1
|
Yu X, Zheng Y, Huang R, Dai X, Kang G, Wang X, Yan G, Ding B, Zheng M, Xu Y, Zong L. Restoration of CD3 +CD56 + NKT-like cell function by TIGIT blockade in inactive carrier and immune tolerant patients of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2451046. [PMID: 38778501 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202451046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection, which can be divided into immune-tolerant (IT), immune-active (IA), inactive carrier (IC) phases, and HBeAg-negative hepatitis (ENEG), can induce liver cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells play an important role in antiviral immune response. However, the mechanism of NKT-like cells to mediate immune tolerance remains largely elusive. In this study, we observed circulating NKT-like cells from IC and IT CHB patients were phenotypically and functionally impaired, manifested by increased expression of inhibitory receptor TIGIT and decreased capacity of secreting antiviral cytokines. Besides, TIGIT+ NKT-like cells of IC and IT CHB patients expressed lower levels of cytotoxic cytokines than the TIGIT- subset. Furthermore, increased expression of CD155, the ligand of TIGIT, on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) was detected in IC and IT CHB patients. Importantly, the co-culture of NKT-like cells and pDCs showed that NKT-like cells restored their antiviral ability after TIGIT blockade upon HBV peptide stimulation in IC and IT CHB patients. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the TIGIT pathway may mediate immune tolerance in IT CHB patients and lead to functional impairment in IC patients, indicating that TIGIT may be a potential therapeutic checkpoint for immunotherapy of CHB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanling Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruoyu Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoran Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guijie Kang
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuefu Wang
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guoxiu Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anhui Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Biran Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meijuan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Galasso L, Cerrito L, Maccauro V, Termite F, Mignini I, Esposto G, Borriello R, Ainora ME, Gasbarrini A, Zocco MA. Inflammatory Response in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Double-Edged Weapon. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7191. [PMID: 39000296 PMCID: PMC11241080 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent among primary liver tumors (90%) and one of the main causes of cancer-related death. It develops usually in a chronically inflamed environment, ranging from compensatory parenchymal regeneration to fibrosis and cirrhosis: carcinogenesis can potentially happen in each of these stages. Inflammation determined by chronic viral infection (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis delta viruses) represents an important risk factor for HCC etiology through both viral direct damage and immune-related mechanisms. The deregulation of the physiological liver immunological network determined by viral infection can lead to carcinogenesis. The recent introduction of immunotherapy as the gold-standard first-line treatment for HCC highlights the role of the immune system and inflammation as a double-edged weapon in both HCC carcinogenesis and treatment. In this review we highlight how the inflammation is the key for the hepatocarcinogenesis in viral, alcohol and metabolic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Galasso
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Maccauro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Termite
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Mignini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Esposto
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Borriello
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Ainora
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino, Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
- CEMAD Digestive Disease Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shi J, Li Q, Li J, Zhou J, Zhang X, Wang S, Guo L. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Spatial Heterogeneity and Functional Alteration of Endothelial Cells in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7016. [PMID: 39000126 PMCID: PMC11241719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection is a global health challenge, causing damage ranging from hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In our study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed in livers from mice models with chronic inflammation induced by CHB infection and we found that endothelial cells (ECs) exhibited the largest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among all ten cell types. NF-κB signaling was activated in ECs to induce cell dysfunction and subsequent hepatic inflammation, which might be mediated by the interaction of macrophage-derived and cholangiocyte-derived VISFATIN/Nampt signaling. Moreover, we divided ECs into three subclusters, including periportal ECs (EC_Z1), midzonal ECs (EC_Z2), and pericentral ECs (EC_Z3) according to hepatic zonation. Functional analysis suggested that pericentral ECs and midzonal ECs, instead of periportal ECs, were more vulnerable to HBV infection, as the VISFATIN/Nampt- NF-κB axis was mainly altered in these two subpopulations. Interestingly, pericentral ECs showed increasing communication with macrophages and cholangiocytes via the Nampt-Insr and Nampt-Itga5/Itgb1 axis upon CHB infection, which contribute to angiogenesis and vascular capillarization. Additionally, ECs, especially pericentral ECs, showed a close connection with nature killer (NK) cells and T cells via the Cxcl6-Cxcr6 axis, which is involved in shaping the microenvironment in CHB mice livers. Thus, our study described the heterogeneity and functional alterations of three subclusters in ECs. We revealed the potential role of VISFATIN/Nampt signaling in modulating ECs characteristics and related hepatic inflammation, and EC-derived chemokine Cxcl16 in shaping NK and T cell recruitment, providing key insights into the multifunctionality of ECs in CHB-associated pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingqi Shi
