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Garbuglia AR, Pauciullo S, Zulian V, Del Porto P. Update on Hepatitis C Vaccine: Results and Challenges. Viruses 2024; 16:1337. [PMID: 39205311 PMCID: PMC11359353 DOI: 10.3390/v16081337] [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: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapy against the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has significantly improved with the introduction of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs), achieving over 95% sustained virological response (SVR). Despite this, the development of an effective anti-HCV vaccine remains a critical challenge due to the low number of patients treated with DAAs and the occurrence of HCV reinfections in high-risk groups. Current vaccine strategies aim to stimulate either B-cell or T-cell responses. Vaccines based on E1 and E2 proteins can elicit broad cross-neutralizing antibodies against all major HCV genotypes, though with varying efficiencies and without full protection against infection. In humans, the neutralizing antibodies induced by such vaccines mainly target the AR3 region, but their levels are generally insufficient for broad neutralization. Various HCV proteins expressed through different viral vectors have been utilized to elicit T cell immune responses, showing sustained expansion of HCV-specific effector memory T cells and improved proliferation and polyfunctionality of memory T cells over time. However, despite these advancements, the frequency and effectiveness of T-cell responses remain limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (V.Z.)
| | - Silvia Pauciullo
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (V.Z.)
| | - Verdiana Zulian
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (S.P.); (V.Z.)
| | - Paola Del Porto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy;
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Eisa M, Gomez-Escobar E, Bédard N, Abdeltawab NF, Flores N, Mazouz S, Fieffé-Bédard A, Sakayan P, Gridley J, Abdel-Hakeem MS, Bruneau J, Grakoui A, Shoukry NH. Coordinated expansion of memory T follicular helper and B cells mediates spontaneous clearance of HCV reinfection. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1403769. [PMID: 38947319 PMCID: PMC11211980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1403769] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Follicular helper T cells are essential for helping in the maturation of B cells and the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) during primary viral infections. However, their role during recall responses is unclear. Here, we used hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection in humans as a model to study the recall collaborative interaction between circulating CD4 T follicular helper cells (cTfh) and memory B cells (MBCs) leading to the generation of NAbs. Methods We evaluated this interaction longitudinally in subjects who have spontaneously resolved primary HCV infection during a subsequent reinfection episode that resulted in either another spontaneous resolution (SR/SR, n = 14) or chronic infection (SR/CI, n = 8). Results Both groups exhibited virus-specific memory T cells that expanded upon reinfection. However, early expansion of activated cTfh (CD4+CXCR5+PD-1+ICOS+FoxP3-) occurred in SR/SR only. The frequency of activated cTfh negatively correlated with time post-infection. Concomitantly, NAbs and HCV-specific MBCs (CD19+CD27+IgM-E2-Tet+) peaked during the early acute phase in SR/SR but not in SR/CI. Finally, the frequency of the activated cTfh1 (CXCR3+CCR6-) subset correlated with the neutralization breadth and potency of NAbs. Conclusion These results underscore a key role for early activation of cTfh1 cells in helping antigen-specific B cells to produce NAbs that mediate the clearance of HCV reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Eisa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elsa Gomez-Escobar
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bédard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nourtan F. Abdeltawab
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nicol Flores
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Mazouz
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alizée Fieffé-Bédard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Sakayan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - John Gridley
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mohamed S. Abdel-Hakeem
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine familiale et département d’urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Liu X, Sun Y, Su Y, Gao Y, Zhang T, Wang Q, Zhang X, Zhang D, Sun C, Li J, Li Z, Zhang B. The compensatory role of T cells from lymph nodes in mice with splenectomy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18363. [PMID: 38770891 PMCID: PMC11107144 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18363] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The spleen is a vital organ for the immune system, while splenectomy may be necessary for various reasons. However, there is limited research on the impact of splenectomy on T cell function in peripheral lymph nodes as a compensatory mechanism in preventing infections. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and function of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in different peripheral lymph nodes during viral infection using a well-established splenectomy model. The results revealed that splenectomy caused an increase in CD8+GP33+ T cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Moreover, we demonstrated that splenectomy resulted in an increase of effector KLRG1+ T cells in the MLN. Additionally, the number of CD4+ cytotoxic T cells (CD4 CTLs) was also elevated in the peripheral lymph nodes of mice with splenectomy. Surprisingly, aged mice exhibited a stronger compensatory ability than adult mice, as evidenced by an increase in effector CD8+ T cells in all peripheral lymph nodes. These findings provide compelling evidence that T cells in MLN play a crucial role in protecting individuals with splenectomy against viral infections. The study offers new insights into understanding the changes in the immune system of individuals with splenectomy and highlights the potential compensatory mechanisms involved by T cells in peripheral lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Department of Medical Immunology, College of Basic Medical SciencesYan'an UniversityYan'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yae Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Department of Medical Immunology, College of Basic Medical SciencesYan'an UniversityYan'anShaanxiChina
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yanhong Su
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tianzhe Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Qianhao Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xiaoran Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Chenming Sun
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to DiseasesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Jun Li
- Department of EmergencyShaanxi Provincial People's HospitalXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Zongfang Li
- National‐Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis & Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Shaanxi Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Liver and Spleen Diseases, CHESS‐Shaanxi consortium, The Second Affiliated HospitalXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Baojun Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical SciencesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, Translational Medicine InstituteXi'an Jiaotong University Health Science CenterXi'anShaanxiChina
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to DiseasesXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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Shu Q, Du Y, She H, Mo J, Zhu Z, Zhong L, He F, Fan J, Zhu J. Construction and validation of a mitochondria-associated genes prognostic signature and immune microenvironment characteristic of sepsis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111275. [PMID: 37995567 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111275] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a common critical condition seen in clinical settings, with mitochondrial dysfunction playing an important role in the progression of sepsis. However, a mitochondrial prognosis model related to sepsis has not been established yet, and the relationship between the sepsis immune microenvironment and mitochondria remains unclear. METHODS Sepsis prognostic mitochondria-associated genes (MiAGs) were screened by univariate Cox, multivariate Cox, and LASSO analysis from the GEO dataset. Consensus Cluster was used to analyze MiAGs-based molecular subtypes for sepsis. The ESTIMATE and ssGSEA algorithms were used to analyze the situation of sepsis immune cell infiltration and its relation to MiAGs. Further, MiAGs score was calculated to construct a sepsis prognosis risk model to predict the prognosis of sepsis patients. Clinical blood samples were used to investigate the expression level of selected MiAGs in sepsis. Single-cell sequencing analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ATP detection were used to verify the influence of MiAGs on mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis. RESULTS A total of 5 MiAGs of sepsis were screened. Based on MiAGs, sepsis MiAGs subtypes were analyzed, where Cluster A had a better prognosis than Cluster B, and there were significant differences in immune infiltration between the two clusters. The sepsis mitochondrial prognosis model suggested that the high MiAG score group had a shorter survival time compared to the low MiAG score group. Significant differences were also observed in the immune microenvironment between the high and low MiAG score groups. Prognostic analysis and the Nomogram indicated that the MiAG score is an independent prognostic factor in sepsis. Single-cell sequencing analysis exhibited the possible influence of MiAGs on the mitochondrial function of monocytes. Finally, the downregulation of the COX7B could effectively improve mitochondrial function in the LPS-stimulated sepsis model. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that MiAGs can be used to predict the prognosis of sepsis and that regulating the mitochondrial prognostic gene COX7B can effectively improve the mitochondrial function of immune cells in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanlin Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Han She
- Department of Anesthesiology, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaping Mo
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Like Zhong
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fugen He
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jingsheng Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Dongnan Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Junfeng Zhu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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Vollmer-Raschdorf S, Rashidi-Alavijeh J, Voigt S, Hengel H, Borchardt B, Huzly D, Hüßler EM, In der Schmitten J, Halenius A, Willuweit K, Botzenhardt S, Trilling M, Boettler T, Dehnen D. Tiza- Titre increase and enhanced immunity through an adjuvanted, recombinant herpes zoster subunit v accine in patients with liver cirrhosis and post-liver transplantation: a study protocol for a prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074461. [PMID: 37918931 PMCID: PMC10626838 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Shingrix, an effective adjuvanted, recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (RZV), has been available since 2018. Immunocompromised patients are known to be predisposed to vaccine failure. In-vitro testing of immunological surrogates of vaccine protection could be instrumental for monitoring vaccination success. So far, no test procedure is available for vaccine responses to RZV that could be used on a routine basis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a single-centre, three-arm, parallel, longitudinal cohort study aspiring to recruit a total of 308 patients (103 with a liver cirrhosis Child A/B, 103 after liver transplantation (both ≥50 years), 102 immunocompetent patients (60-70 years)). Blood samples will be taken at seven data collection points to determine varicella zoster virus (VZV) and glycoprotein E (gE)-specific IgG and T cell responses. The primary study outcome is to measure and compare responses after vaccination with RZV depending on the type and degree of immunosuppression using gE-specific antibody detection assays. As a secondary outcome, first, the gE-specific CD4+ T cell response of the three cohorts will be compared and, second, the gE-VZV antibody levels will be compared with the severity of possible vaccination reactions. The tertiary outcome is a potential association between VZV immune responses and clinical protection against shingles. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was issued on 07/11/2022 by the Ethics Committee Essen, Germany (number 22-10805-BO). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed open-access journals and presented at local, national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER German Clinical Trials Registry (number DRKS00030683).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jassin Rashidi-Alavijeh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Voigt
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hartmut Hengel
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg University Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consulting Laboratory for HSV and VZV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Borchardt
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniela Huzly
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg University Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consulting Laboratory for HSV and VZV, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Hüßler
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen In der Schmitten
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anne Halenius
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg University Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Willuweit
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Suzan Botzenhardt
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Freiburg University Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dorothea Dehnen
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Bela-Ong DB, Thompson KD, Kim HJ, Park SB, Jung TS. CD4 + T lymphocyte responses to viruses and virus-relevant stimuli in teleost fish. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:109007. [PMID: 37625734 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Fish diseases caused by viruses are a major threat to aquaculture. Development of disease protection strategies for sustainable fish aquaculture requires a better understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in antiviral defence. The innate and adaptive arms of the vertebrate immune system collaborate to mount an effective defence against viral pathogens. The T lymphocyte components of the adaptive immune system, comprising two major classes (helper T, Th or CD4+ and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CTLs or CD8+ T cells), are responsible for cell-mediated immune responses. In particular, CD4+ T cells and their different subsets orchestrate the actions of various other immune cells during immune responses, making CD4+ T cells central drivers of responses to pathogens and vaccines. CD4+ T cells are also present in teleost fish. Here we review the literature that reported the use of antibodies against CD4 in a few teleost fish species and transcription profiling of Th cell-relevant genes in the context of viral infections and virus-relevant immunomodulation. Studies reveal massive CD4+ T cell proliferation and expression of key cytokines, transcription factors, and effector molecules that evoke mammalian Th cell responses. We also discuss gaps in the current understanding and evaluation of teleost CD4+ T cell responses and how development and application of novel tools and approaches to interrogate such responses could bridge these gaps. A greater understanding of fish Th cell responses will further illuminate the evolution of vertebrate adaptive immunity, inform strategies to address viral infections in aquaculture, and could further foster fish as model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Berbulla Bela-Ong
- Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Research Institute of Natural Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 501-201, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kim D Thompson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Hyoung Jun Kim
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for VHS, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Bin Park
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Pascagula, MS, 39567, USA
| | - Tae Sung Jung
- Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Research Institute of Natural Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 501-201, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, Republic of Korea.
