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Li Y, Ashuo A, Hao M, Li Y, Ye J, Liu J, Hua T, Fang Z, Li J, Yuan Z, Chen J. An extracellular humanized IFNAR immunocompetent mouse model for analyses of human interferon alpha and subtypes. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2287681. [PMID: 37994664 PMCID: PMC10810641 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2287681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) have key roles in immune defense and treatments for various diseases, including chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. All IFN-Is signal through a shared IFN-I heterodimeric receptor complex comprising IFN-α receptor 1 (IFNAR1) and IFNAR2 subunits, but differences in antiviral and immunomodulatory responses among IFN-I subtypes remain largely unknown. Because the IFN-IFNAR interactions are species-specific, mice exhibit weak responses to human IFN-I. To more fully characterize the actions of human IFN-α and its subtypes in vivo, a gene targeting strategy was employed to generate gene knock-in mice with extracellular-humanized IFNAR1/2 (IFNAR-hEC) in the C57BL/6N strain. IFNAR-hEC mice actively responded to human IFN-I, and endogenous mouse IFN-I signalling remained active in heterozygous mice (IfnarhEC/+). Analyses of IFNAR-hEC mice and isolated cells showed that human IFN-α2 and α14 subtypes exerted differential effect on the activation of JAK-STAT signalling and immune responses. Compared with IFN-α2, IFN-α14 induced greater activation of STAT1/2 and IFN-stimulated genes, synergistically elicited IFN-α and -γ signalling, and induced higher numbers of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Moreover, IFNAR-hEC mice with HBV replication displayed long-term viral suppression upon treatment with the clinically-used PEGylated hIFN-α2. These results indicate that IFNAR-hEC mice may be useful for elucidating antiviral and immunomodulatory functions of human IFN-Is and for conducting preclinical studies. A better understanding of the distinct activities of IFN-α subtypes can provide insights concerning the development of improved IFN-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Asha Ashuo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Menghan Hao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaming Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianyu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiangxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Hua
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Yu X, Gao Y, Zhang X, Ji L, Fang M, Li M, Gao Y. Hepatitis B: Model Systems and Therapeutic Approaches. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:4722047. [PMID: 38745751 PMCID: PMC11093688 DOI: 10.1155/2024/4722047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health issue and ranks among the top causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current antiviral medications, including nucleot(s)ide analogs and interferons, could inhibit the replication of HBV and alleviate the disease, HBV cannot be fully eradicated. The development of cellular and animal models for HBV infection plays an important role in exploring effective anti-HBV medicine. During the past decades, advancements in several cell culture systems, such as HepG2.2.15, HepAD38, HepaRG, hepatocyte-like cells, and primary human hepatocytes, have propelled the research in inhibiting HBV replication and expression and thus enriched our comprehension of the viral life cycle and enhancing antiviral drug evaluation efficacy. Mouse models, in particular, have emerged as the most extensively studied HBV animal models. Additionally, the present landscape of HBV therapeutics research now encompasses a comprehensive assessment of the virus's life cycle, targeting numerous facets and employing a variety of immunomodulatory approaches, including entry inhibitors, strategies aimed at cccDNA, RNA interference technologies, toll-like receptor agonists, and, notably, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This review describes the attributes and limitations of existing HBV model systems and surveys novel advancements in HBV treatment modalities, which will offer deeper insights toward discovering potentially efficacious pharmaceutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Yu
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yating Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Longshan Ji
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Fang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Man Li
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Karakoese Z, Ingola M, Sitek B, Dittmer U, Sutter K. IFNα Subtypes in HIV Infection and Immunity. Viruses 2024; 16:364. [PMID: 38543729 PMCID: PMC10975235 DOI: 10.3390/v16030364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN), immediately triggered following most viral infections, play a pivotal role in direct antiviral immunity and act as a bridge between innate and adaptive immune responses. However, numerous viruses have evolved evasion strategies against IFN responses, prompting the exploration of therapeutic alternatives for viral infections. Within the type I IFN family, 12 IFNα subtypes exist, all binding to the same receptor but displaying significant variations in their biological activities. Currently, clinical treatments for chronic virus infections predominantly rely on a single IFNα subtype (IFNα2a/b). However, the efficacy of this therapeutic treatment is relatively limited, particularly in the context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Recent investigations have delved into alternative IFNα subtypes, identifying certain subtypes as highly potent, and their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties have been extensively characterized. This review consolidates recent findings on the roles of individual IFNα subtypes during HIV and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) infections. It encompasses their induction in the context of HIV/SIV infection, their antiretroviral activity, and the diverse regulation of the immune response against HIV by distinct IFNα subtypes. These insights may pave the way for innovative strategies in HIV cure or functional cure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Karakoese
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (Z.K.); (U.D.)
- Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-Associated Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Martha Ingola
- Medical Proteome Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.I.); (B.S.)
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medical Proteome Center, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (M.I.); (B.S.)
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, 44892 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (Z.K.); (U.D.)
- Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-Associated Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany; (Z.K.); (U.D.)
- Institute for the Research on HIV and AIDS-Associated Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Xie X, Karakoese Z, Ablikim D, Ickler J, Schuhenn J, Zeng X, Feng X, Yang X, Dittmer U, Yang D, Sutter K, Liu J. IFNα subtype-specific susceptibility of HBV in the course of chronic infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1017753. [PMID: 36311794 PMCID: PMC9616162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major health problem worldwide and remains hard to be cured. Therapy with interferon (IFN) α is an important method for the clinical treatment of chronic hepatitis B. IFNα exhibits direct antiviral effects as well as immunomodulatory activities, which can induce sustained antiviral responses in part of the treated chronic hepatitis B patients. Numerous IFNα subtypes with high sequence identity between 76-96% exist which are characterized by diverse, non-redundant biological activities. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the clinically approved IFNα2 is not the most effective subtype for the anti-HBV treatment among all IFNα subtypes. So far very little is known about the IFNα subtype expression pattern during early HBV infection and the IFNα subtype-specific susceptibility during persistent HBV infection as well as its related cellular mechanism. Here we determined the Ifna subtype mRNA expression during acute and chronic HBV infection by using the well-established hydrodynamic injection (HDI) mouse model and we revealed a transient but strong expression of a panel of Ifna subtypes in the spleen of HBV persistent replication mice compared to HDI controls. Immunotherapy with distinct IFNα subtypes controlled chronic HBV infection. IFNα subtype-mediated antiviral response and immune activation were comprehensively analyzed in an AAV-HBV persistent infection murine model and murine IFNα2 was identified as the most effective subtype in suppression of HBV replication. Further analysis of the immune response revealed a strong immunomodulatory activity of murine IFNα2 on splenic and intrahepatic NK and T cell activation during persistent HBV infection. Taken together, our data provide IFNα subtype-specific differences in the antiviral and immunomodulatory effector responses and a strong expression of all IFNα subtypes in the spleen during persistent HBV infection in mice. This knowledge will support the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Zehra Karakoese
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dilhumare Ablikim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Julia Ickler
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jonas Schuhenn
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Sutter, ; Jia Liu,
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Kathrin Sutter, ; Jia Liu,
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Zhong S, Li Q, Wen C, Li Y, Zhou Y, Jin Z, Ye G, Zhao Y, Hou J, Li Y, Tang L. Interferon α facilitates anti-HBV cellular immune response in a B cell-dependent manner. Antiviral Res 2022; 207:105420. [PMID: 36165866 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dissecting the underlying mechanism of T cells remodeling mediated by interferon α (IFN-α) is indispensable for achieving an optimum therapeutic response in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, little is known about B cells in this process. This study aims to elucidate the roles of B cells in IFN-α-mediated anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) cellular immunity. METHOD The effects of B cells on IFN-α-mediated T cell response were investigated in B cell-deficient mouse model with HBV and IFN-α plasmid hydrodynamic injection. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed to dissect the crosstalk among B cell and T cell subsets and the underlying molecule and pathway signatures on longitudinal blood samples from IFN-α-treated CHB patients. RESULTS B cell depletion impaired the functional T cell subsets, including HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, and engendered a delayed HBV clearance. IFN-α treatment boosted the response of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, whereas such effects disappeared in B cell-deficient mice. The underlying mechanisms were associated with IFN-α-reinforced connections of B cells toward T cells as mediated by the antigen presentation and costimulatory functions in B cells. CONCLUSION IFN-α orchestrates protective HBV-specific cellular immunity in a B cell-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihong Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zihan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanda Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Differential interferon-α subtype induced immune signatures are associated with suppression of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2111600119. [PMID: 