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qingyu Li
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jian Li
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jianglin Zhou
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing 100039, China
| | | | - Shengqi Wang
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Bioinformatics Center of AMMS, Beijing 100039, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Broholm M, Mathiasen AS, Apol ÁD, Weis N. The Adaptive Immune Response in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Is Characterized by Dysfunctional and Exhausted HBV-Specific T Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:707. [PMID: 38793588 PMCID: PMC11125979 DOI: 10.3390/v16050707] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigates the immunosuppressive environment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by dysfunctional and exhausted HBV-specific T cells alongside an increased infiltration of HBV-specific CD4+ T cells, particularly regulatory T cells (Tregs). Heightened expression of checkpoint inhibitors, notably PD-1, is linked with disease progression and recurrence, indicating its potential as both a prognostic indicator and a target for immunotherapy. Nevertheless, using PD-1 inhibitors has shown limited effectiveness. In a future perspective, understanding the intricate interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses holds promise for pinpointing predictive biomarkers and crafting novel treatment approaches for HBV-associated HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malene Broholm
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Mathiasen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Ása Didriksen Apol
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Disease, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2300 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pan B, Wang Z, Chen R, Zhang X, Qiu J, Wu X, Yao Y, Luo Y, Wang X, Tang N. Single-cell atlas reveals characteristic changes in intrahepatic HBV-specific leukocytes. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0286023. [PMID: 38032223 PMCID: PMC10782979 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02860-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T cells play a central role in the clearance of virus and HBV-related liver injury. Acute infection with HBV induces a vigorous, multifunctional CD8+ T cell response, whereas chronic one exhibits a weaker response. Our study elucidated HBV-specific T cell responses in terms of viral abundance rather than the timing of infection. We showed that in the premalignant stage, the degree of impaired T cell function was not synchronized with the viral surface antigen, which was attributed the liver's tolerance to the virus. However, after the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, T cell exhaustion was inevitable, and it was marked by the exhaustion of the signature transcription factor TOX.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Banglun Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zengbin Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nanhong Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Cancer Center of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He W, Wang X, Chen M, Li C, Chen W, Pan L, Cui Y, Yu Z, Wu G, Yang Y, Xu M, Dong Z, Ma K, Wang J, He Z. Metformin reduces hepatocarcinogenesis by inducing downregulation of Cyp26a1 and CD8 + T cells. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1465. [PMID: 37997519 PMCID: PMC10668005 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer with major challenges in both prevention and therapy. Metformin, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, has been suggested to reduce the incidence of HCC when used for patients with diabetes in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the possible effects of metformin and their mechanisms of action in non-diabetic HCC have not been adequately investigated. METHODS Fah-/- mice were used to construct a liver-injury-induced non-diabetic HCC model for exploring hepatocarcinogenesis and therapeutic potential of metformin. Changes in relevant tumour and biochemical indicators were measured. Bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses were performed to validate the crucial role of proinflammatory/pro-tumour CD8+ T cells. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to confirm Cyp26a1-related antitumour mechanisms of metformin. RESULTS RNA-sequencing analysis showed that chronic liver injury led to significant changes in AMPK-, glucose- and retinol metabolism-related pathways in Fah-/- mice. Metformin prevented the formation of non-diabetic HCC in Fah-/- mice with chronic liver injury. Cyp26a1 ddexpression in hepatocytes was significantly suppressed after metformin treatment. Moreover, downregulation of Cyp26a1 occurred in conjunction with increased levels of all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA), which is involved in the activation of metformin-suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis in Fah-/- mice. In contrast, both CD8+ T-cell infiltration and proinflammatory/pro-tumour cytokines in the liver were significantly upregulated in Fah-/- mice during chronic liver injury, which was notably reversed by either metformin or atRA treatment. Regarding mechanisms, metformin regulated the decrease in Cyp26a1 enzyme expression and increased atRA expression via the AMPK/STAT3/Gadd45β/JNK/c-Jun pathway. CONCLUSIONS Metformin inhibits non-diabetic HCC by upregulating atRA levels and downregulating CD8+ T cells. This is the first reporting that the traditional drug metformin regulates the metabolite atRA via the Cyp26a1-involved pathway. The present study provides a potential application of metformin and atRA in non-diabetic HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi He
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, International Co‐Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Institutes of Biomedical SciencesShanghai Key Laboratory of Medical EpigeneticsShanghaiChina
| | - Xicheng Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Miaomiao Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Chong Li
- Zhoupu Community Health Service Center of Pudong New AreaShanghaiChina
| | - Wenjian Chen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Lili Pan
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yangyang Cui
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Postgraduate Training Base of Shanghai East HospitalJinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Zhao Yu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Guoxiu Wu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mingyang Xu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zhaoxuan Dong
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Keming Ma
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jinghan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryShanghai East Hospital, Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiying He
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Ji'an Hospital, Shanghai East HospitalSchool of Life Sciences and TechnologyTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Stem Cells Translational MedicineShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zheng HC, Xue H, Yun WJ. An overview of mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:49. [PMID: 37670307 PMCID: PMC10481604 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a severe burden on global health due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. However, effective treatments for HCC are limited. The lack of suitable preclinical models may contribute to a major failure of drug development for HCC. Here, we overview several well-established mouse models of HCC, including genetically engineered mice, chemically-induced models, implantation models, and humanized mice. Immunotherapy studies of HCC have been a hot topic. Therefore, we will introduce the application of mouse models of HCC in immunotherapy. This is followed by a discussion of some other models of HCC-related liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatitis B and C virus infection, and liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Together these provide researchers with a current overview of the mouse models of HCC and assist in the application of appropriate models for their research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China.
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yun
- Department of Oncology and Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, 067000, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang X, Hu B, Hu H, Zhou S, Yin M, Cheng X, Zhang Z, Liu H. Tannic Acid Suppresses HBV Replication via the Regulation of NF-κB, MAPKs, and Autophagy in HepG2.2.15 Cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37450882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global health problem that threatens the health of human. Tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol in foods, fruits, and plants, exhibits a variety of bioactive functions. In our research, we decide to explore the pharmacological mechanism of TA against HBV replication. Our results showed that TA effectively reduced the content of HBV DNA and viral antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg) in HepG2.2.15 cells. Meanwhile, TA significantly decreased the mRNA expression of HBV RNA, which include total HBV RNA, HBV pregenomic RNA, and HBV precore mRNA. Besides, TA evidently downregulated the activity of HBV promoters in HepG2.2.15 cells. Furthermore, we found that TA upregulated the expression of IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-α, and IFN-α-mediated antiviral effectors in HepG2.2.15 cells. On the contrary, TA downregulated the expression of IL-10 and hepatic nuclear factor 4 (HNF4α). In addition, TA activated the NF-κB and MAPK pathways that contributed to the inhibition of HBV replication. Finally, TA treatment led to the occurrence of autophagy, which accelerated the elimination of HBV components in HepG2.2.15 cells. Taken together, our results elucidated the suppressive effect of TA on HBV replication and provided inspiration for its clinical application in HBV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Wang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Baifei Hu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Haiming Hu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Shuhan Zhou
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Xue Cheng
