HBV infection by two-side RNA-seq data. Then, via the principal network projection (PNP) approach and the annotation of KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, significant biomarkers related to cellular dysfunctions were identified from the core cross-talk signaling pathways as drug targets. Further, based on the pre-trained deep learning-based drug-target interaction (DTI) model and the validated pharmacological properties from databases, i.e., drug regulation ability, toxicity, and sensitivity, a combination of promising multi-target drugs was designed as a multiple-molecule drug to create more possibility for the treatment of HBV infection. Therefore, with the proposed systems medicine discovery and repositioning procedure, we not only shed light on the etiologic mechanism during HBV infection but also efficiently provided a potential drug combination for therapeutic treatment of Hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Chang
- Laboratory of Automatic Control, Signal Processing and Systems Biology, Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Bor-Sen Chen
- Laboratory of Automatic Control, Signal Processing and Systems Biology, Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Correspondence:
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Tachi K, Agyei-Nkansah A, Archampong T. Hepatocellular carcinoma in Ghana: a retrospective analysis of a tertiary hospital data. Pan Afr Med J 2020; 36:43. [PMID: 32774619 PMCID: PMC7388599 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.43.21085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer of global public health concern because of its high incidence and mortality. The impact is greatest in areas with high prevalence of its major risk factors including chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBV is endemic in Ghana but a comprehensive data on HCC is lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, laboratory and radiological features of HCC at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. METHODS The medical records of 194 HCC cases attended to at the Gastrointestinal Clinic of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed for demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data. RESULTS The male: female ratio was 2:1 and mean age was 45.2 years. Weight loss and abdominal pain were the major presenting symptoms. No patients were identified through surveillance. HBsAg was positive in 109/145 (75.2%) of cases tested. Sixty-five (59.6%) of 109 HBsAg positives were aware of their HBsAg status but only 3 were receiving medical follow ups prior to the diagnosis of HCC. Raised alpha-fetoprotein level >165.2 IU/ML was found in 53.9%. One hundred and forty-four patients were eligible for only analgesia. CONCLUSION HBV infection is the leading aetiologial risk factor associated with HCC. Majority of HBV carriers are aware of their status but do not receive care prior to HCC diagnosis. Majority present late and are eligible for only palliative treatment. Improvement in the health seeking behavior of HBV carriers can aid early detection of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Tachi
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adwoa Agyei-Nkansah
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Timothy Archampong
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Barbu MG, Condrat CE, Thompson DC, Bugnar OL, Cretoiu D, Toader OD, Suciu N, Voinea SC. MicroRNA Involvement in Signaling Pathways During Viral Infection. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:143. [PMID: 32211411 PMCID: PMC7075948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of miRNAs started in 1993, when Lee et al. observed their involvement in the downregulation of a crucial protein known as LIN-14 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Since then, great progress has been made regarding research on microRNAs, which are now known to be involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes in both animals and humans. One such example is represented by their interaction with various signaling pathways during viral infections. It has been observed that these pathogens can induce the up-/downregulation of various host miRNAs in order to elude the host's immune system. In contrast, some miRNAs studied could have an antiviral effect, enabling the defense mechanisms to fight the infection or, at the very least, they could induce the pathogen to enter a latent state. At the same time, some viruses encode their own miRNAs, which could further modulate the host's signaling pathways, thus favoring the survival and replication of the virus. The goal of this extensive literature review was to present how miRNAs are involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways in some of the most important and well-studied human viral infections. Further on, knowing which miRNAs are involved in various viral infections and what role they play could aid in the development of antiviral therapeutic agents for certain diseases that do not have a definitive cure in the present. The clinical applications of miRNAs are extremely important, as miRNAs targeted inhibition may have substantial therapeutic impact. Inhibition of miRNAs can be achieved through many different methods, but chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides have shown the most prominent effects. Though scientists are far from completely understanding all the molecular mechanisms behind the complex cross-talks between miRNA pathways and viral infections, the general knowledge is increasing on the different roles played by miRNAs during viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Gabriela Barbu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Condrat
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Claudia Thompson
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Larisa Bugnar
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Daniela Toader
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Suciu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Cristian Voinea