35131898 PMCID: PMC8872780 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2111600119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-I) exhibit various biological effects during viral infections, and they have been successfully used for clinical treatment of viral diseases. Humans express 12 IFNα subtypes, which strongly differ in their antiviral responses against different viruses. Here we analyzed the antiviral activity of all human IFNα subtypes against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to identify the underlying immune signatures and explore their therapeutic potential. Our data provide a systemic pattern of antiviral host effector responses mediated by high antiviral IFN-I, which could help to identify key cellular effectors targeted in novel therapeutic approaches against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Type I interferons (IFN-I) exert pleiotropic biological effects during viral infections, balancing virus control versus immune-mediated pathologies, and have been successfully employed for the treatment of viral diseases. Humans express 12 IFN-alpha (α) subtypes, which activate downstream signaling cascades and result in distinct patterns of immune responses and differential antiviral responses. Inborn errors in IFN-I immunity and the presence of anti-IFN autoantibodies account for very severe courses of COVID-19; therefore, early administration of IFN-I may be protective against life-threatening disease. Here we comprehensively analyzed the antiviral activity of all IFNα subtypes against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to identify the underlying immune signatures and explore their therapeutic potential. Prophylaxis of primary human airway epithelial cells (hAEC) with different IFNα subtypes during SARS-CoV-2 infection uncovered distinct functional classes with high, intermediate, and low antiviral IFNs. In particular, IFNα5 showed superior antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in SARS-CoV-2–infected mice in vivo. Dose dependency studies further displayed additive effects upon coadministration with the broad antiviral drug remdesivir in cell culture. Transcriptomic analysis of IFN-treated hAEC revealed different transcriptional signatures, uncovering distinct, intersecting, and prototypical genes of individual IFNα subtypes. Global proteomic analyses systematically assessed the abundance of specific antiviral key effector molecules which are involved in IFN-I signaling pathways, negative regulation of viral processes, and immune effector processes for the potent antiviral IFNα5. Taken together, our data provide a systemic, multimodular definition of antiviral host responses mediated by defined IFN-I. This knowledge will support the development of novel therapeutic approaches against SARS-CoV-2.
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Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are a family of cytokines that represent a first line of defense against virus infections. The 12 different IFN-α subtypes share a receptor on target cells and trigger similar signaling cascades. Several studies have collectively shown that this apparent redundancy conceals qualitatively different responses induced by individual subtypes, which display different efficacies of inhibition of HIV replication. Some studies, however, provided evidence that the disparities are quantitative rather than qualitative. Since RNA expression analyses show a large but incomplete overlap of the genes induced, they may support both models. To explore if the IFN-α subtypes induce functionally relevant different anti-HIV activities, we have compared the efficacies of inhibition of all 12 subtypes on HIV spread and on specific steps of the viral replication cycle, including viral entry, reverse transcription, protein synthesis, and virus release. Finding different hierarchies of inhibition would validate the induction of qualitatively different responses. We found that while most subtypes similarly inhibit virus entry, they display distinctive potencies on other early steps of HIV replication. In addition, only some subtypes were able to target effectively the late steps. The extent of induction of known anti-HIV factors helps to explain some, but not all differences observed, confirming the participation of additional IFN-induced anti-HIV effectors. Our findings support the notion that different IFN-α subtypes can induce the expression of qualitatively different antiviral activities. IMPORTANCE The initial response against viruses relies in large part on type I interferons, which include 12 subtypes of IFN-α. These cytokines bind to a common receptor on the cell surface and trigger the expression of incompletely overlapping sets of genes. Whether the anti-HIV responses induced by IFN-α subtypes differ in the extent of expression or in the nature of the genes involved remains debated. Also, RNA expression profiles led to opposite conclusions, depending on the importance attributed to the induction of common or distinctive genes. To explore if relevant anti-HIV activities can be differently induced by the IFN-α subtypes, we compared their relative efficacies on specific steps of the replication cycle. We show that the hierarchy of IFN potencies depends on the step analyzed, supporting qualitatively different responses. This work will also prompt the search for novel IFN-induced anti-HIV factors acting on specific steps of the replication cycle.