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huangjiahu West Road 16, Wuhan 430065, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu Y, Hao X, Wei H, Sun R, Chen Y, Tian Z. Blockade of T-cell receptor with Ig and ITIM domains elicits potent antitumor immunity in naturally occurring HBV-related HCC in mice. Hepatology 2023; 77:965-981. [PMID: 35938354 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic HBV infection is the leading cause of HCC and a serious health problem in China, East Asia, and North African countries. Effective treatment of HBV-related HCC is currently unavailable. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) blockade in HBV-related HCC. APPROACH AND RESULTS A mouse model of spontaneous HBV-related HCC was generated by replacing wild-type hepatocytes with HBsAg + hepatocytes (namely HBs-HepR mice). The tumors in HBs-HepR mice were inflammation-associated HCC, similar to HBV-related HCC in patients, which was distinguished from other HCC mouse models, such as diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC, TGF-β-activated kinase 1 knockout-induced HCC, HCC in a stelic animal model, or NASH-induced HCC. HCC in HBs-HepR mice was characterized by an increased number of CD8 + T cells, whereas the production of IL-2, TNF-α, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by intrahepatic CD8 + T cells was decreased. Increased expression of TIGIT on CD8 + T cells was responsible for functional exhaustion. The therapeutic effect of TIGIT blockade was investigated at the early and middle stages of HCC progression in HBs-HepR mice. TIGIT blockade reinvigorated intrahepatic CD8 + T cells with increased TNF-α and IFN-γ production and an increased number of CD8 + T cells in tumors, thereby slowing the development of HCC in HBs-HepR mice. Blocking PD-L1 did not show direct therapeutic effects or synergize with TIGIT blockade. CONCLUSIONS Blockade of TIGIT alone enhanced the antitumor activity of CD8 + T cells during the progression of HBV-related HCC in a spontaneous HCC mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Wu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine , University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine , University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China
| | - Haiming Wei
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine , University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China
| | - Rui Sun
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine , University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine , University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine , University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China , Hefei , China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li W, Wu R, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Li L, Hu Z, Su Q, Mang Y, Zhang X, Dong Y, Zheng K, Ran J, Li L. Analysis of angiogenesis-related subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor microenvironment infiltration feature in hepatocellular carcinoma. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023:10.1007/s12094-023-03084-x. [PMID: 36708372 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03084-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascularized tumor, and angiogenesis plays an important role in its progression. However, the role of angiogenesis in cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. METHODS We evaluated the associations of 35 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) with the clinicopathological features of 816 HCC patients. In addition, we assessed the associations between the ARGs and TME cell infiltration. A nomogram was constructed to determine the prognostic value of ARGs for HCC. The ARG score was used to distinguish angiogenic subtypes of HCC, and its usefulness for predicting the prognosis and treatment response of HCC patients was evaluated. RESULTS We distinguished three ARG clusters differing in terms of TME cell infiltration, immune cell activation status, clinicopathological features, and clinical outcomes. There were significant associations of ARG expression with tumor immunity, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and transforming growth factor-β expression. An ARG score model was constructed to generate a risk score for each patient based on differentially expressed genes between clusters. Furthermore, a high ARG score was associated with high expression of CTLA-4 and PD-L1/PD-1, and a low Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion score, indicating the usefulness of the ARG score for selecting patients for immunotherapy. Considering the relationship between ARGs and tumor immunity, immunotherapy combined with vascular-targeted therapy may be the best treatment for HCC. CONCLUSIONS ARGs play an important role in TME diversity and complexity in HCC patients. The ARG score of HCC predicts TME invasion and can guide immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Ruichao Wu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Shengning Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Yingpeng Zhao
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Laibang Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Zongqiang Hu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Qiuming Su
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanyi Mang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Xibing Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Yun Dong
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Kepu Zheng
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China
| | - Jianghua Ran
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China.