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Liou AT, Liao CC, Chou SF, Chang YS, Chang CS, Shih C. Hypoxia and therapeutic treatment of EV-A71 with an immune modulator TLR7 agonist in a new immunocompetent mouse model. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:93. [PMID: 31711481 PMCID: PMC6849267 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Enterovirus 71 (EV71 or EV-A71) was first identified in California about half a century ago. In recent years, outbreaks of EV-A71 were prevalent worldwide, including Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and China. Between 2008 and 2011, China alone reported 1894 deaths associated with EV-A71 infection. In mild cases, EV-A71 can cause herpangina and hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). However, in severe cases, it could cause neurological disorders, including meningitis and encephalitis. Cardiopulmonary failure is common among hospitalized children with EV-A71 infection. No effective FDA-approved therapeutics against EV-A71 are clinically available. Methods We report the establishment of an immunocompetent wild type strain 129 (wt-129) mouse model, which can be cross-species infected with human EV-A71 clinical isolates via an intraperitoneal route. Results One intriguing disease phenotype of this new model is the development of characteristic “White-Jade” patches in the muscle, which lost sporadically the normal pink color of uninfected muscle. Viral VP1 protein and massive leukocyte infiltration were detected in muscles with or without white-jades. We demonstrated further that hypoxia is a general phenomenon associated with white-jades in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mouse models. Therefore, hypoxia appears to be a feature intrinsic to EV-A71 infection, irrespective of its host’s immunogenetic background. To date, no effective treatment for EV-A71 is available. Here, using this new wt-129 mouse model, we showed that timely treatment with compound R837 (a TLR7 immune modulator) via oral or intraperitoneal routes, rescued the hypoxia, limb paralysis, and death at a high therapeutic efficacy. Conclusions In this new immunocompetent mouse 129 model, we observed an unexpected white-jade phenotype and its associated hypoxia. The successful treatment with TLR7 immune modulators via an oral route, provide us a new research direction for EV-A71 basic science and translational research. It remains an open issue whether R837 or its related compounds, will be a promising drug candidate in clinical trials in EV-A71 endemic or epidemic areas in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Ting Liou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Che Liao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fan Chou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Shu Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Shin Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiaho Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Zhao HJ, Han QJ, Wang G, Lin A, Xu DQ, Wang YQ, Zhao LH, Tian ZG, Zhang J. Poly I:C-based rHBVvac therapeutic vaccine eliminates HBV via generation of HBV-specific CD8 + effector memory T cells. Gut 2019; 68:2032-2043. [PMID: 30635406 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-315588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is a global health problem. Finding a cure for CHB remains a challenging task. DESIGN In this study, poly I:C was employed as an adjuvant for HBV therapeutic vaccine (referred to as pHBV-vaccine) and the feasibility and efficiency of pHBV-vaccine in CHB treatment were evaluated in HBV-carrier mice. RESULTS We found that pHBV-vaccine decreased HBsAg and HBV DNA efficiently and safely in HBV-carrier mice. Further investigation showed that pHBV-vaccine promoted maturation and antigen presentation ability of dendritic cells in vivo and in vitro. This vaccine successfully restored the exhaustion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and partly broke the immune tolerance established in HBV-carrier mice. pHBV-vaccine also enhanced the proliferation and polyfunctionality of HBV-specific CD11ahi CD8αlo cells. Importantly, we observed that T cell activation molecule KLRG1 was only expressed on HBV specific CD11ahi CD8αlo cells. Furthermore, pHBV-vaccine reduced the expression of Eomes and increased the serum IL-12 levels, which in turn promoted the generation of effector memory short-lived effector cells (SLECs) to exhibit a critical role in HBV clearance. SLECs induced by pHBV-vaccine might play a crucial role in protecting from HBV reinfection. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study provide a new basis for the development of therapeutic pHBV-vaccine, which might be a potential candidate for clinical CHB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ang Lin
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong-Qing Xu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ya-Qun Wang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lian-Hui Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Tian
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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23
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Persistence of Hepatitis B Virus DNA and the Tempos between Virion Secretion and Genome Maturation in a Mouse Model. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.01001-19. [PMID: 31462567 PMCID: PMC6819939 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01001-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) could lead to cirrhosis and hepatoma. At present, there is no effective treatment to eradicate the virus from patients. HBV in chronic carriers does not exist as a single homogeneous population. The most frequent naturally occurring mutation in HBV core protein occurs at amino acid 97, changing an isoleucine to leucine (I97L). One dogma in the field is that only virions containing a mature genome are preferentially secreted into the medium. Here, we demonstrated that mutant I97L can secrete immature genome in mice. Although viral DNA of mutant I97L with immature genome is less persistent than wild-type HBV in time course experiments, viral DNA of mutant P130T with genome hypermaturation, surprisingly, is more persistent. Therefore, virion secretion regulated by genome maturity could influence viral persistence. It remains an open issue whether virion secretion could be a drug target for HBV therapy. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) accumulates frequent mutations in natural infection. Wild-type HBV is known to secrete predominantly virions containing mature DNA genome. However, a frequent naturally occurring HBc variant, I97L, changing from an isoleucine to a leucine at amino acid 97, exhibited an immature secretion phenotype in culture, which preferentially secretes virions containing immature genomes. In contrast, mutant P130T, changing from a proline to a threonine at amino acid 130, exhibited a hypermaturation phenotype by accumulating an excessive amount of intracellular fully mature DNA genome. Using a hydrodynamic delivery mouse model, we studied the in vivo behaviors of these two mutants, I97L and P130T. We detected no naked core particles in all hydrodynamically injected mice. Mutant I97L in mice exhibited pleiotropic phenotypes: (i) excessive numbers of serum HBV virions containing immature genomes, (ii) significantly reduced numbers of intracellular relaxed-circle and single-stranded DNAs, and (iii) less persistent intrahepatic and secreted HBV DNAs than wild-type HBV. These pleiotropic phenotypes were observed in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Although mutant P130T also displayed a hypermaturation phenotype in vivo, it cannot efficiently rescue the immature virion secretion of mutant I97L. Unexpectedly, the single mutant P130T exhibited in vivo a novel phenotype in prolonging the persistence of HBV genome in hepatocytes. Taken together, our studies provide a plausible rationale for HBV to regulate