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Fox LE, Locke MC, Lenschow DJ. Context Is Key: Delineating the Unique Functions of IFNα and IFNβ in Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:606874. [PMID: 33408718 PMCID: PMC7779635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFNs) are critical effector cytokines of the immune system and were originally known for their important role in protecting against viral infections; however, they have more recently been shown to play protective or detrimental roles in many disease states. Type I IFNs consist of IFNα, IFNβ, IFNϵ, IFNκ, IFNω, and a few others, and they all signal through a shared receptor to exert a wide range of biological activities, including antiviral, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects. Though the individual type I IFN subtypes possess overlapping functions, there is growing appreciation that they also have unique properties. In this review, we summarize some of the mechanisms underlying differential expression of and signaling by type I IFNs, and we discuss examples of differential functions of IFNα and IFNβ in models of infectious disease, cancer, and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey E. Fox
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Marissa C. Locke
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Deborah J. Lenschow
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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Mo S, Gu L, Xu W, Liu J, Ding D, Wang Z, Yang J, Kong L, Zhao Y. Bifunctional macromolecule activating both OX40 and interferon-α signaling displays potent therapeutic effects in mouse HBV and tumor models. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 89:107099. [PMID: 33091819 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Combinatory enhancement of innate and adaptive immune responses is a promising strategy in immunotherapeutic drug development. Bifunctional macromolecules that simultaneously target two mechanisms may provide additional advantages over the combination of targeting two single pathways. Interferon alpha (IFNα) has been used clinically against viral infection such as the chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (CHB) as well as some types of cancers. OX40 is a costimulatory immune checkpoint molecule involved in the activation of T lymphocytes. To test whether simultaneously activating IFNα and OX40 signaling pathway could produce a synergistic therapeutic effect on CHB and tumors, we designed a bifunctional fusion protein composed of a mouse OX40 agonistic monoclonal antibody (OX86) and a mouse IFNα4, joined by a flexible (GGGGS)3 linker. This fusion protein, termed OX86-IFN, can activate both IFNα and OX40. We demonstrated that OX86-IFN could effectively activate T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of mice. Furthermore, we showed that OX86-IFN had superior therapeutic effect to monotherapies in HBV hydrodynamic transfection and syngeneic tumor models. Collectively, our data suggests that simultaneously targeting interferon and OX40 signaling pathways by bifunctional molecule OX86-IFN elicits potent antiviral and antitumor activities, which could provide a new strategy in developing therapeutic agents against viral infection and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifu Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, PR China; Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China
| | - Liyun Gu
- Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China
| | - Wei Xu
- Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, PR China
| | - Dong Ding
- Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China
| | - Lingdong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, PR China.
| | - Yong Zhao
- Nanjing U-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd, 699-8 Xuanwu Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, PR China.
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Plasmacytoid dendritic cells respond to Epstein-Barr virus infection with a distinct type I interferon subtype profile. Blood Adv 2020; 3:1129-1144. [PMID: 30952679 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018025536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious mononucleosis, caused by infection with the human gamma-herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), manifests with one of the strongest CD8+ T-cell responses described in humans. The resulting T-cell memory response controls EBV infection asymptomatically in the vast majority of persistently infected individuals. Whether and how dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to the priming of this near-perfect immune control remains unclear. Here we show that of all the human DC subsets, plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) play a central role in the detection of EBV infection in vitro and in mice with reconstituted human immune system components. pDCs respond to EBV by producing the interferon (IFN) subtypes α1, α2, α5, α7, α14, and α17. However, the virus curtails this type I IFN production with its latent EBV gene products EBNA3A and EBNA3C. The induced type I IFNs inhibit EBV entry and the proliferation of latently EBV-transformed B cells but do not influence lytic reactivation of the virus in vitro. In vivo, exogenous IFN-α14 and IFN-α17, as well as pDC expansion, delay EBV infection and the resulting CD8+ T-cell expansion, but pDC depletion does not significantly influence EBV infection. Thus, consistent with the observation that primary immunodeficiencies compromising type I IFN responses affect only alpha- and beta-herpesvirus infections, we found that EBV elicits pDC responses that transiently suppress viral replication and attenuate CD8+ T-cell expansion but are not required to control primary infection.