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, Kunming, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang R, Xia Y, Dong J, Ju X, Zhou K, Cao X, Li J, Ru J, Guo M, Zhang S. Comprehensive Analysis of m7G-Related Genes and Chronic Hepatitis B: Diagnostic Markers, Immune Microenvironment Regulation, Disease Progression. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:9471520. [PMID: 37206976 PMCID: PMC10191754 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9471520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major public health problem in the world. It is the main cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Although many important roles of RNA modification in stem cells or tumor diseases have been identified, the role of N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification in the process of chronic HBV infection has not been clearly defined. Therefore, we conducted a systematic analysis on the process of chronic HBV infection. We found that a total of 18 m7G-related genes were altered in chronic HBV infection, and then we screened out CHB potential diagnostic biomarkers using machine learning and random forest methods. RT-qPCR was performed on the samples of healthy people and CHB, which further verified the possibility of being a diagnostic marker. Then, we typed CHB patients based on these 18 genes. We found that the immune microenvironment of different subtypes was different. Among them, patients with subtype-Ⅰ had severe immune response, that is, relatively serious immune cell infiltration, rich immune pathways, relatively many HLA genes, and immune checkpoints. Finally, we conducted an in-depth discussion on our m7G-related genes, and found that m7G gene related to immune cell infiltration may be involved in the disease progression of CHB patients, which was also confirmed in the GSE84044 dataset. In conclusion, m7G-related genes can not only serve as diagnostic markers of CHB, but also participate in the regulation of immune microenvironment and play an important role in the progression of CHB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongzheng Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianming Dong
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomei Ju
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xinyang Cao
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaqiu Ru
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengrui Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuyun Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xia Y, Gao B, Zhang X. Targeting mitochondrial quality control of T cells: Regulating the immune response in HCC. Front Oncol 2022; 12:993437. [PMID: 36212470 PMCID: PMC9539266 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.993437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Most of the primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops from Viral Hepatitis including Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Herein, T cells play crucial roles combined with chronic inflammation and chronic viral infection. However, T cells are gradually exhausted under chronic antigenic stimulation, which leads to T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment, and the exhaustion is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in T cells. Meanwhile, mitochondria play a crucial role in altering T cells’ metabolism modes to achieve desirable immunological responses, wherein mitochondria maintain quality control (MQC) and promote metabolism regulation in the microenvironment. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been widely used in clinical practice, there are some limitations in the therapeutic effect, thus combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with targeting mitochondrial biogenesis may enhance cellular metabolic adaptation and reverse the exhausted state. At present, several studies on mitochondrial quality control in HCC have been reported, however, there are gaps in the regulation of immune cell function by mitochondrial metabolism, particularly the modulating of T cell immune function. Hence, this review summarizes and discusses existing studies on the effects of MQC on T cell populations in liver diseases induced by HCC, it would be clued by mitochondrial quality control events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixue Xia
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Binghong Gao
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Binghong Gao, ; Xue Zhang,
| | - Xue Zhang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- School of Elite Sport, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Binghong Gao, ; Xue Zhang,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang W, Sun H, Sun R, Lian Z, Wei H, Tian Z, Chen Y. HBV immune tolerance of HBs-transgenic mice observed through parabiosis with WT mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993246. [PMID: 36203595 PMCID: PMC9530942 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It was extensively recognized that central tolerance to HBV exists in HBs-transgenic (Tg) mice, however, the immune response to HBV vaccine may be inspired in adult HBs-Tg mice after boosting with potent adjuvants, leaving a mystery to explore its immune tolerance. Here, WT-HBs-Tg parabiotic mice model was generated by conjoining WT (donor) and HBs-Tg (host) mouse via parabiotic surgery, in order to see how immunocompetent WT mice naturally respond to HBV, and how tolerant HBs-Tg mice influence the anti-HBV immunity from WT mice. It was found that WT CD8+ T cells markedly accumulated into the liver of HBs-Tg parabionts, and importantly, almost all HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells derived from WT but not HBs-Tg mice, making a clear separation of a