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Hadian M, Fathi M, Mohammadi A, Eskandari MH, Asadsangabi M, Pouraghajan K, Shohrati M, Mohammadpour M, Samadi M. Characterization of chitosan/Persian gum nanoparticles for encapsulation of Nigella sativa extract as an antiviral agent against avian coronavirus. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130749. [PMID: 38467218 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles formed by the ionic gelation method between chitosan and water-soluble fraction of Persian gum (WPG) for encapsulation of Nigella sativa extract (NSE) as an antiviral agent. Our findings revealed that the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential of the particles were in the range of 316.7-476.6 nm, 0.259-0.466, and 37.0-58.1 mV, respectively. The amounts of chitosan and WPG as the wall material and the NSE as the core had a considerable impact on the nanoparticle properties. The proper samples were detected at 1:1 chitosan:WPG mixing ratio (MR) and NSE concentration of 6.25 mg/mL. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy proved the interactions between the two biopolymers. The effect of NSE on infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) known as avian coronavirus, was performed by the in-ovo method determining remarkable antiviral activity of NSE (25 mg/mL) and its enhancement through encapsulation in the nanoparticles. These nanoparticles containing NSE could have a promising capability for application in both poultry industry and human medicine as an antiviral product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadian
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Fathi
- Health Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammadi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Eskandari
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Asadsangabi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Pouraghajan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Majid Shohrati
- Research Center of Chemical Injuries, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Mohammadpour
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Samadi
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wu Y, Liu X, Mao Y, Ji R, Xia L, Zhou Z, Ding Y, Li P, Zhao Y, Peng M, Qiu J, Shen C. Routine evaluation of HBV-specific T cell reactivity in chronic hepatitis B using a broad-spectrum T-cell epitope peptide library and ELISpot assay. J Transl Med 2024; 22:266. [PMID: 38468254 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05062-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical routine test of HBV-specific T cell reactivity is still limited due to the high polymorphisms of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in patient cohort and the lack of universal detection kit, thus the clinical implication remains disputed. METHODS A broad-spectrum peptide library, which consists of 103 functionally validated CD8+ T-cell epitopes spanning overall HBsAg, HBeAg, HBx and HBpol proteins and fits to the HLA polymorphisms of Chinese and Northeast Asian populations, was grouped into eight peptide pools and was used to establish an ELISpot assay for enumerating the reactive HBV-specific T cells in PBMCs. Totally 294 HBV-infected patients including 203 ones with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 13 ones in acute resolved stage (R), 52 ones with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 26 ones with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were detected, and 33 CHB patients were longitudinally monitored for 3 times with an interval of 3-5 months. RESULTS The numbers of reactive HBV-specific T cells were significantly correlated with ALT level, HBsAg level, and disease stage (R, CHB, LC and HCC), and R patients displayed the strongest HBV-specific T cell reactivity while CHB patients showed the weakest one. For 203 CHB patients, the numbers of reactive HBV-specific T cells presented a significantly declined trend when the serum viral DNA load, HBsAg, HBeAg or ALT level gradually increased, but only a very low negative correlation coefficient was defined (r = - 0.21, - 0.21, - 0.27, - 0.079, respectively). Different Nucleotide Analogs (NUCs) did not bring difference on HBV-specific T cell reactivity in the same duration of treatment. NUCs/pegIFN-α combination led to much more reactive HBV-specific T cells than NUCs monotherapy. The dynamic numbers of reactive HBV-specific T cells were obviously increasing in most CHB patients undergoing routine treatment, and the longitudinal trend possess a high predictive power for the hepatitis progression 6 or 12 months later. CONCLUSION The presented method could be developed into an efficient reference method for the clinical evaluation of cellular immunity. The CHB patients presenting low reactivity of HBV-specific T cells have a worse prognosis for hepatitis progression and should be treated using pegIFN-α to improve host T-cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yandan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaotao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Mao
- Nanjing KingMed Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing, 211899, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruixue Ji
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingzhi Xia
- Nanjing KingMed Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing, 211899, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zining Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pinqing Li