envelopment morphogenesis and virion secretion via genome maturity, which is likely to play an important role in the persistence of viral DNA in this mouse model. IMPORTANCE Chronic infection with human hepatitis B virus (HBV) could lead to cirrhosis and hepatoma. At present, there is no effective treatment to eradicate the virus from patients. HBV in chronic carriers does not exist as a single homogeneous population. The most frequent naturally occurring mutation in HBV core protein occurs at amino acid 97, changing an isoleucine to leucine (I97L). One dogma in the field is that only virions containing a mature genome are preferentially secreted into the medium. Here, we demonstrated that mutant I97L can secrete immature genome in mice. Although viral DNA of mutant I97L with immature genome is less persistent than wild-type HBV in time course experiments, viral DNA of mutant P130T with genome hypermaturation, surprisingly, is more persistent. Therefore, virion secretion regulated by genome maturity could influence viral persistence. It remains an open issue whether virion secretion could be a drug target for HBV therapy.
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24
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Liu Y, Jiang M, Xue J, Yan H, Liang X. Serum HBV RNA quantification: useful for monitoring natural history of chronic hepatitis B infection. BMC Gastroenterol 2019; 19:53. [PMID: 30991954 PMCID: PMC6469196 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-019-0966-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an alternative biomarker of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) transcriptional activity, hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA may evolve during long-lasting virus-host interactions during chronic hepatitis B viral infection. The distribution pattern of serum HBV RNA levels in the natural course of chronic HBV infection remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of HBV RNA during the natural course of CHB and the role in distinguishing the natural history of HBV infection. METHODS A total of 291 treatment-naïve chronic HBV carriers were enrolled. Based on the clinical, biochemical, serological, and histological data as well as HBV DNA levels, patients were classified into the following four categories: the immune-tolerant phase (IT,n = 35), HBeAg-positive immune-active phase (EPIA,n = 121), inactive chronic hepatitis B(ICH,n = 77) and HBeAg-negative immune reactive hepatitis (ENH,n = 58) [corrected]. The parameters and distribution patterns of serum HBV RNA were evaluated in relation to viral replication status, immune phase, disease category and Child-Pugh class. The relationships between serum HBV RNA and other serum hepatitis B viral markers were also analyzed. RESULTS Serum HBV RNA levels were significantly lower in the HBeAg-negative patients compared to those in the HBeAg-positive patients, with the lowest levels seen in inactive carriers. In HBeAg-negative patients, serum HBV RNA levels increased if there is reactivation to active hepatitis and showed obvious superiority for the combination of serum HBV DNA (cutoff>3.39 Log copies/mL) and HBsAg (cutoff>2.74 Log IU/mL) in discriminating between 'HBeAg-negative immune reactive' phase and inactive chronic hepatitis B phases of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection. Serum HBV RNA levels were positively correlated with serum HBV DNA and HBsAg levels in all chronic HBV-infected patients. A stratified analysis revealed that a correlation between serum HBV RNA and HBV DNA or HBsAg was present in HBeAg-positive patients; however, in HBeAg-negative patients, serum HBV RNA was positively correlated with HBV DNA only. CONCLUSION During the natural course of chronic HBV infection, serum HBV RNA levels vary. Serum HBV RNA can act as a biomarker to predict the natural history of disease in chronic hepatitis B patients. In treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative chronic HBV-infected individuals, serum HBV RNA shows superiority in differentiating the 'HBeAg-negative reactive' phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Meng Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Jianya Xue
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Hongli Yan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Xuesong Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200433 China
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25
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Antiviral Therapy for AECHB and Severe Hepatitis B (Liver Failure). ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B 2019. [PMCID: PMC7498919 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1603-9_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This chapter describes the principles of antiviral therapy, treatment strategies, medications and recommendations for AECHB, HBV-ACLF, HBV-related liver cirrhosis, HBV-related HCC, and liver transplantation.Severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B is closely related to continuous HBV replication. Therefore, inhibiting HBV replication to reduce viral load may block disease progression and improve the quality of life of these patients. ETV or TDF has been recommend first-line drug for the treatment of AECHB. A hyperactive immune response due to continuous HBV replication is the main mechanism for development of severe hepatitis B. In addition to comprehensive treatment, early administration of potent nucleoside analogs can rapidly reduce HBV DNA concentration, relieve immune injury induced by HBV, and reduce liver inflammation and patient mortality. Antiviral agents have become important in the treatment of severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B. Long-term antiviral treatment with nucleoside analogs can delay or reverse the progress of liver cirrhosis. Virologic response, viral resistance and adverse drug reactions should be closely monitored during treatment. The treatment should be optimized for maximum effect based on each patient’s responses. Effective antiviral therapy can suppress HBV replication and reduce the incidence of HBV-related HCC. Patients with HBV-related HCC should receive individualized and optimal multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment. Anti-viral drugs with high efficacy, low resistance and low adverse drug reactions should be selected to improve the patient’s quality of life and prolong survival time. Methods to prevent HBV reinfection after liver transplantation include passive immunization (HBIG), antiviral treatment (nucleoside analogs) and active immunization (hepatitis B vaccine). Clinical trials involving sequential combination therapy with NUC and Peg-IFN have shown statistically significant decline in HBsAg levels on treatment and high rates of sustained post-treatment serologic response. Combination therapy with novel DAA and immunotherapeutic approach may hold promise to overcome both cccDNA persistence and immune escape, representing a critical step towards HBV cure.