normal immune response from WT donor and a tolerant response by recipient host. Further, in the absence of host but not donor spleen, HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells disappeared, indicating that host spleen was the indispensable site for donor HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cell priming though its mechanisms need further study. We found that donor CD4+ T helper cells were necessary for donor HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cell response by CD4-deficiency in WT or in HBs-Tg mice, indicating that an immune response was elicited between CD4+ T helper cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells of donor in the host but not donor spleen. It was noted that compared to donor CD4+ T cells, host CD4+ T cells were characterized with more tolerant features by harboring more CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs with higher expression of PD-1 and TIGIT in the spleen of HBs-Tg parabionts, which exhibited suppressive function on CD8+ T cells directly. Moreover, the Th1/Treg ratio was enhanced after parabiosis, suggesting that donor T helper cells may overcome the negative regulation of host Tregs in host spleen. In conclusion, both incompetent anti-HBV CD8+ T cells and insufficient help from CD4+ T cells are the major mechanisms underlying immune tolerance in HBs-Tg mice which helps explain HBV persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendi Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhexiong Lian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhigang Tian, ; Yongyan Chen,
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zhigang Tian, ; Yongyan Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yu L, Guan Y, Li L, Lu N, Zhang C. The transcription factor Eomes promotes expression of inhibitory receptors on hepatic CD8
+
T cells during HBV persistence. FEBS J 2022; 289:3241-3261. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Yu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Yun Guan
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
- Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Nan Lu
- Institute of Diagnostics School of Medicine Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Cheeloo College of Medicine Shandong University Jinan China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor reprograms macrophages to ameliorate acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury via p38 MAPK pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:100. [PMID: 35110525 PMCID: PMC8810950 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04555-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) is the most frequent cause of acute liver failure; but the underlying mechanisms still remain obscure. Macrophages and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play an important role in the pathogenesis of AILI. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a newly identified 18-kDa soluble protein, whose expression and secretion are stimulated by ER stress. To investigate the role of myeloid cell MANF in the pathogenesis of AILI, we assayed serum and liver samples from AILI model mice and patients with drug-induced liver injury (DILI). We demonstrated that the levels of MANF were elevated in patients with DILI and in mice with AILI. Moreover, myeloid-specific MANF knockout mice were generated and used. It was observed that a delayed liver recovery from myeloid-specific MANF gene knockout mice following APAP overdose compared to that from wild-type mice. MANF deficiency in myeloid cells resulted in increased infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) but reduced restorative Ly6Clow macrophages after APAP treatment. MANF supplementation increased restorative Ly6Clow macrophages and subsequently alleviated liver injury. Moreover, MANF could enhance IL-10 expression and phagocytosis in macrophages via p38 MAPK pathway. Altogether, MANF seems to be a critical immune modulator in promoting liver repair via reducing and reprogramming MoMFs. MANF perhaps promoted the phenotype conversion of pro-inflammatory MoMFs to pro-restorative Ly6Clow MoMFs via p38 MAPK pathway, particularly through enhancing IL-10 and phagocytosis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang X, Liu X, Wang P, Yu L, Yan F, Yan H, Zhou D, Yang Z. Antiviral Therapy Reduces Mortality in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with Low-Level Hepatitis B Viremia. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1253-1267. [PMID: 34708007 PMCID: PMC8544274 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s330301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Although antiviral treatment has been shown to reduce mortality in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with high HBV-DNA levels, it is still unclear whether it is useful in reducing mortality in patients with low HBV-DNA levels. Methods A retrospective analysis of 756 HBV-associated HCC patients at the Beijing Ditan Hospital with HBV-DNA levels < 500 IU/mL was conducted between January 2008 and June 2017. Patients were divided into antiviral and non-antiviral groups based on whether they received nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment when they were diagnosed with HCC in our hospital for the first time. We used 1:4 frequency matching by age, gender, tumor size, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging, anti-tumor therapy, cirrhosis, diabetes, and hyperlipoidemia to compare the antiviral (n = 366) and non-antiviral (n = 100) groups. A Cox multivariate regression analysis was employed to evaluate the effects of NA therapy on the hazard ratio (HR), and the Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to determine the mortality risk in patients with HCC. A Log rank