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Shen F, Shen Y, Xu Y, Zhao J, Zhao Z, Liu J, Ge Y. Dysregulation of circulating T follicular helper cell subsets and their potential role in the pathogenesis of syphilis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1264508. [PMID: 37901207 PMCID: PMC10600468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1264508] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The role of the host immune response could be critical in the development of Treponema pallidum (Tp) infection in individuals with latent syphilis. This study aims to investigate the alterations in T follicular helper T (Tfh) cell balance among patients with secondary syphilis and latent syphilis. Methods 30 healthy controls (HCs), 24 secondary syphilis patients and 41 latent syphilis patients were enrolled. The percentages of total Tfh, ICOS+ Tfh, PD-1+ Tfh, resting Tfh, effector Tfh, naïve Tfh, effector memory Tfh, central memory Tfh,Tfh1, Tfh2, and Tfh17 cells in the peripheral blood were all determined by flow cytometry. Results The percentage of total Tfh cells was significantly higher in secondary syphilis patients compared to HCs across various subsets, including ICOS+ Tfh, PD-1+ Tfh, resting Tfh, effector Tfh, naïve Tfh, effector memory Tfh, central memory Tfh, Tfh1, Tfh2, and Tfh17 cells. However, only the percentages of ICOS+ Tfh and effector memory Tfh cells showed significant increases in secondary syphilis patients and decreases in latent syphilis patients. Furthermore, the PD-1+ Tfh cells, central memory Tfh cells, and Tfh2 cells showed significant increases in latent syphilis patients, whereas naïve Tfh cells and Tfh1 cells exhibited significant decreases in secondary syphilis patients when compared to the HCs. However, no significant change was found in resting Tfh and effector Tfh in HCs and secondary syphilis patients or latent syphilis patients. Discussion Dysregulated ICOS+ Tfh or effector memory Tfh cells may play an important role in immune evasion in latent syphilis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Shen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhuan Shen
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuni Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiwei Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhao Zhao
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinlin Liu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yumei Ge
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Park SJ, Hahn YS. Hepatocytes infected with hepatitis C virus change immunological features in the liver microenvironment. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:65-76. [PMID: 35957546 PMCID: PMC9845665 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is remarkably efficient in establishing viral persistence, leading to the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) are promising HCV therapies to clear the virus. However, recent reports indicate potential increased risk of HCC development among HCV patients with cirrhosis following DAA therapy. CD8+ T-cells participate in controlling HCV infection. However, in chronic hepatitis C patients, severe CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell dysfunctions have been observed. This suggests that HCV may employ mechanisms to counteract or suppress the host T-cell responses. The primary site of viral replication is within hepatocytes where infection can trigger the expression of costimulatory molecules and the secretion of immunoregulatory cytokines. Numerous studies indicate that HCV infection in hepatocytes impairs antiviral host immunity by modulating the expression of immunoregulatory molecules. Hepatocytes expressing whole HCV proteins upregulate the ligands of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) synthesis compared to those in hepatocytes in the absence of the HCV genome. Importantly, HCV-infected hepatocytes are capable of inducing regulatory CD4+ T-cells, releasing exosomes displaying TGF-β on exosome surfaces, and generating follicular regulatory T-cells. Recent studies report that the expression profile of exosome microRNAs provides biomarkers of HCV infection and HCV-related chronic liver diseases. A better understanding of the immunoregulatory mechanisms and identification of biomarkers associated with HCV infection will provide insight into designing vaccine against HCV to bypass HCV-induced immune dysregulation and prevent development of HCV-associated chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jeung Park
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA,USA
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA,USA,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA,Corresponding author : Young S. Hahn Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, 345 Crispell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA Tel: +1-434-924-1275, Fax: +1-434-924-1221, E-mail:
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Establishment and recall of SARS-CoV-2 spike epitope-specific CD4+ T cell memory. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:768-780. [DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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10
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Zoldan K, Ehrlich S, Killmer S, Wild K, Smits M, Russ M, Globig AM, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Boettler T. Th1-Biased Hepatitis C Virus-Specific Follicular T Helper-Like Cells Effectively Support B Cells After Antiviral Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742061. [PMID: 34659236 PMCID: PMC8514946 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating Th1-biased follicular T helper (cTfh1) cells have been associated with antibody responses to viral infection and after vaccination but their B cell helper functionality is less understood. After viral elimination, Tfh1 cells are the dominant subset within circulating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-specific CD4 T cells, but their functional capacity is currently unknown. To address this important point, we established a clone-based system to evaluate CD4 T cell functionality in vitro to overcome experimental limitations associated with their low frequencies. Specifically, we analyzed the transcription factor expression, cytokine secretion and B cell help in co-culture assays of HCV- (n = 18) and influenza-specific CD4 T cell clones (n = 5) in comparison to Tfh (n = 26) and Th1 clones (n = 15) with unknown antigen-specificity derived from healthy donors (n = 4) or direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-treated patients (n = 5). The transcription factor expression and cytokine secretion patterns of HCV-specific CD4 T cell clones indicated a Tfh1 phenotype, with expression of T-bet and Bcl6 and production of IFN-γ and IL-21. Their B helper capacity was superior compared to influenza-specific or Tfh and Th1 clones. Moreover, since Tfh cells are enriched in the IFN-rich milieu of the HCV-infected liver, we investigated the impact of IFN exposure on Tfh phenotype and function. Type I IFN exposure was able to introduce similar phenotypic and functional characteristics in the Tfh cell population within PBMCs or Tfh clones in vitro in line with our finding that Tfh cells are elevated in HCV-infected patients shortly after initiation of IFN-α therapy. Collectively, we were able to functionally characterize HCV-specific CD4 T cells in vitro and not only confirmed a Tfh1 phenotype but observed superior Tfh functionality despite their Th1 bias. Furthermore, our results suggest that chronic type I IFN exposure supports the enrichment of highly functional HCV-specific Tfh-like cells during HCV infection. Thus, HCV-specific Tfh-like cells after DAA therapy may be a promising target for future vaccination design aiming to introduce a neutralizing antibody response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Ehrlich
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wild
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Smits
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marissa Russ
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Globig
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Shoukry NH, Walker CM. T cell responses during HBV and HCV infections: similar but not quite the same? Curr Opin Virol 2021; 51:80-86. [PMID: 34619514 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B and C viruses persist by evasion of T cell immunity. Persistence depends upon premature failure of CD4+ T cell help and loss of CD8+ T cell control because of epitope mutational escape and/or functional exhaustion. Powerful new immunological and transcriptomic tools provide insight into the mechanisms of T cell silencing by HBV and HCV. Similarities are apparent, including dysregulated expression of common inhibitory/immune checkpoint receptors and transcription factors. There are also differences. T cell exhaustion is uniform in HCV infection, but varies in HBV infection depending on disease stage and/or protein target. Here, we review recent advances defining similarities and differences in T cell evasion by HBV and HCV, and the potential for reversal following antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher M Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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12
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Shoukry NH. Towards a Systems Immunology Approach to Understanding Correlates of Protective Immunity against HCV. Viruses 2021; 13:1871. [PMID: 34578451 PMCID: PMC8473057 DOI: 10.3390/v13091871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in systems biology-based approaches to studying immunity to viral infections and responses to vaccines. These approaches that integrate multiple facets of the immune response, including transcriptomics, serology and immune functions, are now being applied to understand correlates of protective immunity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and to inform vaccine development. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding immunity to HCV using systems biology, specifically transcriptomic and epigenetic studies. It also examines proposed strategies moving forward towards an integrated systems immunology approach for predicting and evaluating the efficacy of the next generation of HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Tour Viger, Local R09.414, 900 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada;
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
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13
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Salinas E, Boisvert M, Upadhyay AA, Bédard N, Nelson SA, Bruneau J, Derdeyn CA, Marcotrigiano J, Evans MJ, Bosinger SE, Shoukry NH, Grakoui A. Early T follicular helper cell activity accelerates hepatitis C virus-specific B cell expansion. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:140590. [PMID: 33463551 DOI: 10.1172/jci140590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early appearance of neutralizing antibodies during acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with spontaneous viral clearance. However, the longitudinal changes in antigen-specific memory B cell (MBCs) associated with divergent HCV infection outcomes remain undefined. We characterized longitudinal changes in E2 glycoprotein-specific MBCs from subjects who either spontaneously resolved acute HCV infection or progressed to chronic infection, using single-cell RNA-seq and functional assays. HCV-specific antibodies in plasma from chronically infected subjects recognized multiple E2 genotypes, while those from spontaneous resolvers exhibited variable cross-reactivity to heterotypic E2. E2-specific MBCs from spontaneous resolvers peaked early after infection (4-6 months), following expansion of activated circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh) expressing interleukin 21. In contrast, E2-specific MBCs from chronically infected subjects, enriched in VH1-69, expanded during persistent infection (> 1 year), in the absence of significantly activated cTfh expansion. Early E2-specific MBCs from spontaneous resolvers produced monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with fewer somatic hypermutations and lower E2 binding but similar neutralization as mAbs from late E2-specific MBCs of chronically infected subjects. These findings indicate that early cTfh activity accelerates expansion of E2-specific MBCs during acute infection, which might contribute to spontaneous clearance of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Salinas
- Division of Infectious diseases, Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maude Boisvert
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Amit A Upadhyay
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nathalie Bédard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sydney A Nelson
- Yerkes NHP Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine Familiale et de Médecine D'Urgence, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Cynthia A Derdeyn
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph Marcotrigiano
- Structural Virology Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew J Evans
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Steven E Bosinger
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes NHP Genomics Core Laboratory, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Division of Infectious diseases, Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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14
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Asao H. Interleukin-21 in Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179521. [PMID: 34502427 PMCID: PMC8430989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a cytokine that affects the differentiation and function of lymphoid and myeloid cells and regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses. In addition to regulating the immune response to tumor and viral infections, IL-21 also has a profound effect on the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. IL-21 is produced mainly from CD4+ T cells-in particular, follicular helper T (Tfh) cells-which have a great influence on the regulation of antibody production. It is also an important cytokine for the activation of CD8+ T cells, and its role in recovering the function of CD8+ T cells exhausted by chronic microbial infections and cancer has been clarified. Thus, IL-21 plays an extremely important role in viral infections, especially chronic viral infections. In this review, I will introduce the findings to date on how IL-21 is involved in some typical viral infections and the potential of treating viral diseases with IL-21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Asao