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26
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Jia L, Hu F, Li H, Li L, Tang X, Liu Y, Deng H, Han J, Li J, Cai W. Characterization of small genomic regions of the hepatitis B virus should be performed with more caution. Virol J 2018; 15:188. [PMID: 30526629 PMCID: PMC6288937 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-018-1100-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus is a hepatotropic DNA virus that reproduces via an RNA intermediate. It can lead to an increased risk of serious liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma and is a serious threat to public health. Currently, the HBV are designated based on greater than 8% nucleotide variation along the whole genome. The recombination of HBV is very common, a large majority of which are recombinants between 2 genotypes. The current work aims to characterize a suspected recombinant involving 3 genotypes. METHODS Fifty-seven HBV full-genome sequences were obtained from 57 patients co-infected with HBV and HIV-1 by amplification coupled with sequencing. JpHMM and RDP4 were used to perform recombination analysis respectively. The recombination results of a suspected 3-genotypic recombinant were further confirmed by both maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree and Mrbayes tree. RESULTS JpHMM recombination analysis clearly indicated one 3-genotypic HBV recombinant composing of B/C/D. The genotype assignments are supported by significant posterior probabilities. The subsequent phylogenetic analysis of sub-regions derived from inferred breakpoints led to a disagreement on the assignment of D segment. Investigating the conflict, further exploration by RDP4 and phylogenies revealed that the jpHMM-derived 3-genotypic recombinant is actually a B/C genotypic recombinant with C fragment spanning 1899 to 2295 (jpHMM) or 1821 to 2199 (RDP4). CONCLUSIONS The whole analysis indicated that (i) determination of small genomic regions should be performed with more caution, (ii) combinations of various recombination detection approaches conduce to obtain impartial results, and (iii) a unified system of nomenclature of HBV genotypes is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jia
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071 China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong China
| | - Hanping Li
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071 China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071 China
| | - Xiaoping Tang
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong China
| | - Yongjian Liu
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071 China
| | - Haohui Deng
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong China
| | - Jingwan Han
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071 China
| | - Jingyun Li
- Department of AIDS Research, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071 China
| | - Weiping Cai
- Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510060 Guangdong China
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27
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Li TN, Wu YJ, Tsai HW, Sun CP, Wu YH, Wu HL, Pei YN, Lu KY, Yen TTC, Chang CW, Chan HL, Tao MH, Liou JY, Chang MDT, Su IJ, Wang LHC. Intrahepatic hepatitis B virus large surface antigen induces hepatocyte hyperploidy via failure of cytokinesis. J Pathol 2018; 245:502-513. [PMID: 29862509 DOI: 10.1002/path.5102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an aetiological factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite current antiviral therapies that successfully reduce the viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B, persistent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) remains a risk factor for HCC. To explore whether intrahepatic viral antigens contribute directly to hepatocarcinogenesis, we monitored the mitotic progression of HBV-positive cells. Cytokinesis failure was increased in HBV-positive HepG2.2.15 and 1.3ES2 cells, as well as in HuH-7 cells transfected with a wild-type or X-deficient HBV construct, but not in cells transfected with an HBsAg-deficient construct. We show that expression of viral large surface antigen (LHBS) was sufficient to induce cytokinesis failure of immortalized hepatocytes. Premitotic defects with DNA damage and G2 /M checkpoint attenuation preceded cytokinesis in LHBS-positive cells, and ultimately resulted in hyperploidy. Inhibition of polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1) not only restored the G2 /M checkpoint in these cells, but also suppressed LHBS-mediated in vivo tumourigenesis. Finally, a positive correlation between intrahepatic LHBS expression and hepatocyte hyperploidy was detected in >70% of patients with chronic hepatitis B. We conclude that HBV LHBS provokes hyperploidy by inducing DNA damage and upregulation of Plk1; the former results in atypical chromatin structures, and the latter attenuates the function of the G2 /M DNA damage checkpoint. Our data uncover a mechanism by which genomic integrity of hepatocytes is disrupted by viral LHBS. These findings highlight the role of intrahepatic surface antigen as an oncogenic risk factor in the development of HCC. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Cell Cycle Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Viral
- Cytokinesis
- DNA Damage
- Disease Models, Animal
- G2 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints
- Hep G2 Cells
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/genetics