test was performed to analyze the effects of NA therapy on the survival rate of patients with HCC. Results After propensity score matching, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for the antiviral and non-antiviral groups were 82.5%, 68.6%, and 52.2%, and 61.0%, 51.0%, and 38.0%, respectively. The l-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates for the two groups were 68.0% and 47.0%, respectively. The OS of the antiviral group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.013, respectively). The 1-year PFS for the antiviral group was also significantly better than that for the non-antiviral groups (P = 0.005). After adjusting for confounding prognostic factors in the Cox model, the HR of 5-year death after antiviral treatment was 0.721 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.530–0.980, P = 0.037). Antiviral therapy is an independent protective factor for 5-year mortality in patients with HCC and low-level viremia. Conclusion Antiviral therapy significantly reduced mortality in HCC patients with low HBV-DNA levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinhui Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihua Yu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengna Yan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiwen Yan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Zhou
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang D, Wang D, Huang M, Zheng X, Shen Y, Fu B, Zhao H, Chen X, Peng P, Zhu Q, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Tian Z, Guan W, Wang G, Wei H. Transcriptomic characteristics and impaired immune function of patients who retest positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. J Mol Cell Biol 2021; 13:748-759. [PMID: 34687295 PMCID: PMC8574305 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, has become a global public health crisis. Some patients who have recovered from COVID-19 subsequently test positive again for SARS-CoV-2 RNA after discharge from hospital. How such retest-positive (RTP) patients become infected again is not known. In this study, 30 RTP patients, 20 convalescent patients, and 20 healthy controls were enrolled for the analysis of immunological characteristics of their peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found that absolute numbers of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells were not substantially decreased in RTP patients, but the expression of activation markers on these cells was significantly reduced. The percentage of granzyme B-producing T cells was also lower in RTP patients than in convalescent patients. Through transcriptome sequencing, we demonstrated that high expression of inhibitor of differentiation 1 (ID1) and low expression of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 10 (IFITM10) were associated with insufficient activation of immune cells and the occurrence of RTP. These findings provide insight into the impaired immune function associated with COVID-19 and the pathogenesis of RTP, which may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying RTP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongyao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Min Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, HuaZhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yiqing Shen
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Xianxiang Chen
- Department of Tuberculosis, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Tuberculosis, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Department of Tuberculosis, Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Jinghe Zhang
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wuxiang Guan
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guiqiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.,Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cho HJ, Cheong JY. Role of Immune Cells in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158011. [PMID: 34360777 PMCID: PMC8348470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops almost entirely in the presence of chronic inflammation. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with recurrent immune-mediated liver damage ultimately leads to cirrhosis and HCC. It is widely accepted that HBV infection induces the dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune responses that engage various immune cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are associated with early antiviral and antitumor properties. On the other hand, inflammatory cells release various cytokines and chemokines that may promote HCC tumorigenesis. Moreover, immunosuppressive cells such as regulatory T cells (Treg) and myeloid-derived suppressive cells play a critical role in hepatocarcinogenesis. HBV-specific CD8+ T cells have been identified as pivotal players in antiviral responses, whilst extremely activated CD8+ T cells induce enormous inflammatory responses, and chronic inflammation can facilitate hepatocarcinogenesis. Controlling and maintaining the balance in the immune system is an important aspect in the management of HBV-related HCC. We conducted a review of the current knowledge on the immunopathogenesis of HBV-induced inflammation and the role of such immune activation in the tumorigenesis of HCC based on the recent studies on innate and adaptive immune cell dysfunction in HBV-related HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jae-Youn Cheong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-219-6939; Fax: +82-31-219-5999