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iida-nishi, Yamagata City 990-9585, Japan
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15
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Basho K, Zoldan K, Schultheiss M, Bettinger D, Globig AM, Bengsch B, Neumann-Haefelin C, Klocperk A, Warnatz K, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Boettler T. IL-2 contributes to cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction by impairing follicular T helper cells in advanced cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 74:649-660. [PMID: 33211012 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with decompensated cirrhosis suffer from recurrent infections and inadequate responses to prophylactic vaccinations. However, many patients present with hypergammaglobulinemia (HGG), indicating a sustained ability to generate antibody responses. As follicular T helper (Tfh) cells are central facilitators of humoral immunity, we hypothesized that Tfh cell responses may be altered in advanced liver disease and we aimed to identify the mechanisms underlying any such alterations. METHODS Tfh, regulatory T (Treg) cells, B cells, circulating cytokines and immunoglobulins were analyzed in cohorts of patients with compensated (n = 37) and decompensated cirrhosis (n = 82) and in non-cirrhotic controls (n = 45). Intrahepatic T cells were analyzed in 8 decompensated patients. The influence of IL-2 on Tfh cell function was evaluated in vitro, including Tfh cell cloning and T cell-B cell co-cultures with clones and primary tonsil-derived Tfh cells. RESULTS Tfh cell frequencies were reduced in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, with phenotypic signatures indicative of increased IL-2 signaling. Soluble IL-2 receptor (sCD25) was elevated in these patients and CD4 T cells were more responsive to IL-2 signaling, as characterized by STAT5 phosphorylation. IL-2 exposure in vitro diminished the Tfh phenotype and resulted in impaired Tfh helper function in co-culture experiments with naïve B cells. Tfh cells were barely detectable in cirrhotic livers. IL-2 signatures on Tfh cells in decompensated patients correlated with immunoglobulin levels, which were found to be associated with improved survival. CONCLUSIONS Tfh cell impairment represents a previously underestimated feature of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction that is driven by IL-2. The presence of HGG in decompensated patients predicts an intact Tfh cell compartment and is associated with a favorable outcome. LAY SUMMARY Patients with advanced cirrhosis often fail to generate protective immunity after prophylactic vaccinations and suffer from recurring infections that are associated with high mortality. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells are specialized CD4 T cells that enable the emergence of antibody responses against microbial pathogens. This report demonstrates that Tfh cells are impaired in patients with advanced cirrhosis due to interleukin-2 signaling, a cytokine that is known to impair the generation of Tfh cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Basho
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schultheiss
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Bettinger
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Globig
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adam Klocperk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Germany; Department of Immunology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital in Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klaus Warnatz
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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16
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Trefzer A, Kadam P, Wang SH, Pennavaria S, Lober B, Akçabozan B, Kranich J, Brocker T, Nakano N, Irmler M, Beckers J, Straub T, Obst R. Dynamic adoption of anergy by antigen-exhausted CD4 + T cells. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108748. [PMID: 33567282 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhausted immune responses to chronic diseases represent a major challenge to global health. We study CD4+ T cells in a mouse model with regulatable antigen presentation. When the cells are driven through the effector phase and are then exposed to different levels of persistent antigen, they lose their T helper 1 (Th1) functions, upregulate exhaustion markers, resemble naturally anergic cells, and modulate their MAPK, mTORC1, and Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathways with increasing dose and time. They also become unable to help B cells and, at the highest dose, undergo apoptosis. Transcriptomic analyses show the dynamic adjustment of gene expression and the accumulation of T cell receptor (TCR) signals over a period of weeks. Upon antigen removal, the cells recover their functionality while losing exhaustion and anergy markers. Our data suggest an adjustable response of CD4+ T cells to different levels of persisting antigen and contribute to a better understanding of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Trefzer
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Pallavi Kadam
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Shu-Hung Wang
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefanie Pennavaria
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Benedikt Lober
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Batuhan Akçabozan
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jan Kranich
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Thomas Brocker
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Naoko Nakano
- Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba 278-0022, Japan
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; Chair of Experimental Genetics, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e. V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Straub
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Reinhard Obst
- Institute for Immunology, Biomedical Center, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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17
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Thimme R. T cell immunity to hepatitis C virus: Lessons for a prophylactic vaccine. J Hepatol 2021; 74:220-229. [PMID: 33002569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is consensus that HCV-specific T cells play a central role in the outcome (clearance vs. persistence) of acute infection and that they contribute to protection against the establishment of persistence after reinfection. However, these T cells often fail and the virus can persist, largely as a result of T cell exhaustion and the emergence of viral escape mutations. Importantly, HCV cure by direct-acting antivirals does not lead to a complete reversion of T cell exhaustion and thus HCV reinfections can occur. The current lack of detailed knowledge about the immunological determinants of viral clearance, persistence and protective immunity is a major roadblock to the development of a prophylactic T cell vaccine. This minireview highlights the basic concepts of successful T cell immunity, major mechanisms of T cell failure and how our understanding of these concepts can be translated into a prophylactic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Germany.
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18
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Smith S, Honegger JR, Walker C. T-Cell Immunity against the Hepatitis C Virus: A Persistent Research Priority in an Era of Highly Effective Therapy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a036954. [PMID: 32205413 PMCID: PMC7778213 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 70% of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections become chronic, indicating that the virus is exceptionally well adapted to persist in humans with otherwise normal immune function. Robust, lifelong replication of this small RNA virus does not require a generalized failure of immunity. HCV effectively subverts innate and adaptive host defenses while leaving immunity against other viruses intact. Here, the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in control of HCV infection and their failure to prevent virus persistence in most individuals are reviewed. Two issues of practical importance remain priorities in an era of highly effective antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C. First, the characteristics of successful T-cell responses that promote resolution of HCV infection are considered, as they will underpin development of vaccines that prevent HCV persistence. Second, defects in T-cell immunity that facilitate HCV persistence and whether they are reversed after antiviral cure to provide protection from reinfection are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Smith
- The Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43004, USA
| | - Jonathan R. Honegger
- The Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43004, USA
| | - Christopher Walker
- The Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43004, USA
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19
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Dong L, He Y, Cao Y, Wang Y, Jia A, Wang Y, Yang Q, Li W, Bi Y, Liu G. Functional differentiation and regulation of follicular T helper cells in inflammation and autoimmunity. Immunology 2020; 163:19-32. [PMID: 33128768 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular T helper (TFH ) cells are specialized T cells that support B cells, which are essential for humoral immunity. TFH cells express the transcription factor B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor (CXCR) 5, the surface receptors programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS), the cytokine IL-21 and other molecules. The activation, proliferation and differentiation of TFH cells are closely related to dynamic changes in cellular metabolism. In this review, we summarize the progress made in understanding the development and functional differentiation of TFH cells. Specifically, we focus on the regulatory mechanisms of TFH cell functional differentiation, including regulatory signalling pathways and the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of TFH cells. In addition, TFH cells are closely related to immune-associated diseases, including infections, autoimmune diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Dong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying He
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yejin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuexin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Anna Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuli Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wanjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujing Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Regulation Biology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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20
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Khanam A, Kottilil S, Wilson E. Reconstitution of T follicular helper-humoral immune axis with elimination of hepatitis C virus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19924. [PMID: 33199783 PMCID: PMC7669852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhaustion of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-specific T cells and abnormal B cell function is a hallmark of chronic HCV infection. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are effective in achieving sustained virologic response (SVR), however, whether successful DAA treatment reconstitute T follicular helper (TFH)-B cell axis in HCV patients is unclear. Here, we aimed to evaluate the immunological changes in global and HCV-specific CD4 + CXCR5 + TFH, CD4 + CXCR5-T and B cells in 20 HCV patients who achieved SVR with Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir for 12 weeks and compared with 15 healthy controls (HC). Global and HCV-specific CD4 + CXCR5 + TFH, CD4 + CXCR5-T and CD19 + B cells had significant phenotypic and functional reconstitution post DAA therapy. Reconstitution of effector, central and terminally differentiated memory cell population and increased ICOS and BCL6 expression was seen in HCV patients at SVR12. HCV-specific cytokines were also improved post DAA. Exhausted and regulatory B cells were declined whereas memory B cells were expanded post DAA therapy. Importantly, frequencies of TFH cells were significantly associated with HCV RNA reduction, expansion of memory B and plasmablasts, while negatively associated with exhausted/regulatory B cells. Our results demonstrate that SVR with DAA therapy is effective in the reconstitution of phenotypic and functional abnormalities of TFH-B cell axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshi Khanam
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, S218, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Shyamasundaran Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, S218, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Eleanor Wilson
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, 725 West Lombard Street, S218, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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21
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Immune system control of hepatitis C virus infection. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 46:36-44. [PMID: 33137689 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global public health problem even though more than 95% of infections can be cured by treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents. Resolution of viremia post antiviral therapy does not lead to protective immunity and therefore reinfections can occur. Immune cell detection of HCV activates signaling pathways that produce interferons and trigger the innate immune response against the virus, preventing HCV replication and spread. Cells in the innate immune system, including natural killer, dendritic, and Kupffer cells, interact with infected hepatocytes and present viral antigens to T and B cells where their effector responses contribute to infection outcome. Despite the immune activation, HCV can evade the host response and establish persistent infection. Plans to understand the correlates of protection and strategies to activate proper innate and adaptive immune responses are needed for development of an effective prophylactic vaccine that stimulates protective immunity and limits HCV transmission.