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11
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Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Interactions with the Interferon System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145150. [PMID: 32708188 PMCID: PMC7404291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interferon (IFN) system is one of the first lines of defense activated against invading viral pathogens. Upon secretion, IFNs activate a signaling cascade resulting in the production of several interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), which work to limit viral replication and establish an overall anti-viral state. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is a ubiquitous human pathogen that has evolved to downregulate the IFN response and establish lifelong latent infection in sensory neurons of the host. This review will focus on the mechanisms by which the host innate immune system detects invading HSV-1 virions, the subsequent IFN response generated to limit viral infection, and the evasion strategies developed by HSV-1 to evade the immune system and establish latency in the host.
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Yang L, Wang S, Wang Y, Zhao P, Cui C, Tu L, Li X, Yu Y, Li H, Wang L. Diversity of locally produced IFN-α subtypes in human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and mouse lung tissues during influenza virus infection. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:6351-6361. [PMID: 32472176 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10676-y] [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: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The excessively expressed interferon-α (IFN-α) might contribute to the uncontrolled inflammatory responses, causing pathological damage during influenza virus infection. However, the correlation of the pathological damage with the expression profile of IFN-α subtypes in the focus of infection with influenza viruses is poorly understood. To investigate this, we detected the IFN-α subtype dominance in human respiratory epithelial cells and mouse lungs, both of which were infected with influenza viruses. It was found that IFN-α1, IFN-α6, IFN-α14, and IFN-α16 were dominantly expressed in respiratory epithelial cells from the patients infected with IAV, whereas IFN-α5, IFN-α8, and IFN-α21 were dominantly expressed in respiratory epithelial cells from the patients infected with less pathogenic IBV and that IFN-α1, IFN-α9, and IFN-α15 were dominantly expressed in lungs of the mice infected with H1N1 IAV, and IFN-α2, IFN-α12, and IFN-α13 were dominantly expressed in lungs of the mice infected with less pathogenic H9N2 IAV. Compared with H9N2 IAV, H1N1 IAV induced higher mortality rates and more obvious body weight loss in the mice. In addition, IAV or H1N1 IAV induced a significantly higher level of CXCL10 mRNA in the human respiratory epithelial cells or the mouse lungs, respectively. In mice, the high level of Cxcl10 mRNA was accompanied by the abundant infiltrated neutrophils and more severe pathological changes in the lungs. Together, the data presented here indicate that the pathogenicity of influenza viruses is correlated with the IFN-α subtypes induced by influenza viruses. KEY POINTS: • Different influenza viruses induce differential inflammation responses. • Various influenza viruses induce diverse expression profiles of IFN-α subtypes. • The locally produced IFN-α subtypes correlated to the differential inflammation. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University and Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University and Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University and Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Peiyan Zhao
- Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University and Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiyun Cui
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Tu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University and Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongli Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibo Li
- Department of Pediatric Clinic, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liying Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics in The First Hospital of Jilin University and Department of Molecular Biology in College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
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Quintana ME, Barone LJ, Trotta MV, Turco C, Mansilla FC, Capozzo AV, Cardoso NP. In-vivo Activity of IFN-λ and IFN-α Against Bovine-Viral-Diarrhea Virus in a Mouse Model. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:45. [PMID: 32118067 PMCID: PMC7015039 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine-viral-diarrhea virus (BVDV) can cause significant economic losses in livestock. The disease is controlled with vaccination and bovines are susceptible until vaccine immunity develops and may remain vulnerable if a persistently infected animal is left on the farm; therefore, an antiviral agent that reduces virus infectivity can be a useful tool in control programs. Although many compounds with promising in-vitro efficacy have been identified, the lack of laboratory-animal models limited their potential for further clinical development. Recently, we described the activity of type I and III interferons, IFN-α and IFN-λ respectively, against several BVDV strains in-vitro. In this study, we analyzed the in-vivo efficacy of both IFNs using a BALB/c-mouse model. Mice infected with two type-2 BVDV field strains developed a viremia with different kinetics, depending on the infecting strain's virulence, that persisted for 56 days post-infection (dpi). Mice infected with the low-virulence strain elicited high systemic TNF-α levels at 2 dpi. IFNs were first applied subcutaneously 1 day before or after infection. The two IFNs reduced viremia with different kinetics, depending on whether either one was applied before or after infection. In a second experiment, we increased the number of applications of both IFNs. All the treatments reduced viremia compared to untreated mice. The application of IFN-λ pre- and post-infection reduced viremia over time. This study is the first proof of the concept of the antiviral potency of IFN-λ against BVDV in-vivo, thus encouraging further trails for a potential use of this cytokine in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Quintana