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu Y, Veeraraghavan V, Pinkerton M, Fu J, Douglas MW, George J, Tu T. Viral Biomarkers for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Occurrence and Recurrence. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:665201. [PMID: 34194408 PMCID: PMC8236856 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.665201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. The most common risk factor for developing HCC is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Early stages of HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC) are generally asymptomatic. Moreover, while serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and abdominal ultrasound are widely used to screen for HCC, they have poor sensitivity. Thus, HBV-HCC is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage, in which there are limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Serum biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are crucial for earlier diagnosis of HCC and improving survival rates. As viral-host interactions are key determinants of pathogenesis, viral biomarkers may add greater diagnostic power for HCC than host biomarkers alone. In this review, we summarize recent research on using virus-derived biomarkers for predicting HCC occurrence and recurrence; including circulating viral DNA, RNA transcripts, and viral proteins. Combining these viral biomarkers with AFP and abdominal ultrasound could improve sensitivity and specificity of early diagnosis, increasing the survival of patients with HBV-HCC. In the future, as the mechanisms that drive HBV-HCC to become clearer, new biomarkers may be identified which can further improve early diagnosis of HBV-HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vaishnavi Veeraraghavan
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Monica Pinkerton
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jianjun Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Luo P, Liang C, Jing W, Zhu M, Zhou H, Chai H, Worley PF, Tu J. Homer2 and Homer3 Act as Novel Biomarkers in Diagnosis of hepatitis B virus-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2021; 12:3439-3447. [PMID: 33995622 PMCID: PMC8120171 DOI: 10.7150/jca.52118] [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: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. Early detection of HCC can significantly improve patients' outcomes. An increasing number of studies have validated that Homer is dysregulated in cancers and may serve as diagnostic markers. In the present study, we investigated the expression profile and diagnostic significance of Homer2 and Homer3 in hepatitis B virus-induced HCC (HBV-HCC). Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR), western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: Homer2 and Homer3 were downregulated in HCC. The expression of Homer2 was associated with tumor differentiation grade (P= 0.012) and total protein (TP) level (P= 0.032). Homer3 was related to tumor size (P= 0.010), tumor nodes (P= 0.026) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level (P= 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated that the combination of Homer2, Homer3 and AFP possessed a high accuracy (AUC=0.900) to diagnose HCC cases from healthy controls. Conclusion: Our data indicated that Homer2 and Homer3 were downregulated in HCC and might be potential diagnostic marker for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Luo
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Chunzi Liang
- Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wei Jing
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine of Henan, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Man Zhu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, P.R. China
| | - Hu Zhou
- Department of Transfusion, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Hongyan Chai
- Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Paul F Worley
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 20205, USA
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Department & Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mobini S, Chizari M, Mafakher L, Rismani E, Rismani E. Computational Design of a Novel VLP-Based Vaccine for Hepatitis B Virus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2074. [PMID: 33042118 PMCID: PMC7521014 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global virus responsible for a universal disease burden for millions of people. Various vaccination strategies have been developed using viral vector, nucleic acid, protein, peptide, and virus-like particles (VLPs) to stimulate favorable immune responses against HBV. Given the pivotal role of specific immune responses of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in infection control, we designed a VLP-based vaccine by placing the antibody-binding fragments of HBsAg in the major immunodominant region (MIR) epitope of HBcAg to stimulate multilateral immunity. A computational approach was employed to predict and evaluate the conservation, antigenicity, allergenicity, and immunogenicity of the construct. Modeling and molecular dynamics (MD) demonstrated the folding stability of HBcAg as a carrier in inserting Myrcludex and "a" determinant of HBsAg. Regions 1-50 and 118-150 of HBsAg were considered to have the highest stability to be involved in the designed vaccine. Molecular docking revealed appropriate interactions between the B cell epitope of the designed vaccine and the antibodies. Totally, the final construct was promising for inducing humoral and cellular responses against HBV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Mobini
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Chizari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Mafakher
- Medicinal Plant Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur of Medical Science, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Elmira Rismani
- Department of Biology, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|