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22
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Lymphocyte Landscape after Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Cure: The New Normal. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207473. [PMID: 33050486 PMCID: PMC7589490 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HCV (CHC) infection is the only chronic viral infection for which curative treatments have been discovered. These direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents target specific steps in the viral replication cycle with remarkable efficacy and result in sustained virologic response (SVR) or cure in high (>95%) proportions of patients. These treatments became available 6–7 years ago and it is estimated that their real impact on HCV related morbidity, including outcomes such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), will not be known for the next decade or so. The immune system of a chronically infected patient is severely dysregulated and questions remain regarding the immune system’s capacity in limiting liver pathology in a cured individual. Another important consequence of impaired immunity in patients cleared of HCV with DAA will be the inability to generate protective immunity against possible re-infection, necessitating retreatments or developing a prophylactic vaccine. Thus, the impact of viral clearance on restoring immune homeostasis is being investigated by many groups. Among the important questions that need to be answered are how much the immune system normalizes with cure, how long after viral clearance this recalibration occurs, what are the consequences of persisting immune defects for protection from re-infection in vulnerable populations, and does viral clearance reduce liver pathology and the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals cured with these agents. Here, we review the recent literature that describes the defects present in various lymphocyte populations in a CHC patient and their status after viral clearance using DAA treatments.
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23
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Smits M, Zoldan K, Ishaque N, Gu Z, Jechow K, Wieland D, Conrad C, Eils R, Fauvelle C, Baumert TF, Emmerich F, Bengsch B, Neumann-Haefelin C, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Boettler T. Follicular T helper cells shape the HCV-specific CD4+ T cell repertoire after virus elimination. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:998-1009. [PMID: 31697649 DOI: 10.1172/jci129642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a severe impairment of HCV-specific CD4+ T cell help that is driven by chronic antigen stimulation. We aimed to study the fate of HCV-specific CD4+ T cells after virus elimination.METHODSHCV-specific CD4+ T cell responses were longitudinally analyzed using MHC class II tetramer technology, multicolor flow cytometry, and RNA sequencing in a cohort of patients chronically infected with HCV undergoing therapy with direct-acting antivirals. In addition, HCV-specific neutralizing antibodies and CXCL13 levels were analyzed.RESULTSWe observed that the frequency of HCV-specific CD4+ T cells increased within 2 weeks after initiating direct-acting antiviral therapy. Multicolor flow cytometry revealed a downregulation of exhaustion and activation markers and an upregulation of memory-associated markers. Although cells with a Th1 phenotype were the predominant subset at baseline, cells with phenotypic and transcriptional characteristics of follicular T helper cells increasingly shaped the circulating HCV-specific CD4+ T cell repertoire, suggesting antigen-independent survival of this subset. These changes were accompanied by a decline of HCV-specific neutralizing antibodies and the germinal center activity.CONCLUSIONWe identified a population of HCV-specific CD4+ T cells with a follicular T helper cell signature that is maintained after therapy-induced elimination of persistent infection and may constitute an important target population for vaccination efforts to prevent reinfection and immunotherapeutic approaches for persistent viral infections.FUNDINGDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the European Union, the Berta-Ottenstein-Programme for Advanced Clinician Scientists, and the ANRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Smits
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Naveed Ishaque
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Center for Personalised Oncology (DKFZ-HIPO), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zuguang Gu
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Center for Personalised Oncology (DKFZ-HIPO), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Jechow
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominik Wieland
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Conrad
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Center for Personalised Oncology (DKFZ-HIPO), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Catherine Fauvelle
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Pole Hépato-digestif, Institut Hopitalo-Universitaire, Hopitaux Universitaires Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Florian Emmerich
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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24
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Binder B, Thimme R. CD4+ T cell responses in human viral infection: lessons from hepatitis C. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:595-597. [PMID: 31904589 DOI: 10.1172/jci133222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global problem. While some HCV infections resolve spontaneously, viral persistence associates with compromised T cell immunity. In this issue of the JCI, Chen et al. and Coss et al. explored virus-specific CD4+ T cell response during HCV infection. Both studies evaluated the HCV-specific T cells of patients with different courses of infection. Chen et al. revealed that initial CD4+ T cell responses are similar during early infection and that T cell failure resulted from loss of the virus-specific T cells themselves. Coss et al. showed that HCV-specific CD4+ T cells temporarily recovered in some women following childbirth. These studies contribute to our understanding of CD4+ T cell functionality during different natural courses of infection, with the notable implication that restoring CD4+ T cell immunity might contribute to controlling HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Binder
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,IMM-PACT Clinician Scientist Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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25
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Niessl J, Baxter AE, Morou A, Brunet-Ratnasingham E, Sannier G, Gendron-Lepage G, Richard J, Delgado GG, Brassard N, Turcotte I, Fromentin R, Bernard NF, Chomont N, Routy JP, Dubé M, Finzi A, Kaufmann DE. Persistent expansion and Th1-like skewing of HIV-specific circulating T follicular helper cells during antiretroviral therapy. EBioMedicine 2020; 54:102727. [PMID: 32268275 PMCID: PMC7136607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Untreated HIV infection leads to alterations in HIV-specific CD4+ T cells including increased expression of co-inhibitory receptors (IRs) and skewing toward a T follicular helper cell (Tfh) signature. However, which changes are maintained after suppression of viral replication with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is poorly known. Methods We analyzed blood CD4+ T cells specific to HIV and comparative viral antigens in ART-treated people using a cytokine-independent activation-induced marker assay alone or in combination with functional readouts. Findings In intra-individual comparisons, HIV-specific CD4+ T cells were characterized by a larger fraction of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells than CMV- and HBV-specific cells and preferentially expressed multiple IRs and showed elevated production of the Tfh cytokines CXCL13 and IL-21. In addition, HIV-specific cTfh exhibited a predominant Th1-like phenotype and function when compared to cTfh of other specificities, contrasting with a reduction in Th1-functions in HIV-specific non-cTfh. Using longitudinal samples, we demonstrate that this distinct HIV-specific cTfh profile was induced during chronic untreated HIV infection, persisted on ART and correlated with the translation-competent HIV reservoir but not with the total HIV DNA reservoir. Interpretation Expansion and altered features of HIV-specific cTfh cells are maintained during ART and may be driven by persistent HIV antigen expression. Funding This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the FRQS AIDS and Infectious Diseases Network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Niessl
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development (CHAVD), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Amy E Baxter
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development (CHAVD), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Antigoni Morou
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elsa Brunet-Ratnasingham
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gérémy Sannier
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Gendron-Lepage
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jonathan Richard
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gloria-Gabrielle Delgado
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Brassard
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Turcotte
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rémi Fromentin
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole F Bernard
- Chronic Viral Illnesses Service and Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chomont
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Chronic Viral Illnesses Service and Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Dubé
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrés Finzi
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel E Kaufmann
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) and Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada; Consortium for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development (CHAVD), La Jolla, CA, United States.
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26
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Salinas E, Grakoui A. Monkey in the Middle: Dynamics of Interspecies Antibody Responses. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:820-822. [PMID: 31926168 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Salinas
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University and, Division of Infectious Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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27
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Envelope-Specific IgG3 and IgG1 Responses Are Associated with Clearance of Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viruses 2020; 12:v12010075. [PMID: 31936235 PMCID: PMC7019651 DOI: 10.3390/v12010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be cleared naturally in a subset of individuals. However, the asymptomatic nature of acute HCV infection makes the study of the early immune response and defining the correlates of protection challenging. Despite this, there is now strong evidence implicating the humoral immune response, specifically neutralising antibodies, in determining the clearance or chronicity outcomes of primary HCV infection. In general, immunoglobulin G (IgG) plays the major role in viral neutralisation. However, there are limited investigations of anti-HCV envelope protein 2 (E2) isotypes (IgM, IgG, IgA) and IgG subclasses (IgG1-4) in early HCV infection. In this study, using a rare cohort of 14 very recently HCV-infected individuals (4-45 days) with varying disease outcome (n = 7 clearers), the timing and potency of anti-HCV E2 isotypes and IgG subclasses were examined longitudinally, in relation to neutralising antibody activity. Clearance was associated with anti-E2 IgG, specifically IgG1 and IgG3, and appeared essential to prevent the emergence of new HCV variants and the chronic infection outcome. Interestingly, these IgG responses were accompanied by IgM antibodies and were associated with neutralising antibody activity in the subjects who cleared infection. These findings provide novel insights into the early humoral immune response characteristics associated with HCV disease outcome.