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas José Barone
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myrian Vanesa Trotta
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Turco
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Celeste Mansilla
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Victoria Capozzo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nancy Patricia Cardoso
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Dickow J, Francois S, Kaiserling RL, Malyshkina A, Drexler I, Westendorf AM, Lang KS, Santiago ML, Dittmer U, Sutter K. Diverse Immunomodulatory Effects of Individual IFNα Subtypes on Virus-Specific CD8 + T Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2255. [PMID: 31608062 PMCID: PMC6771563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical administration of Interferon α (IFNα) resulted in limited therapeutic success against some viral infections. Immune modulation of CD8+ T cell responses during IFNα therapy is believed to play a pivotal role in promoting viral clearance. However, these clinical studies primarily focused on IFNα subtype 2. To date, the immunomodulatory roles of the remaining 10-13 IFNα subtypes remains poorly understood, thereby precluding assessments of their potential for more effective treatments. Here, we report that virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses were influenced to various extents by individual IFNα subtypes. IFNα4, 6, and 9 had the strongest effects on CD8+ T cells, including antiproliferative effects, improved cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Interestingly, augmented cytokine responses were dependent on IFNα subtype stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs), while antiproliferative effects and cytotoxicity were mediated by IFNAR signaling in either CD8+ T cells or DCs. Thus, precise modulation of virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses may be feasible for specific antiviral immunotherapies through careful selection and administration of individual IFNα subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dickow
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Francois
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rouven-Luca Kaiserling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Malyshkina
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ingo Drexler
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Astrid Maria Westendorf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karl Sebastian Lang
- Institute for Immunology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mario L. Santiago
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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15
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Xia Y, Schlapschy M, Morath V, Roeder N, Vogt EI, Stadler D, Cheng X, Dittmer U, Sutter K, Heikenwalder M, Skerra A, Protzer U. PASylated interferon α efficiently suppresses hepatitis B virus and induces anti-HBs seroconversion in HBV-transgenic mice. Antiviral Res 2019; 161:134-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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16
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Matos ADR, Wunderlich K, Schloer S, Schughart K, Geffers R, Seders M, de Witt M, Christersson A, Wiewrodt R, Wiebe K, Barth P, Hocke A, Hippenstiel S, Hönzke K, Dittmer U, Sutter K, Rescher U, Rodionycheva S, Matera N, Ludwig S, Brunotte L. Antiviral potential of human IFN-α subtypes against influenza A H3N2 infection in human lung explants reveals subtype-specific activities. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:1763-1776. [PMID: 31826721 PMCID: PMC6913622 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1698271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection causing high morbidity and mortality in annual outbreaks worldwide. Antiviral drugs are limited and pose the risk of resistance development, calling for new treatment options. IFN-α subtypes are immune-stimulatory cytokines with strong antiviral activities against IAV in vitro and in vivo. However, the clinical use of IFN-α2, the only licensed subtype of this multi-gene family, could not prevent or limit IAV infections in humans. However, the other subtypes were not investigated.Therefore, this study evaluated the induction and antiviral potential of all human IFN-α subtypes during H3N2 IAV infection in human lung explants. We found that subtypes with weak antiviral activities were preferentially induced during IAV infection in human lungs. Intriguingly, non-induced subtypes α16, α5 and α4 suppressed viral replication up to 230-fold more efficiently than α2. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that subtypes with stronger antiviral activities induce higher expression of IAV-specific restriction factors and that MxA expression is a determinant of the subtype-specific antiviral activity towards H3N2 IAV. These results corroborate that IFN-α subtypes exhibit differential antiviral activities and emphasize that subtypes α16, α5 and α4 should be further investigated for the prevention and treatment of severe infections with seasonal H3N2 IAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline da Rocha Matos