- Division of Hepatitis, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Peng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Division of Hepatitis, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chuanlai Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Zheng Y, Wang M, Yin J, Duan Y, Wu C, Xu Z, Bu Y, Wang J, Chen Q, Zhu G, Zhao K, Zhang L, Hua R, Xu Y, Hu X, Cheng X, Xia Y. Hepatitis B virus RNAs co-opt ELAVL1 for stabilization and CRM1-dependent nuclear export. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011999. [PMID: 38306394 PMCID: PMC10866535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 296 million people worldwide, posing a major global health threat. Export of HBV RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm is indispensable for viral protein translation and genome replication, however the mechanisms regulating this critical process remain largely elusive. Here, we identify a key host factor embryonic lethal, abnormal vision, Drosophila-like 1 (ELAVL1) that binds HBV RNAs and controls their nuclear export. Using an unbiased quantitative proteomics screen, we demonstrate direct binding of ELAVL1 to the HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). ELAVL1 knockdown inhibits HBV RNAs posttranscriptional regulation and suppresses viral replication. Further mechanistic studies reveal ELAVL1 recruits the nuclear export receptor CRM1 through ANP32A and ANP32B to transport HBV RNAs to the cytoplasm via specific AU-rich elements, which can be targeted by a compound CMLD-2. Moreover, ELAVL1 protects HBV RNAs from DIS3+RRP6+ RNA exosome mediated nuclear RNA degradation. Notably, we find HBV core protein is dispensable for HBV RNA-CRM1 interaction and nuclear export. Our results unveil ELAVL1 as a crucial host factor that regulates HBV RNAs stability and trafficking. By orchestrating viral RNA nuclear export, ELAVL1 is indispensable for the HBV life cycle. Our study highlights a virus-host interaction that may be exploited as a new therapeutic target against chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengfei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiatong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yurong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanjian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Quan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoguo Zhu
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of People’s Liberation Army of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiyu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Pingyuan Laboratory, Henan, China
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Yao X, Xu K, Tao N, Cheng S, Chen H, Zhang D, Yang M, Tan M, Yu H, Chen P, Zhan Z, He S, Li R, Wang C, Wu D, Ren J. ZNF148 inhibits HBV replication by downregulating RXRα transcription. Virol J 2024; 21:35. [PMID: 38297280 PMCID: PMC10832224 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02291-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, and chronic hepatitis. While antiviral drugs that are now on the market are efficient in controlling HBV infection, finding a functional cure is still quite difficult. Identifying host factors involved in regulating the HBV life cycle will contribute to the development of new antiviral strategies. Zinc finger proteins have a significant function in HBV replication, according to earlier studies. Zinc finger protein 148 (ZNF148), a zinc finger transcription factor, regulates the expression of various genes by specifically binding to GC-rich sequences within promoter regions. The function of ZNF148 in HBV replication was investigated in this study. METHODS HepG2-Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (HepG2-NTCP) cells and Huh7 cells were used to evaluate the function of ZNF148 in vitro. Northern blotting and real-time PCR were used to quantify the amount of viral RNA. Southern blotting and real-time PCR were used to quantify the amount of viral DNA. Viral protein levels were elevated, according to the Western blot results. Dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to examine the transcriptional activity of viral promoters. ZNF148's impact on HBV in vivo was investigated using an established rcccDNA mouse model. RESULTS ZNF148 overexpression significantly decreased the levels of HBV RNAs and HBV core DNA in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells and Huh7 cells expressing prcccDNA. Silencing ZNF148 exhibited the opposite effects in both cell lines. Furthermore, ZNF148 inhibited the activity of HBV ENII/Cp and the transcriptional activity of cccDNA. Mechanistic studies revealed that ZNF148 attenuated retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα) expression by binding to the RXRα promoter sequence. RXRα binding site mutation or RXRα overexpression abolished the suppressive effect of ZNF148 on HBV replication. The inhibitory effect of ZNF148 was also observed in the rcccDNA mouse model. CONCLUSIONS ZNF148 inhibited HBV replication by downregulating RXRα transcription. Our findings reveal that ZNF148 may be a new target for anti-HBV strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Yao
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kexin Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Nana Tao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Shengtao Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Huajian Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Minli Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ming Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Peng Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zongzhu Zhan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Siyi He