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28
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Wen B, Zhang J, Liu W, Tang P, Xie T, Huang L, Hu Y, Jin K, Zhang P, Liu Z, Niu L, Qu X. HBV coinfection with HCV alters circulating Tfh cell distribution and impairs HCV neutralizing antibody responses. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1002-1010. [PMID: 30972873 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection reciprocally influences viral replication and host defence responses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of HBV coinfection on circulating T follicular helper cell (cTfh) distribution and the HCV neutralizing antibody (nAb) response. HCV neutralizing antibody responses were measured in individuals with HCV monoinfection (n = 83) and HBV/HCV coinfection (n = 78) using the HCV pseudoparticle neutralization assay. The frequencies of cTfh cells and their subsets in HCV monoinfection (n = 34) and HBV/HCV coinfection (n = 30) were analysed by flow cytometry. The correlations of clinical parameters, cTfh cells and neutralizing antibody responses were analysed. Compared with HCV monoinfection, the HBV coinfection group showed significantly lower HCV neutralizing antibody responses (P < 0.001) and a decreased frequency of circulating Th1-like Tfh cells (Tfh1) (P = 0.004). In HCV monoinfection, the frequency of the Tfh1 subset was positively correlated with HCV neutralizing antibody responses (R = 0.378, P = 0.03), but this correlation was lost under HBV/HCV coinfection (R = 0.115, P = 0.551). In contrast, the frequency of circulating Th2-like Tfh cells (Tfh2) was negatively correlated with the HCV neutralizing antibody responses (R = 0.404, P = 0.003). Further analysis showed that HBV coinfection enhanced the Tfh2 subset composition within cTfh cells (P < 0.001), which was associated with serum HBsAg in HBV/HCV coinfection (R = 0.521, P = 0.003). As expected, HBsAg also exhibited an inverse association with HCV neutralizing antibody responses in HBV/HCV coinfection (R = 0.59, P < 0.001). In contrast to HCV monoinfection, HBV/HCV coinfection leads to altered cTfh cell distribution and impaired HCV neutralizing antibody responses, which are associated with HBsAg. These findings will be helpful for better understanding the immunopathogenesis of HBV/HCV coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wen
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Wenpei Liu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China.,Affiliated The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Tang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Yabin Hu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Jin
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Niu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaowang Qu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, China.,Affiliated The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
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29
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Role of allergen-specific T-follicular helper cells in immunotherapy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 18:495-501. [PMID: 30124489 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The discovery of novel T-cell subsets including follicular helper T (Tfh) cells has broadened our knowledge on the complex immune networks in allergic diseases. This review summarizes the evidence for Tfh cells in controlling immune responses to allergens with a particular focus on immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and discusses the implication of such regulation in allergen-specific immunotherapy. RECENT FINDINGS Tfh cells support the production of IgE in animal models for allergic diseases. Among Tfh cells, the type 2 subset (Tfh2) is considered as the major player that secretes IL-4 and promotes the isotype switching to IgE. In human inflammatory airway diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and nasal polyps, the increased frequencies of circulating or tissue Tfh2 cells have been reported. Notably, the frequencies of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1 (Der p 1)-specific IL-4 Tfh cells in blood positively correlated with serum Der p-specific IgE levels in allergic rhinitis patients. After allergen immunotherapy (AIT), Der p 1-specific IL-4 Tfh cells declined in allergic rhinitis patients, which associated with the remission of clinical symptoms. SUMMARY Allergen-specific IL-4 Tfh cells contribute to the production of allergen-specific IgE and correlate with clinical efficacy of AIT in allergic rhinitis patients, which suggest allergen-specific Tfh cells as a promising therapeutic target and biomarker for AIT in allergic rhinitis.
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30
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Zhang J, Liu W, Wen B, Xie T, Tang P, Hu Y, Huang L, Jin K, Zhang P, Liu Z, Niu L, Qu X. Circulating CXCR3 + Tfh cells positively correlate with neutralizing antibody responses in HCV-infected patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10090. [PMID: 31300682 PMCID: PMC6626020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46533-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) cells have been identified as counterparts of germinal center Tfh (GC Tfh) cells in humans and can support T-dependent B cell maturation and antibody production in vitro. However, the role of cTfh cells in neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses in HCV infection remains unclear. Here, we characterized the phenotype and function of cTfh cells and demonstrated the associations of cTfh cells and their subsets with nAb responses in HCV infection. A total of 38 HCV-infected individuals and 28 healthy controls were enrolled from a pool of injection drug users. The frequency and function of blood Tfh cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The titers and breadths of serum nAbs were measured using HCV pseudo-particle neutralization assays. Herein, we report several key observations. First, HCV infection skewed cTfh toward CXCR3+ cTfh cell differentiation. Second, the frequency of CXCR3+ cTfh cells positively correlated with HCV nAb titers and breadths. Third, CXCR3+ cTfh cells showed higher expression of Tfh-associated molecules (PD-1, ICOS, IL-21, Bcl-6) compared with CXCR3− cTfh cells from individuals with HCV infection. Coculture of cTfh cells and autologous memory B cells in vitro indicated that CXCR3+ cTfh cells show a superior ability to support HCV E2-specific B cell expansion compared with CXCR3− cTfh cells from individuals with HCV infection. HCV infection skews cTfh cells toward CXCR3-biased Tfh cell differentiation, which positively correlates with the magnitude and breadth of the HCV nAb response. It is our hope that these findings will provide insights for the rational design of a nAb-based HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Wenpei Liu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China.,Affiliated The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Bo Wen
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ping Tang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Yabin Hu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Kun Jin
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ling Niu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Xiaowang Qu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China. .,Affiliated The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China.
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31
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Zhang J, Liu W, Xie T, Huang L, Hu Y, Wen B, Tang P, Guo F, Jin K, Zhang P, Niu L, Liu Z, Qu X. Elevated LAG-3 on CD4 + T cells negatively correlates with neutralizing antibody response during HCV infection. Immunol Lett 2019; 212:46-52. [PMID: 31216427 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), an inhibitory molecule, which has been shown co-expressed with multiple inhibitory receptors on CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells and negatively regulates T and NK cell responses during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, whether LAG-3 is involved in the regulation of the antibody response remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the relationship of LAG-3 with neutralizing antibody (nAb) response during HCV infection. A total of 66 HCV-infected individuals and 36 sex- and age-matched healthy controls from a population of intravenous drug users were recruited. Circulating follicular helper T (cTfh) cells and LAG-3-expressing CD4+ T cells, type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Serum nAb response of HCV-infected individuals was determined using pseudoparticle neutralization assays. We found that HCV infection enhanced LAG-3 expression on CD4+ T cells and exhibited regulatory T cell-like phenotype and inversely associated with the HCV nAb response. Further analysis showed that frequency of CXCR3+ cTfh cells positively correlated with nAb response, however LAG-3+ CD4+ T cells inversely associated with CXCR3+ cTfh cells. This study observed that LAG-3+ CD4+ T cells exhibit a regulatory cell phenotype and negatively associate with the HCV nAb response, implying that LAG-3 may be involved in the negative regulation of humoral immunity during HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Wenpei Liu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China; Affiliated The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ting Xie
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Yabin Hu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Bo Wen
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ping Tang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Fengfan Guo
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Kun Jin
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ling Niu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Ziyan Liu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China
| | - Xiaowang Qu
- Translational Medicine Institute, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, University of South China, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China; Affiliated The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, Southern Medical University, Chenzhou, Hunan, 423000, China.