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
- Respiratory Viruses and Measles Lab, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katharina Wunderlich
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schloer
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Klaus Schughart
- Department of Infection Genetics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome analytics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martine Seders
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Marlous de Witt
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Anmari Christersson
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Rainer Wiewrodt
- Department of Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology and Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Karsten Wiebe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Peter Barth
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Andreas Hocke
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Hippenstiel
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Hönzke
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Sutter
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ursula Rescher
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | | | - Nicoletta Matera
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Stephan Ludwig
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Linda Brunotte
- Institute of Virology Muenster, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University, Muenster, Germany
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17
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George J, Mattapallil JJ. Interferon-α Subtypes As an Adjunct Therapeutic Approach for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Functional Cure. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29520278 PMCID: PMC5827157 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) establishes life-long latency in infected individuals. Although highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has had a significant impact on the course of HIV infection leading to a better long-term outcome, the pool of latent reservoir remains substantial even under HAART. Numerous approaches have been under development with the goal of eradicating the latent HIV reservoir though with limited success. Approaches that combine immune-mediated control of HIV to activate both the innate and the adaptive immune system under suppressive therapy along with “shock and kill” drugs may lead to a better control of the reactivated virus. Interferon-α (IFN-α) is an innate cytokine that has been shown to activate intracellular defenses capable of restricting and controlling HIV. IFN-α, however, harbors numerous functional subtypes that have been reported to display different binding affinities and potency. Recent studies have suggested that certain subtypes such as IFN-α8 and IFN-α14 have potent anti-HIV activity with little or no immune activation, whereas other subtypes such as IFN-α4, IFN-α5, and IFN-α14 activate NK cells. Could these subtypes be used in combination with other strategies to reduce the latent viral reservoir? Here, we review the role of IFN-α subtypes in HIV infection and discuss the possibility that certain subtypes could be potential adjuncts to a “shock and kill” or therapeutic vaccination strategy leading to better control of the latent reservoir and subsequent functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffy George
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
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18
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Interferon α subtypes in HIV infection. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2018; 40:13-18. [PMID: 29475588 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN), which are immediately induced after most virus infections, are central for direct antiviral immunity and link innate and adaptive immune responses. However, several viruses have evolved strategies to evade the IFN response by preventing IFN induction or blocking IFN signaling pathways. Thus, therapeutic application of exogenous type I IFN or agonists inducing type I IFN responses are a considerable option for future immunotherapies against chronic viral infections. An important part of the type I IFN family are 12 IFNα subtypes, which all bind the same receptor, but significantly differ in their biological activities. Up to date only one IFNα subtype (IFNα2) is being used in clinical treatment against chronic virus infections, however its therapeutic success rate is rather limited, especially during Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Recent studies addressed the important question if other IFNα subtypes would be more potent against retroviral infections in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Indeed, very potent IFNα subtypes were defined and their antiviral and immunomodulatory properties were characterized. In this review we summarize the recent findings on the role of individual IFNα subtypes during HIV and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus infection. This includes their induction during HIV/SIV infection, their antiretroviral activity and the regulation of immune response against HIV by different IFNα subtypes. The findings might facilitate novel strategies for HIV cure or functional cure studies.
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