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ranran Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chunduo Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Daiqing Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Jihua Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chong Yi Building, 1 YiXueYuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Novotny LA, Evans JG, Guo H, Kappler CS, Meissner EG. Interferon lambda receptor-1 isoforms differentially influence gene expression and HBV replication in stem cell-derived hepatocytes. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105779. [PMID: 38070830 PMCID: PMC10872352 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the tolerogenic liver, inadequate or ineffective interferon signaling fails to clear chronic HBV infection. Lambda IFNs (IFNL) bind the interferon lambda receptor-1 (IFNLR1) which dimerizes with IL10RB to induce transcription of antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISG). IFNLR1 is expressed on hepatocytes, but low expression may limit the strength and antiviral efficacy of IFNL signaling. Three IFNLR1 transcriptional variants are detected in hepatocytes whose role in regulation of IFNL signaling is unclear: a full-length and signaling-capable form (isoform 1), a form that lacks a portion of the intracellular JAK1 binding domain (isoform 2), and a secreted form (isoform 3), the latter two predicted to be signaling defective. We hypothesized that altering expression of IFNLR1 isoforms would differentially impact the hepatocellular response to IFNLs and HBV replication. METHODS Induced pluripotent stem-cell derived hepatocytes (iHeps) engineered to contain FLAG-tagged, doxycycline-inducible IFNLR1 isoform constructs were HBV-infected then treated with IFNL3 followed by assessment of gene expression, HBV replication, and cellular viability. RESULTS Minimal overexpression of IFNLR1 isoform 1 markedly augmented ISG expression, induced de novo proinflammatory gene expression, and enhanced inhibition of HBV replication after IFNL treatment without adversely affecting cell viability. In contrast, overexpression of IFNLR1 isoform 2 or 3 partially augmented IFNL-induced ISG expression but did not support proinflammatory gene expression and minimally impacted HBV replication. CONCLUSIONS IFNLR1 isoforms differentially influence IFNL-induced gene expression and HBV replication in hepatocytes. Regulated IFNLR1 expression in vivo could limit the capacity of this pathway to counteract HBV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Novotny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - J Grayson Evans
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christiana S Kappler
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Eric G Meissner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Xia Y, Cheng X, Nilsson T, Zhang M, Zhao G, Inuzuka T, Teng Y, Li Y, Anderson DE, Holdorf M, Liang TJ. Nucleolin binds to and regulates transcription of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA minichromosome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306390120. [PMID: 38015841 PMCID: PMC10710063 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306390120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public health threat with nearly 300 million people chronically infected worldwide who are at a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Current therapies are effective in suppressing HBV replication but rarely lead to cure. Current therapies do not affect the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which serves as the template for viral transcription and replication and is highly stable in infected cells to ensure viral persistence. In this study, we aim to identify and elucidate the functional role of cccDNA-associated host factors using affinity purification and protein mass spectrometry in HBV-infected cells. Nucleolin was identified as a key cccDNA-binding protein and shown to play an important role in HBV cccDNA transcription, likely via epigenetic regulation. Targeting nucleolin to silence cccDNA transcription in infected hepatocytes may be a promising therapeutic strategy for a functional cure of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Xia
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan430071, China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan430071, China
| | - Tobias Nilsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA94608
| | - Min Zhang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Gaihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan430071, China
| | - Tadashi Inuzuka
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan430071, China
| | - Yao Li
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - D. Eric Anderson
- Advanced Mass Spectrometry Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Meghan Holdorf
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA94608
| | - T. Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD20892
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7
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Kobayakawa T, Amano M, Nakayama M, Tsuji K, Ishii T, Miura Y, Shinohara K, Yamamoto K, Matsuoka M, Tamamura H. Development of anti-HBV agents targeting HBV capsid proteins. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1973-1980. [PMID: 37859721 PMCID: PMC10583812 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00258f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a viral hepatitis, which is caused by infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). This disease progresses to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. To treat hepatitis B, exclusion of virus and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) that is formed in hepatocyte nucleus is necessary. A hepatitis B capsid protein (HBc) is an indispensable protein, which forms the capsid that encapsulates viral DNA. Since HBc is correlated to the transcriptional regulation of cccDNA, this protein would be an attractive target for complete cure of hepatitis B. By in silico screening of a library of compounds, a small compound, Cpd4 (1), which binds to a hydrophobic cavity located in the inner pocket on the tetramer interface of HBc proteins, was identified. In anti-HBV assays, this synthetic compound, Cpd4 (1) decreased the amount of HBV core related antigen (HBcrAg), which has been correlated with the proliferation of HBV, and decreased the amount of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), which is correlated with the amount of cccDNA. Based on Cpd4 (1) as a lead compound, 20 derivatives of 1 were designed and synthesized and their structure-activity relationships were examined. As a result, specific interactions between each compound and amino acid residues of the target protein appeared to be unimportant but the shape/size of compounds which can bind to the hydrophobic cavity might be important in the expression of high anti-HBV activity, and a more potent derivative, TKB-HBV-CA-001 (3b), was discovered. These results will be useful in the development of novel anti-HBV agents for a complete cure of hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Kobayakawa