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32
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Tian MX, Liu WR, Wang H, Zhou YF, Jin L, Jiang XF, Tao CY, Tang Z, Zhou PY, Fang Y, Qu WF, Ding ZB, Peng YF, Dai Z, Qiu SJ, Zhou J, Lau WY, Fan J, Shi YH. Tissue-infiltrating lymphocytes signature predicts survival in patients with early/intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Med 2019; 17:106. [PMID: 31164128 PMCID: PMC6549297 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1341-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intratumoral immune infiltrates have manifested a robust prognostic signature in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We hypothesized that a novel tissue-related immune signature (TRIS) could improve the prediction of postoperative survival for patients diagnosed with early/intermediate HCC. METHODS Twenty-eight immune features were immunohistochemically examined on 352 HCC specimens. The LASSO Cox regression model was used to construct a five-feature-based TRIS. The univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed. Based on independent predictors, the immune-clinical prognostic index (ICPI) was established. Performance assessment was measured with C-index and compared with seven traditional staging systems. The independent validation cohort (n = 393) was included to validate the model. RESULTS By using the LASSO method, the TRIS were constructed on the basis of five immune features, CD3intratumoral (T), CD27T, CD68peritumoral (P), CD103T, and PD1T. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the TRIS was an independent prognostic predictor. In the training cohort, γ-glutamyl transferase, tumor diameter, tumor differentiation, and TRIS were incorporated into the ICPI. The ICPI presented satisfactory discrimination ability, with C-index values of 0.691 and 0.686 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Compared with seven conventional staging systems (C-index, training cohort, 0.548-0.597; validation cohort, 0.519-0.610), the ICPI exhibited better performance for early/intermediate-stage HCCs. Further, the patients were categorized into three subgroups with X-tile software, and the stratified ICPI presented a superior corrected Akaike information criterion and homogeneity in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Our ICPI was a useful and reliable prognostic tool which may offer good individualized prediction capability for HCC patients with early/intermediate stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Xin Tian
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Ren Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Fu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Fei Jiang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Yang Tao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei-Yun Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Feng Qu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Bin Ding
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Fei Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan Yee Lau
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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Jacobi FJ, Wild K, Smits M, Zoldan K, Csernalabics B, Flecken T, Lang J, Ehrenmann P, Emmerich F, Hofmann M, Thimme R, Neumann-Haefelin C, Boettler T. OX40 stimulation and PD-L1 blockade synergistically augment HBV-specific CD4 T cells in patients with HBeAg-negative infection. J Hepatol 2019; 70:1103-1113. [PMID: 30826436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Current antiviral therapies lack the potential to eliminate persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HBV-specific T cells are crucial for HBV control and have recently been shown to be protective in patients following discontinuation of antiviral therapy. Thus, T cell-based approaches may greatly improve the therapeutic landscape of HBV infection. We aimed to augment HBV-specific CD4 T cells from chronically infected patients by targeting different immunological pathways. METHODS Expression of various co-stimulatory and inhibitory receptors on HBV- and influenza-specific CD4 T cells was analyzed directly ex vivo by MHC class II-tetramers. Patients infected with HBV genotype D were screened for CD4 T cell responses by IFN-γ ELISpot and intracellular cytokine staining following stimulation with overlapping peptides (OLPs) spanning the HBV-polyprotein. Stimulation with recombinant IL-7, an agonistic OX40-antibody or blockade of PD-L1 was performed in antigen-specific in vitro cultures. Cytokine secretion and expression of transcription factors were analyzed by flow cytometry. Responses targeting influenza, Epstein-Barr virus and tetanus toxoid served as controls. RESULTS Tetramer-staining revealed that the IL-7 receptor-alpha (CD127), OX40 and PD-1 constitute possible therapeutic targets as they were all strongly expressed on HBV-specific CD4 T cells ex vivo. The HBV-specific CD4 T cell responses identified by OLP screening targeted predominantly the HBV-polymerase and core proteins. Combined OX40 stimulation and PD-L1 blockade significantly augmented IFN-γ and IL-21 producing HBV-specific CD4 T cells in vitro, suggesting active T helper type 1 cell and follicular T helper cell programs. Indeed, transcription factors T-bet and Bcl6 were strongly expressed in cytokine-producing cells. CONCLUSIONS Combined OX40 stimulation and PD-L1 blockade augmented secretion of the helper T cell signature cytokines IFN-γ and IL-21, suggesting that immunotherapeutic approaches can improve HBV-specific CD4 T cell responses. LAY SUMMARY CD4 T cells are important in controlling viral infections but are impaired in the context of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Therapeutic approaches to cure chronic HBV infection are highly likely to require an immune-stimulatory component. This study demonstrates that HBV-specific CD4 T cells can be functionally augmented by combined stimulation of the co-stimulatory molecule OX40 and blockade of the inhibitory PD-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Johannes Jacobi
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wild
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Smits
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Csernalabics
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Flecken
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Lang
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Ehrenmann
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Emmerich
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
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Sánchez-Vargas LA, Mathew A. Peripheral follicular helper T cells in acute viral diseases: a perspective on dengue. Future Virol 2019; 14:161-169. [PMID: 31073324 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Follicular helper T cells (TFH) are a predominant subset of CD4+ T cells specialized in providing help to B cells in germinal centers and necessary to generate T cell-dependent antibody responses. Peripheral TFH (pTFH) are the counterpart of TFH found in the circulation, which resemble TFH in many aspects of their phenotype and function. The CD4+ pTFH subset has received a lot of interest recently because they are easy to access and have the potential to serve as a biomarker for long-lasting humoral immunity. This review will discuss recent findings of pTFH in human acute viral diseases with a focus on dengue infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Sánchez-Vargas
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Institute for Immunology & Informatics, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Anuja Mathew
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Institute for Immunology & Informatics, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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35
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Follicular helper T cell and memory B cell immunity in CHC patients. J Mol Med (Berl) 2019; 97:397-407. [PMID: 30666346 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-01735-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with biological activity of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and memory B cells (MBCs). However, the nature of Tfh cell subsets that are responsible for MBCs in CHC patients has not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate Tfh and MBC immunity before and after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in patients with CHC. A total of 31 CHC patients and 15 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Individual patients were treated with sofosbuvir/ribavirin (SOF/RBV) or in combination with pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN-α-2a) for 12 weeks. Immunofluorescence revealed the frequency of ICOS+CD4+CXCR5+ active Tfh cells in liver tissue of CHC patients was higher than that of healthy control. Tfh and B cell co-culture experiments showed that Tfh2 cells from CHC patients have potential ability to induce B cell differentiation and IgG production. Flow cytometry showed that the frequencies of CD21-CD27+IgD- activated MBCs, ICOS+CD4+CXCR5+ activated Tfh cells, Tfh1 (IFN-γ+CD4+CXCR5+) cells, and Tfh2 (IL-4+CD4+CXCR5+) cells, but not of Tfh17 (IL-17+CD4+CXCR5+) cells, increased in CHC patients before and after DAA therapy. Collectively, ICOS+ Tfh, Tfh1, Tfh2 cells, and MBCs participated in the antiviral treatment process of SOF/RBV with or without PEG-IFN-α-2a in CHC patients, and their activity was further enhanced during the treatment. KEY MESSAGES: This study aimed to investigate Tfh cells and MBC immunity in CHC patients. CD21-CD27+IgD- activated MBCs increased in CHC patients before and after treatment. Tfh1 and Tfh2 cells increased in CHC patients before and after antiviral treatment. Intrahepatic activated Tfh cells increased in CHC patients before treatment. Tfh2 cells from CHC patients have a stronger ability to induce B cell differentiation.
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36
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Luxenburger H, Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R, Boettler T. HCV-Specific T Cell Responses During and After Chronic HCV Infection. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110645. [PMID: 30453612 PMCID: PMC6265781 DOI: 10.3390/v10110645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell responses are closely linked to the clinical course of infection. While T cell responses in self-limiting infection are typically broad and multi-specific, they display several distinct features of functional impairment in the chronic phase. Moreover, HCV readily adapts to immune pressure by developing escape mutations within epitopes targeted by T cells. Much of our current knowledge on HCV-specific T cell responses has been gathered under the assumption that this might eventually pave the way for a therapeutic vaccine. However, with the development of highly efficient direct acting antivirals (DAAs), there is less interest in the development of a therapeutic vaccine for HCV and the scope of T cell research has shifted. Indeed, the possibility to rapidly eradicate an antigen that has persisted over years or decades, and has led to T cell exhaustion and dysfunction, provides the unique opportunity to study potential T cell recovery after antigen cessation in a human in vivo setting. Findings from such studies not only improve our basic understanding of T cell immunity but may also advance immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer or chronic hepatitis B and D infection. Moreover, in order to edge closer to the WHO goal of HCV elimination by 2030, a prophylactic vaccine is clearly required. Thus, in this review, we will summarize our current knowledge on HCV-specific T cell responses and also provide an outlook on the open questions that require answers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Luxenburger
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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37
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Burton AR, Pallett LJ, McCoy LE, Suveizdyte K, Amin OE, Swadling L, Alberts E, Davidson BR, Kennedy PT, Gill US, Mauri C, Blair PA, Pelletier N, Maini MK. Circulating and intrahepatic antiviral B cells are defective in hepatitis B. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4588-4603. [PMID: 30091725 PMCID: PMC6159997 DOI: 10.1172/jci121960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
B cells are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in the ongoing control of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The development of antibodies against the viral surface antigen (HBV surface antigen [HBsAgs]) constitutes the hallmark of resolution of acute infection and is a therapeutic goal for functional cure of chronic HBV (CHB). We characterized B cells directly ex vivo from the blood and liver of patients with CHB to investigate constraints on their antiviral potential. Unexpectedly, we found that HBsAg-specific B cells persisted in the blood and liver of many patients with CHB and were enriched for T-bet, a signature of antiviral potential in B cells. However, purified, differentiated HBsAg-specific B cells from patients with CHB had defective antibody production, consistent with undetectable anti-HBs antibodies in vivo. HBsAg-specific and global B cells had an accumulation of CD21-CD27- atypical memory B cells (atMBC) with high expression of inhibitory receptors, including PD-1. These atMBC demonstrated altered signaling, homing, differentiation into antibody-producing cells, survival, and antiviral/proinflammatory cytokine production that could be partially rescued by PD-1 blockade. Analysis of B cells within healthy and HBV-infected livers implicated the combination of this tolerogenic niche and HBV infection in driving PD-1hiatMBC and impairing B cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R. Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Laura J. Pallett
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Laura E. McCoy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Kornelija Suveizdyte
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Oliver E. Amin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Leo Swadling
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Elena Alberts
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Brian R. Davidson
- Department of Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Upkar S. Gill
- Centre for Immunobiology, Barts and the London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Mauri
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. Blair
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mala K. Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
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38
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Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R. Entering the spotlight: hepatitis B surface antigen-specific B cells. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4257-4259. [PMID: 30222139 DOI: 10.1172/jci124098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus-specific (HBV-specific) T cells have been identified as main effector cells in HBV clearance. In contrast, B cells producing neutralizing antibodies against the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) have been studied in little detail, mainly due to methodical limitations. In this issue of the JCI, two reports use a new technique to specifically detect and characterize HBsAg-specific B cells ex vivo. Indeed, these cells are present, but show phenotypic alterations and impaired function during acute and chronic HBV infection. Thus, HBsAg-specific B cells are a novel attractive target for antiviral strategies toward functional cure of chronic HBV infection.