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/metabolism
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/genetics
- Hepatitis B Virus, Woodchuck/metabolism
- Hepatitis B virus/genetics
- Hepatitis B virus/metabolism
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/metabolism
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Hepatocytes/metabolism
- Hepatocytes/pathology
- Hepatocytes/transplantation
- Hepatocytes/virology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Marmota
- Mice, Transgenic
- Ploidies
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Polo-Like Kinase 1
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Neng Li
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Wu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Pu Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Lin Wu
- Hepatitis Research Centre, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ning Pei
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ying Lu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tim Ting-Chung Yen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wen Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Lin Chan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Mi-Hua Tao
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Yang Liou
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Margaret Dah-Tsyr Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ih-Jen Su
- Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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28
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Screening of microRNAs for a repressor of hepatitis B virus replication. Oncotarget 2018; 9:29857-29868. [PMID: 30042818 PMCID: PMC6057454 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of persistent liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Since deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression by HBV infection contributes to enhanced viral replication and pathogenesis, modulation of miRNA activity can be a novel therapeutic approach towards HBV eradication. As the effects of the vast majority of miRNAs on HBV replication have not been empirically investigated, here, we aim to identify novel therapeutic targets that have a strong antiviral effect on HBV. Methods HepG2-hNTCP-C4 cells were infected with HBV, and then were individually transfected with the library mimics of 2048 miRNAs. To assess the amount of intracellular and extracellular DNA and HBsAg, qPCR and ELISA were performed respectively. Results From miRNA library screening, we identified 39 miRNAs as candidate repressors of HBV replication. Among them, 9 miRNAs, including miR-204, strongly decreased both HBV DNA and HBsAg in culture supernatant of HepG2-hNTCP-C4 cells. Furthermore, we also showed that inhibition of Rab22a, one of the targets of miR-204, also suppressed intracellular and extracellular HBV DNA expression in HepG2.2.15.7 cells. Conclusions Our findings contribute to the understanding of the roles of miRNAs underlying HBV replication and show the possibility of developing a novel strategy for miRNA-mediated HBV treatment.
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Abstract
With high morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is great interest in effective therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus. There are currently several dozen investigational agents being developed for treatment of CHB. They can be broadly divided into two categories: (1) direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that interfere with a specific step in viral replication; and (2) host-targeting agents that inhibit viral replication by modifying host cell function, with the latter group further divided into the subcategories of immune modulators and agents that target other host functions. Included among the DAAs being developed are RNA interference therapies, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation and transcription inhibitors, core/capsid inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) release inhibitors, antisense oligonucleotides, and helioxanthin analogues. Included among the host-targeting agents are entry inhibitors, cyclophilin inhibitors, and multiple immunomodulatory agents, including Toll-like receptor agonists, immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, engineered T cells, and several cytokine agents, including recombinant human interleukin-7 (CYT107) and SB 9200, a novel therapy that is believed to both have direct antiviral properties and to induce endogenous interferon. In this review we discuss agents that are currently in the clinical stage of development for CHB treatment as well as strategies and agents currently at the evaluation and discovery phase and potential future targets. Effective approaches to CHB may require suppression of viral replication combined with one or more host-targeting agents. Some of the recent research advances have led to the hope that with such a combined approach we may have a functional cure for CHB in the not distant future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Dawood
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Syed Abdul Basit
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Mahendran Jayaraj
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Robert G Gish
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, USA.
- Asian Pacific Health Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA.
- National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, Washington, DC, USA.