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Masayuki Amano
- Department of Clinical Retrovirology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto and Kagoshima Universities Kumamoto 860-0811 Japan
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University Kumamoto 860-8556 Japan
| | - Miyuki Nakayama
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Kohei Tsuji
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Takahiro Ishii
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Yutaro Miura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Kouki Shinohara
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Kenichi Yamamoto
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Department of Hematology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University Kumamoto 860-8556 Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tamamura
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) 2-3-10 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
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8
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Wang J, Huang H, Zhao K, Teng Y, Zhao L, Xu Z, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Li C, Duan Y, Liang K, Zhou X, Cheng X, Xia Y. G-quadruplex in hepatitis B virus pregenomic RNA promotes its translation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105151. [PMID: 37567479 PMCID: PMC10485161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic DNA virus that has a very compact genome. Due to this genomic density, several distinct mechanisms are used to facilitate the viral life cycle. Recently, accumulating evidence show that G-quadruplex (G4) in different viruses play essential regulatory roles in key steps of the viral life cycle. Although G4 structures in the HBV genome have been reported, their function in HBV replication remains elusive. In this study, we treated an HBV replication-competent cell line and HBV-infected cells with the G4 structure stabilizer pyridostatin (PDS) and evaluated different HBV replication markers to better understand the role played by the G4. In both models, we found PDS had no effect on viral precore RNA (pcRNA) or pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), but treatment did increase HBeAg/HBc ELISA reads and intracellular levels of viral core/capsid protein (HBc) in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. To further dissect the mechanism of G4 involvement, we used in vitro-synthesized HBV pcRNA and pgRNA. Interestingly, we found PDS treatment only enhanced HBc expression from pgRNA but not HBeAg expression from pcRNA. Our bioinformatic analysis and CD spectroscopy revealed that pgRNA harbors a conserved G4 structure. Finally, we introduced point mutations in pgRNA to disrupt its G4 structure and observed the resulting mutant failed to respond to PDS treatment and decreased HBc level in in vitro translation assay. Taken together, our data demonstrate that HBV pgRNA contains a G4 structure that plays a vital role in the regulation of viral mRNA translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiyan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghui Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yurong Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaiwei Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Pathology, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Qin B, Shen S, Lai J, Yang W, Feng L, Ding J. Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) replication and antigen expression by Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. oil emulsion. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1193775. [PMID: 37560319 PMCID: PMC10408445 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1193775] [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: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The seeds of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (BJ) have been traditionally used to treat various types of cancers for many years in China. In this study, we systematically investigated a BJ oil emulsion (BJOE) produced from BJ seeds with the purpose of evaluating its antiviral effect against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Methods HepG2.215 (a wild-type HBV cell line), HepG2, and Huh7, transfected with wildtype (WT) or lamivudine-resistance mutant (LMV-MT) HBV replicon plasmids, were treated with different doses of BJOE and then used for pharmacodynamic evaluation. Cell viability was determined using CCK8 assay. The levels of HBsAg/HBeAg in cell cultured supernatant, HBcAg in cell lysis solution, and HBV DNA in both were evaluated. Results BJOE at ≤5 mg/ml was nontoxic to carcinoma cell lines, but could significantly inhibit WT/LMV-MT HBV replication and HBs/e/c antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner by upregulating interleukin-6 (IL-6), demonstrating that it possesses moderate anti-HBV activity. As one of the major components of BJOE, bruceine B was found to play a dominant role in IL-6 induction and HBV inhibition. Discussion Our results demonstrated that BJOE suppressed HBV replication by stimulating IL-6, indicating that it has promising clinical therapeutic potential for both WT and LMV-MT HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Clinical Laboratory, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Shu Shen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Gynecology, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Juan Lai