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39
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Wang L, Cao D, Wang L, Zhao J, Nguyen LN, Dang X, Ji Y, Wu XY, Morrison ZD, Xie Q, El Gazzar M, Ning S, Moorman JP, Yao ZQ. HCV-associated exosomes promote myeloid-derived suppressor cell expansion via inhibiting miR-124 to regulate T follicular cell differentiation and function. Cell Discov 2018; 4:51. [PMID: 30210805 PMCID: PMC6131392 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0052-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-infected cells can regulate non-permissive bystander cells, but the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here we report that this process can be mediated by transfer of viral RNA-loaded exosomes shed from infected cells to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which in turn regulate the differentiation and function of T cells during viral infection. Specifically, we demonstrated that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection exhibited significant increases in T follicular regulatory (TFR) cells and decreases in T follicular helper (TFH) cells. These MDSC-mediated T-cell dysregulations resulted in an increased ratio of TFR/TFH and IL-10 production in peripheral blood. Specifically, co-culture of MDSCs derived from HCV patients with healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) induced expansion of TFR, whereas depletion of MDSCs from PBMCs of HCV patients reduced the increases in TFR frequency and IL-10 production, and promoted the differentiation of IFN-γ-producing TFH cells. Importantly, we found that exosomes isolated from the plasma of HCV patients and supernatant of HCV-infected hepatocytes could drive monocytic myeloid cell differentiation into MDSCs. These exosomes were enriched in tetraspanins, such as CD63 and CD81, and contained HCV RNA, but exosomes isolated from patients with antiviral treatment contained no HCV RNA and could not induce MDSC differentiation. Notably, these HCV RNA-containing exosomes (HCV-Exo) were sufficient to induce MDSCs. Furthermore, incubation of healthy myeloid cells with these HCV-Exo inhibited the expression of miR-124, whereas reconstitution of PBMCs with miR-124 abolished the effects of HCV-Exo on MDSC induction. Taken together, these results indicate that HCV-associated exosomes can transfer immunomodulatory viral RNA from infected cells to neighboring immune cells and trigger MDSC expansion, which subsequently promotes TFR differentiation and inhibits TFH function. This study reveals a previously unrecognized path that represents a novel mechanism of immune dysregulation during chronic viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Center of Infectious Disease, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015 China
| | - Dechao Cao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Juan Zhao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Lam Nhat Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Xindi Dang
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Yingjie Ji
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Center of Cadre Health Care, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100000 China
| | - Xiao Y. Wu
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Zheng D. Morrison
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Qian Xie
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Mohamed El Gazzar
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Shunbin Ning
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Jonathan P. Moorman
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Hepatitis (HCV/HIV) Program, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Zhi Q. Yao
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Division of Infectious, Inflammatory and Immunologic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Quillen College of Medicine, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
- Hepatitis (HCV/HIV) Program, James H. Quillen VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
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Adam L, Zoldan K, Hofmann M, Schultheiss M, Bettinger D, Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R, Böettler T. Follicular T Helper Cell Signatures in Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:1051-1063. [PMID: 30202820 PMCID: PMC6128229 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are the most common cholestatic liver diseases. While PBC is generally accepted to be an autoimmune disorder characterized by pathognomonic autoantibodies against mitochondrial antigens, the pathogenesis of PSC is less precisely defined; however, some degree of altered immunity toward autoantigens has been suggested. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells, a distinct clusters of differentiation (CD)4 T‐cell subset specialized in facilitating antibody responses, have been shown to contribute to humoral autoimmunity in various disorders; yet, there is only limited information on possible alterations of Tfh cells in the context of cholestatic liver diseases. Thus, we addressed this important question by analyzing the frequency, activation status, and function of Tfh cells and frequencies of regulatory follicular T helper (Tfr) cells in well‐defined cohorts of patients with PBC and patients with PSC. Interestingly, we observed a significant increase in circulating chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 5 (CXCR5)+programmed death 1 (PD‐1) +CD4+ Tfh cells in patients with PBC but not in those with PSC. Although the frequency of potentially pathogenic chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 7 (CCR7)lowCXCR5+PD‐1+CD4+ Tfh cells was increased in both disorders compared to healthy donors, the increase was significantly more pronounced in PBC. Furthermore, in patients with PBC, Tfh cells displayed stronger expression of the activation markers OX40 and inducible costimulator of T cells, correlated with anti‐anti‐mitochondrial antibody M2 and immunoglobulin M titers, and were most significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis. Tfr cell numbers were similarly increased; however, Tfh/Tfr ratios were unaltered in PSC and PBC. These alterations did not correlate with increased secretion of the Tfh signature cytokine interleukin‐21 in sorted CD4 T cells. Conclusion: Significant alterations occur in the Tfh cell compartment in cholestatic liver diseases, suggesting that Tfh cells influence the pathogenesis of PBC and to a lesser extend PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Adam
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Michael Schultheiss
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Dominik Bettinger
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany.,Berta-Ottenstein Program, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Tobias Böettler
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Cewnter, Faculty of Medicine University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
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Mazouz S, Boisvert M, Shoukry NH, Lamarre D. Reversing immune dysfunction and liver damage after direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:78-105. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.1.2.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of small molecules targeting viral functions has caused a paradigm shift in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. Administration of these direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieves a complete cure in almost all treated patients with short-duration therapy and minimal side effects. Although this is a major improvement over the previous pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFNα/RBV) standard-of-care treatment for HCV, remaining questions address several aspects of the long-term benefits of DAA therapy. Interferon (IFN)-based treatment with successful outcome was associated with substantial reduction in liver disease–related mortality. However, emerging data suggest a complex picture and several confounding factors that influence the effect of both IFN-based and DAA therapies on immune restoration and limiting liver disease progression. We review current knowledge of restoration of innate and HCV-specific immune responses in DAA-mediated viral elimination in chronic HCV infection, and we identify future research directions to achieve long-term benefits in all cured patients and reduce HCV-related liver disease morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Mazouz
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Maude Boisvert
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Lamarre
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Harnessing T Follicular Helper Cell Responses for HIV Vaccine Development. Viruses 2018; 10:v10060336. [PMID: 29921828 PMCID: PMC6024737 DOI: 10.3390/v10060336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Passive administration of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) capable of recognizing a broad range of viral strains to non-human primates has led to protection from infection with chimeric SIV/HIV virus (SHIV). This data suggests that generating protective antibody responses could be an effective strategy for an HIV vaccine. However, classic vaccine approaches have failed so far to induce such protective antibodies in HIV vaccine trials. HIV-specific bNAbs identified in natural infection show high levels of somatic hypermutations, demonstrating that they underwent extensive affinity maturation. It is likely that to gain ability to recognize diverse viral strains, vaccine-induced humoral responses will also require complex, iterative maturation. T follicular helper cells (Tfh) are a specialized CD4+ T cell subset that provides help to B cells in the germinal center for the generation of high-affinity and long-lasting humoral responses. It is therefore probable that the quality and quantity of Tfh responses upon vaccination will impact development of bNAbs. Here, we review studies that advanced our understanding of Tfh differentiation, function and regulation. We discuss correlates of Tfh responses and bNAb development in natural HIV infection. Finally, we highlight recent strategies to optimize Tfh responses upon vaccination and their impact on prophylactic HIV vaccine research.
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Wu X, Su Z, Cai B, Yan L, Li Y, Feng W, Wang L. Increased Circulating Follicular Regulatory T-Like Cells May Play a Critical Role in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Disease Progression. Viral Immunol 2018; 31:379-388. [PMID: 29683413 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2017.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhenzhen Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bei Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yamei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Weihua Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lanlan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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Immunological responses following administration of a genotype 1a/1b/2/3a quadrivalent HCV VLP vaccine. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6483. [PMID: 29691437 PMCID: PMC5915487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The significant public health problem of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been partially addressed with the advent of directly acting antiviral agents (DAAs). However, the development of an effective preventative vaccine would have a significant impact on HCV incidence and would represent a major advance towards controlling and possibly eradicating HCV globally. We previously reported a genotype 1a HCV viral-like particle (VLP) vaccine that produced neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and T cell responses to HCV. To advance this approach, we produced a quadrivalent genotype 1a/1b/2a/3a HCV VLP vaccine to produce broader immune responses. We show that this quadrivalent vaccine produces antibody and NAb responses together with strong T and B cell responses in vaccinated mice. Moreover, selective neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs) targeting conserved antigenic domain B and D epitopes of the E2 protein bound strongly to the HCV VLPs, suggesting that these critical epitopes are expressed on the surface of the particles. Our findings demonstrate that a quadrivalent HCV VLP based vaccine induces broad humoral and cellular immune responses that will be necessary for protection against HCV. Such a vaccine could provide a substantial addition to highly active antiviral drugs in eliminating HCV.