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30
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Singh AK, Rooge SB, Varshney A, Vasudevan M, Bhardwaj A, Venugopal SK, Trehanpati N, Kumar M, Geffers R, Kumar V, Sarin SK. Global microRNA expression profiling in the liver biopsies of hepatitis B virus-infected patients suggests specific microRNA signatures for viral persistence and hepatocellular injury. Hepatology 2018; 67:1695-1709. [PMID: 29194684 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can manipulate the microRNA (miRNA) regulatory networks in infected cells to create a permissive environment for viral replication, cellular injury, disease onset, and its progression. The aim of the present study was to understand the miRNA networks and their target genes in the liver of hepatitis B patients involved in HBV replication, liver injury, and liver fibrosis. We investigated differentially expressed miRNAs by microarray in liver biopsy samples from different stages of HBV infection and liver disease (immune-tolerant [n = 8], acute viral hepatitis [n = 8], no fibrosis [n = 16], early [F1+F2, n = 19] or late [F3+F4, n = 14] fibrosis, and healthy controls [n = 7]). miRNA expression levels were analyzed by unsupervised principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering. Analysis of miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks identified 17 miRNAs and 18 target gene interactions with four distinct nodes, each representing a stage-specific gene regulation during disease progression. The immune-tolerant group showed elevated miR-199a-5p, miR-221-3p, and Let-7a-3p levels, which could target genes involved in innate immune response and viral replication. In the acute viral hepatitis group, miR-125b-5p and miR-3613-3p were up, whereas miR-940 was down, which might affect cell proliferation through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway. In early fibrosis, miR-34b-3p, miR-1224-3p, and miR-1227-3p were up, while miR-499a-5p was down, which together possibly mediate chronic inflammation. In advanced fibrosis, miR-1, miR-10b-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-133b, and miR-671-5p were up, while miR-20b-5p and miR-455-3p were down, possibly allowing chronic disease progression. Interestingly, only 8 of 17 liver-specific miRNAs exhibited a similar expression pattern in patient sera. CONCLUSION miRNA signatures identified in this study corroborate previous findings and provide fresh insight into the understanding of HBV-associated liver diseases which may be helpful in developing early-stage disease diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. (Hepatology 2018;67:1695-1709).
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishek Kumar Singh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Aditi Varshney
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ankit Bhardwaj
- Department of Clinical Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences
| | - Senthil Kumar Venugopal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.,Faculty of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi, India
| | - Nirupama Trehanpati
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome Analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India.,Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
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31
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Yu L, Tian X, Gao C, Wu P, Wang L, Feng B, Li X, Wang H, Ma D, Hu Z. Genome editing for the treatment of tumorigenic viral infections and virus-related carcinomas. Front Med 2018; 12:497-508. [PMID: 29651774 PMCID: PMC7088620 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0572-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections cause at least 10%-15% of all human carcinomas. Over the last century, the elucidation of viral oncogenic roles in many cancer types has provided fundamental knowledge on carcinogenetic mechanisms and established a basis for the early intervention of virus-related cancers. Meanwhile, rapidly evolving genome-editing techniques targeting viral DNA/RNA have emerged as novel therapeutic strategies for treating virus-related carcinogenesis and have begun showing promising results. This review discusses the recent advances of genome-editing tools for treating tumorigenic viruses and their corresponding cancers, the challenges that must be overcome before clinically applying such genome-editing technologies, and more importantly, the potential solutions to these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Yu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chun Gao
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Bei Feng
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zheng Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. .,Department of Gynecological Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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32
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Choijilsuren G, Jhou RS, Chou SF, Chang CJ, Yang HI, Chen YY, Chuang WL, Yu ML, Shih C. Heparin at physiological concentration can enhance PEG-free in vitro infection with human hepatitis B virus. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14461. [PMID: 29089529 PMCID: PMC5663848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14573-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a blood-borne pathogen responsible for chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The mechanism of HBV entry into hepatocytes remains to be investigated. Recently, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) was discovered as a major HBV receptor based on an in vitro infection system using NTCP-reconstituted HepG2 cells. However, this infection system relies on the compound polyethylene glycol (4% PEG), which is not physiologically relevant to human infection. High concentration of heparin has been commonly used as an inhibitor control for in vitro infection in the field. Surprisingly, we found that heparin at physiological concentration can enhance HBV infection in a PreS1-peptide sensitive, NTCP-dependent manner in both HepaRG and HepG2-NTCP-AS cells. O-sulfation of heparin is more important for the infection enhancement than N-sulfation. This system based on the HepG2-NTCP-AS cells can support in vitro infection with HBV genotypes B and C, as well as using serum samples from HBeAg positive and negative chronic carriers. In summary, our study provides a PEG-free infection system closely resembling human natural infection. In addition, it points to a future research direction for heparin and heparin-binding host factor(s) in the blood, which are potentially involved in viral entry. To our knowledge, this is the first soluble and circulatory host factor which can enhance HBV in vitro infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gansukh Choijilsuren
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Shiang Jhou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fan Chou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiaho Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
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33
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Wang J, Qiu J, Zhu Y, Zhou H, Yu L, Ding Y, Zhang L, Guo Z, Dong C. Molecular evolution of hepatitis B vaccine escape variants in China, during 2000-2016. Vaccine 2017; 35:5808-5813. [PMID: 28939157 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 09/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B vaccine escape variants are the main threat to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in vaccination era worldwide. With 215 genotype B HBV and 313 genotype C HBV vaccine escape variants isolated from China during 2000-2016, we reported that genotype B HBV vaccine escape strains diverged in ∼1997 (95% HPD; 1987-2005), while genotype C HBV vaccine escape strains diverged in ∼1976 (95% HPD; 1955-2003). Additionally, the p-distance of genotype C HBV vaccine escape strains was 0.0291±0.0169, which was significantly higher than that in the genotype B HBV (t=131.02, p<0.05). However, genotype B HBV vaccine escape strains evolved more rapidly than genotype C HBV (2.103×10-3 vs 1.083×10-3 substitutions/site/year). Bayesian skyline plot analysis showed that the populations of genotype C HBV vaccine escape strains fluctuated more than those in genotype B HBV. Four sites (A5T/S, L21S, T/A126S and T/N131I/A) and 13 sites (N3S, T5A, G10Q/R/E, L21S, T47K/A/V, L98V/P, I/S126N/V/T, Q129H/R/L, T131P/I/N/A, G145A/R, L175S/F, L213I/S, V224A/G) were found to be under positive selection in genotype B and C HBV vaccine escape strains, respectively. More importantly, N3S, L21S, T47K, L98V, I/S126T and L213I mutations were detected in 1 (2.5%), 1 (2.5%), 1 (2.5%), 3 (7.5%), 1 (2.5%), 1 (2.5%) genotype C HBV infected Chinese younger with neonatal HBV vaccination, respectively. Therefore, our results should be valuable in further understanding the molecular evolution of HBV and providing new ideas for the elimination of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinwei Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Suzhou Industrial Park Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lugang Yu
- Suzhou Industrial Park Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Suzhou Industrial Park Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lige Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhirong Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory and Translational Medicine for Geriatric Disease, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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34
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Tsai KN, Kuo CF, Ou JHJ. Mechanisms of Hepatitis B Virus Persistence. Trends Microbiol 2017; 26:33-42. [PMID: 28823759 PMCID: PMC5741523 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 250 million people worldwide, resulting in nearly one million deaths annually. Studies in recent years have significantly improved our knowledge on the mechanisms of HBV persistence. HBV uses multiple pathways to harness host innate immunity to enhance its replication. It can also take advantage of the developing immune system and the not-yet-stabilized gut microbiota of young children to facilitate its persistence, and use maternal viral e antigen to educate immunity of the offspring to support its persistence after vertical transmission. The knowledge gained from these recent studies paves the way for the development of new therapies for the treatment of chronic HBV infection, which has so far been very challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Cheng-Fu Kuo
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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35
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Deng JJ, Kong KYE, Gao WW, Tang HMV, Chaudhary V, Cheng Y, Zhou J, Chan CP, Wong DKH, Yuen MF, Jin DY. Interplay between SIRT1 and hepatitis B virus X protein in the activation of viral transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:491-501. [PMID: 28242208 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome is organized into a minichromosome known as covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which serves as the template for all viral transcripts. SIRT1 is an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase which activates HBV transcription by promoting the activity of cellular transcription factors and coactivators. How SIRT1 and viral transactivator X protein (HBx) might affect each other remains to be clarified. In this study we show synergy and mutual dependence between SIRT1 and HBx in the activation of HBV transcription. All human sirtuins SIRT1 through SIRT7 activated HBV gene expression. The steady-state levels of SIRT1 protein were elevated in HBV-infected liver tissues and HBV-replicating hepatoma cells. SIRT1 interacted with HBx and potentiated HBx transcriptional activity on precore promoter and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) likely through a deacetylase-independent mechanism, leading to more robust production of cccDNA, pregenomic RNA and surface antigen. SIRT1 and HBx proteins were more abundant when both were expressed. SIRT1 promoted the recruitment of HBx as well as cellular transcriptional factors and coactivators such as PGC-1α and FXRα to cccDNA. Depletion of SIRT1 suppressed HBx recruitment. On the other hand, SIRT1 recruitment to cccDNA was compromised when HBx was deficient. Whereas pharmaceutical agonists of SIRT1 such as resveratrol activated HBV transcription, small-molecule inhibitors of SIRT1 including sirtinol and Ex527 exhibited anti-HBV activity. Taken together, our findings revealed not only the interplay between SIRT1 and HBx in the activation of HBV transcription but also new strategies and compounds for developing antivirals against HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Jun Deng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Biodegradable Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Northwest University, 229 Taibai Road North, Xi'an 710069, China; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Yiu Edwin Kong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Wei-Wei Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Hei-Man Vincent Tang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Vidyanath Chaudhary
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yun Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Ping Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Dong-Yan Jin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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36
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Wang F, Chang Y, Li J, Wang H, Zhou R, Qi J, Liu J, Zhao Q. Strong correlation between ASPM gene expression and HCV cirrhosis progression identified by co-expression analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2017; 49:70-76. [PMID: 27876500 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis is at a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its progression is influenced by a complex network of gene interactions. A weighted gene co-expression network was constructed to identify gene modules associated with the seven-stage disease progression from HCV cirrhosis to HCV-related HCC (n=65). In the significant module (R2=0.86), a total of 25 network hub genes were identified, half of which were also hub nodes in the protein-protein interaction network of the module genes. In validation, most hub genes showed a moderate correlation with the disease progression, and only ASPM was highly correlated (R2=0.801). In the test set (n=63), ASPM was also more highly expressed in HCV cirrhosis with concomitant HCC than in those without HCC (P=0.0054). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that the gene set of "regulation of protein amino acid phosphorylation" (n=20) was enriched in HCV cirrhosis samples with ASPM highly expressed (false discovery rate (FDR)=0.049). In gene ontology (GO) analysis, genes in the enriched set were associated with liver neoplasms and other neoplastic diseases. In conclusion, through co-expression analysis, ASPM was identified and validated in association with the progression of HCV cirrhosis probably by regulating tumor-related phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongling Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center & Key Lab of Intestinal & Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China.