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Zhang ZH, Jiang BC, Liu XH, Zhang MX, Li ZSN, Zhu GZ. Interleukin-7 Regulates T Follicular Helper Cell Function in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Viral Immunol 2018; 31:417-425. [PMID: 29672235 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling through interleukin (IL)-7 is essential and required for development, differentiation, proliferation, and homeostasis of T cells. However, the role of IL-7 in regulation of CD4+ T cells in chronic viral infections was not fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of IL-7 to T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and its contribution to pathogenesis of chronic HCV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A total of 47 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 19 normal controls were enrolled. Serum IL-7 and proportion of Tfh cells was measured. The regulatory function of IL-7 to Tfh cells was also investigated in CD4+ T cells and CD4+ T/HCVcc-infected Huh7.5 cell cocultured system. Serum IL-7 concentration was significantly downregulated in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and was negatively correlated with HCV RNA level. Tfh frequency and Tfh-associated cytokines (IL-21 and IL-6) were also reduced in chronic HCV-infected patients. Moreover, recombinant IL-7 stimulation elevated proportion of Tfh cells and IL-21/IL-6 secretion in both HCV-specific and nonspecific manners. Furthermore, IL-7-treated CD4+ T cells exhibited elevated antiviral activities without killing infected hepatocytes, which presented as inhibition of HCV RNA, induction of antiviral proteins, and promotion of cytokine production (especially IL-21) in cocultured system. This process might be dependent on IL-6 secretion. The current data revealed that IL-7 regulated HCV-specific and nonspecific activated Tfh cells, which might contribute to viral clearance. IL-7 could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Zhang
- 1 Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine , Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ben-Chun Jiang
- 1 Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine , Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Liu
- 2 The Geriatric Department, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Meng-Xuan Zhang
- 3 Clinical Medicine College, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine , Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Zhen-Sheng-Nan Li
- 4 Clinical Medicine College, Jilin University , Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Guang-Ze Zhu
- 1 Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine , Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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Cobb DA, Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR, Hahn YS, Hahn YS. Hepatocyte-derived exosomes promote T follicular regulatory cell expansion during hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatology 2018; 67:71-85. [PMID: 28749570 PMCID: PMC5739980 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern that can cause severe liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Control of HCV requires vigorous T-cell responses, yet CD4+ T cells in chronic HCV patients are dysfunctional. T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells are a subset of regulatory T cells that suppress T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and the generation of high affinity antibody-producing B cells. In this study, we examined the accumulation of Tfr cells in the liver compartment during chronic HCV infection and defined the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying their expansion. Our analysis revealed a substantial population of Tfr cells in livers of chronic HCV patients that is absent in liver tissues from nonviral hepatitis or healthy subjects. Coculture of PBMCs from healthy subjects with HCV-infected hepatoma cells resulted in preferential expansion of circulating Tfr cells, leading to suppression of Tfh cells. Additionally, coculture of tonsillar cells with infected hepatoma cells lead to an expansion of germinal center Tfr. Notably, expansion was mediated by transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-containing exosomes released from HCV-infected hepatocytes given that blockade of exosome-associated TGF-β or inhibition of exosome release abrogated Tfr expansion. CONCLUSION These results show that liver-derived exosomes play a pivotal role in the accumulation of Tfr cells, likely leading to suppression of Tfh responses in HCV-infected patients. Our study identifies a novel pathway in which HCV infection in hepatocytes exacerbates Tfr cell responses to subvert antiviral immunity. (Hepatology 2018;67:71-85).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin A. Cobb
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Hugo R. Rosen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville,Corresponding author: Young S. Hahn, UVA-Beirne Carter Center, 345 Crispell Dr. MR6 Bldg Room 3713, Charlottesville, VA 22908-1386, Telephone number: 434-924-1155, Fax number: 434-924-1221,
| | - Young S. Hahn
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research; University of Virginia; Charlottesville VA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology; University of Virginia; Charlottesville VA
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Vella LA, Herati RS, Wherry EJ. CD4 + T Cell Differentiation in Chronic Viral Infections: The Tfh Perspective. Trends Mol Med 2017; 23:1072-1087. [PMID: 29137933 PMCID: PMC5886740 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play a critical role in the response to chronic viral infections during the acute phase and in the partial containment of infections once chronic infection is established. As infection persists, the virus-specific CD4+ T cell response begins to shift in phenotype. The predominant change described in both mouse and human studies of chronic viral infection is a decrease in detectable T helper type (Th)1 responses. Some Th1 loss is due to decreased proliferative potential and decreased cytokine production in the setting of chronic antigen exposure. However, recent data suggest that Th1 dysfunction is accompanied by a shift in the differentiation pathway of virus-specific CD4+ T cells, with enrichment for cells with a T follicular helper cell (Tfh) phenotype. A Tfh-like program during chronic infection has now been identified in virus-specific CD8+ T cells as well. In this review, we discuss what is known about CD4+ T cell differentiation in chronic viral infections, with a focus on the emergence of the Tfh program and the implications of this shift with respect to Tfh function and the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Vella
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Ramin S Herati
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - E John Wherry
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Torresi J. The Rationale for a Preventative HCV Virus-Like Particle (VLP) Vaccine. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2163. [PMID: 29163442 PMCID: PMC5674006 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HCV represents a global health problem with ~200 million individuals currently infected, worldwide. With the high cost of antiviral therapies, the global burden of chronic hepatitis C infection (CHCV) infection will be substantially reduced by the development of an effective vaccine for HCV. The field of HCV vaccines is generally divided into proponents of strategies to induce neutralizing antibodies (NAb) and those who propose to elicit cell mediated immunity (CMI). However, for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine to be effective in preventing infection, it must be capable of generating cross-reactive CD4+, CD8+ T cell, and NAb responses that will cover the major viral genotypes. Simulation models of hepatitis C have predicted that a vaccine of even modest efficacy and coverage will significantly reduce the incidence of hepatitis C. A HCV virus like particle (VLP) based vaccine would fulfill the requirement of delivering critical conformational neutralizing epitopes in addition to providing HCV specific CD4+ and CD8+ epitopes. Several approaches have been reported including insect cell-derived genotype 1b HCV VLPs; a human liver-derived quadrivalent genotype 1a, 1b, 2, and 3a vaccine; a genotype 1a HCV E1 and E2 glycoprotein/MLV Gag pseudotype VLP vaccine; and chimeric HBs-HCV VLP vaccines. All to result in the production of cross-NAb and/or T cell responses against HCV. This paper summarizes the evidence supporting the development of a HCV VLP based vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Unger S, Seidl M, van Schouwenburg P, Rakhmanov M, Bulashevska A, Frede N, Grimbacher B, Pfeiffer J, Schrenk K, Munoz L, Hanitsch L, Stumpf I, Kaiser F, Hausmann O, Kollert F, Goldacker S, van der Burg M, Keller B, Warnatz K. The T H1 phenotype of follicular helper T cells indicates an IFN-γ-associated immune dysregulation in patients with CD21low common variable immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2017; 141:730-740. [PMID: 28554560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A subgroup of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) experience immune dysregulation manifesting as autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, and organ inflammation and thereby increasing morbidity and mortality. Therefore treatment of these complications demands a deeper comprehension of their cause and pathophysiology. OBJECTIVES On the basis of the identification of an interferon signature in patients with CVID with secondary complications and a skewed follicular helper T-cell differentiation in defined monogenic immunodeficiencies, we sought to determine the profile of CD4 memory T cells in blood and secondary lymphatic tissues of these patients. METHODS We quantified TH1/TH2/TH17 CD4 memory T cells in blood and lymph nodes of patients with CVID using flow cytometry, analyzed their function, and correlated all findings to the burden of immune dysregulation. RESULTS Patients with CVID with immune dysregulation had a skewed memory CD4 T-cell differentiation toward a CXCR3+CCR6- TH1 phenotype both in blood and lymph nodes. Consistent with our phenotypic findings, we observed a higher IFN-γ production in peripheral CD4 memory T cells and lymph node-derived follicular helper T cells of patients with CVID compared with those of healthy control subjects. Increased IFN-γ production was accompanied by a poor germinal center output, an accumulation of T-box transcription factor (T-bet)+ B cells in lymph nodes, and an accumulation of T-bet+CD21low B cells in peripheral blood of affected patients. CONCLUSION Identification of excessive IFN-γ production by blood and lymph node-derived T cells of patients with CVID with immune dysregulation will offer new therapeutic avenues for this subgroup. CD21low B cells might serve as a marker of this IFN-γ-associated dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Unger
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Seidl
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Pauline van Schouwenburg
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirzokhid Rakhmanov
- Center for Human Genetics and Laboratory Diagnostics (AHC), Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alla Bulashevska
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Frede
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bodo Grimbacher
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Pfeiffer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaudia Schrenk
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Luis Munoz
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leif Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ina Stumpf
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Kaiser
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Florian Kollert
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sigune Goldacker
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam van der Burg
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Baerbel Keller
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Warnatz
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Qin L, Zhou YC, Wu HJ, Zhuo Y, Wang YP, Si CY, Qin YM. Notch Signaling Modulates the Balance of Regulatory T Cells and T Helper 17 Cells in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. DNA Cell Biol 2017; 36:311-320. [PMID: 28157396 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2016.3609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The imbalance of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells contributes to the persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, modulatory factors associated with Tregs-Th17 balance were not fully elucidated. A recent study demonstrated an immunoregulatory strategy by inactivation of Notch signaling to reverse the disequilibrium of Tregs-Th17 cells in immune thrombocytopenia. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of Notch signaling in regulating the functions of Tregs and Th17 cells in chronic hepatitis C. A total of 46 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 17 normal controls (NCs) were enrolled. mRNA expressions of Notch1 and Notch2 were semiquantified by real-time reserve polymerase chain reaction. Percentages of Tregs-Th17, levels of key transcriptional factors, and cytokine productions were measured in response to treatment by DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor to suppress Notch signaling. We found that Notch1 and Notch2 mRNAs were significantly elevated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from chronic hepatitis C patients compared with those from NCs. DAPT treatment reduced Th17 response by downregulation of RORγt expression and interleukin (IL)-17/IL-22 secretion. Tregs proportion, FoxP3 expression, and IL-10 production did not change significantly with DAPT treatment in chronic hepatitis C; however, blockage of Notch signaling inhibited the suppressive function of Tregs. Moreover, effective anti-HCV therapy not only reduced Notch1 and Notch2 expression but also decreased Tregs and Th17 proportions. The current data provided a novel mechanism underlying the modulation of Treg-Th17 balance. The link between Notch signaling and Th cells might lead to a new intervention for breaking immunotolerance of chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yan-Cai Zhou
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hong-Jie Wu
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ya Zhuo
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yan-Ping Wang
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chang-Yun Si
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yong-Mei Qin
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University , Weihui, Xinxiang, China
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