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HBV maintains electrostatic homeostasis by modulating negative charges from phosphoserine and encapsidated nucleic acids. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38959. [PMID: 27958343 PMCID: PMC5154190 DOI: 10.1038/srep38959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsid assembly and stability of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) particles depend on balanced electrostatic interactions between encapsidated nucleic acids and an arginine-rich domain (ARD) of HBc in the capsid interior. Arginine-deficient ARD mutants preferentially encapsidated spliced viral RNA and shorter DNA, which can be fully or partially rescued by reducing the negative charges from acidic residues or serine phosphorylation of HBc, dose-dependently. Similarly, empty capsids without RNA encapsidation can be generated by ARD hyper-phosphorylation in insect, bacteria, and human hepatocytes. De-phosphorylation of empty capsids by phosphatase induced capsid disassembly. Empty capsids can convert into RNA-containing capsids by increasing HBc serine de-phosphorylation. In an HBV replicon system, we observed a reciprocal relationship between viral and non-viral RNA encapsidation, suggesting both non-viral RNA and serine-phosphorylation could serve as a charge balance buffer in maintaining electrostatic homeostasis. In addition, by comparing the biochemistry assay results between a replicon and a non-replicon system, we observed a correlation between HBc de-phosphorylation and viral replication. Balanced electrostatic interactions may be important to other icosahedral particles in nature.
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38
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Pham EA, Perumpail RB, Fram BJ, Glenn JS, Ahmed A, Gish RG. Future Therapy for Hepatitis B Virus: Role of Immunomodulators. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2016; 15:237-244. [PMID: 27917363 PMCID: PMC5112294 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-016-0315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although currently available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus infection can suppress viremia and provide long-term benefits for patients, they do not lead to a functional cure for most patients. Advances in our understanding of the virus-host interaction and the recent remarkable success of immunotherapy in cancer offer new and promising strategies for developing immune modulators that may become important components of a total therapeutic approach to hepatitis B, some of which are now in clinical development. Among the immunomodulatory agents currently being investigated to combat chronic HBV are toll-like receptor agonists, immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and engineered T cells. The efficacy of some immune modulatory therapies is compromised by high viral antigen levels. Cutting edge strategies, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9, are now being studied that may ultimately be shown to have the capacity to lower viral antigen levels sufficiently to substantially increase the efficacy of these agents. The current advances in therapies for chronic hepatitis B are leading us toward the possibility of a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A. Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Ryan B. Perumpail
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Benjamin J. Fram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Glenn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Robert G. Gish
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA USA
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MicroRNA miR-204 and miR-1236 inhibit hepatitis B virus replication via two different mechanisms. Sci Rep 2016; 6:34740. [PMID: 27734898 PMCID: PMC5062086 DOI: 10.1038/srep34740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major human pathogen. In this study, we found that miR-204 and miR-1236 were down-regulated in HBV-producing cells, and each could suppress HBV replication. Using a bioinformatic approach and a reporter assay, we identified miR-1236, which can reduce HBV replication and protein production by directly targeting at HBV specific mRNA. In contrast, miR-204 was identified by a microarray approach, and had no effect on HBV RNA and protein production. Surprisingly, miR-204 could inhibit HBV pregenomic RNA encapsidation and capsid assembly. We further demonstrated that HBV suppressed miR-204 expression via activating a host transcription factor STAT3. We established a positive feed-forward loop between HBV, miR-204 and STAT3. Interestingly, miR-204 has been considered as a tumor suppressor in some literature. Since the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is significantly increased in chronic HBV patients, it is possible that chronic suppression of miR-204 by HBV contributes to HCC incidence. Both miR-204 and miR-1236 might be useful for developing new therapeutics against HBV.
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