- GeneMind Biosciences Company Limited, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Yang
- GeneMind Biosciences Company Limited, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lili Feng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jiefeng Ding
- Clinical Laboratory, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
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10
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Zhao J, Xu G, Hou X, Mu W, Yang H, Shi W, Wen J, Liu T, Wu Z, Bai J, Zhang P, Wang Z, Xiao X, Zou W, Bai Z, Zhan X. Schisandrin C enhances cGAS-STING pathway activation and inhibits HBV replication. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 311:116427. [PMID: 37001770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Schisandra Chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. is a long-term used traditional Chinese medicine with the functions of tonifying the kidney and calming the heart, tonifying qi and engendering fluid. It can be used to treat insomnia and dreaminess, spermatorrhea, coughs, as well as liver and kidney deficiency of Yin or Yang Syndrome. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Schisandra Chinensis regulates host immunity and exhibits anti-cancer, antiviral and liver-protecting effects. However, the specific mechanism by which Schisandra Chinensis modulates antiviral immunity is unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY We sought to explore the therapeutic effect of the active components of Schisandra Chinensis on anti-viral immunity and further investigate the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the effect of schisandrin C (SC), one of the most abundant and biologically active components of Schisandra Chinensis, on the activation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway and the underlying mechanism. In addition, CMA-mediated STING activation and hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model were used to investigate the effect of SC on the activation of STING signaling pathway and its antiviral effect in vivo. RESULTS SC promoted cGAS-STING pathway activation, accompanied by increased production of interferon β (IFN β) and downstream gene expression. Moreover, SC also exerted anti-HBV effects, reducing HBeAg, HBcAg, HBsAg, and HBV DNA levels in hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model and elevating the production of IFN β and expression of interferon-stimulated genes (IFIT1, ISG15, and CXCL10). Mechanistically, SC could facilitate the interaction between TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and STING, which is important for IRF3 phosphorylation and production of IFN β. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed that SC enhances cGAS-STING pathway activation and inhibits HBV replication, as well as provides clues for chronic hepatitis B and other infectious diseases treated by SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Guang Xu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaorong Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wenqing Mu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Huijie Yang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jincai Wen
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhixin Wu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Chinese People Liberty Army, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zhongxia Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Wenjun Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China; China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
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11
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Salama II, Sami SM, Salama SI, Abdel-Latif GA, Shaaban FA, Fouad WA, Abdelmohsen AM, Raslan HM. Current and novel modalities for management of chronic hepatitis B infection. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:585-608. [PMID: 37305370 PMCID: PMC10251278 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i5.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 296 million people are estimated to have chronic hepatitis B viral infection (CHB), and it poses unique challenges for elimination. CHB is the result of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific immune tolerance and the presence of covalently closed circular DNA as mini chromosome inside the nucleus and the integrated HBV. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen is the best surrogate marker for intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA. Functional HBV “cure” is the durable loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), with or without HBsAg seroconversion and undetectable serum HBV DNA after completing a course of treatment. The currently approved therapies are nucleos(t)ide analogues, interferon-alpha, and pegylated-interferon. With these therapies, functional cure can be achieved in < 10% of CHB patients. Any variation to HBV or the host immune system that disrupts the interaction between them can lead to reactivation of HBV. Novel therapies may allow efficient control of CHB. They include direct acting antivirals and immunomodulators. Reduction of the viral antigen load is a crucial factor for success of immune-based therapies. Immunomodulatory therapy may lead to modulation of the host immune system. It may enhance/restore innate immunity against HBV (as toll-like-receptors and cytosolic retinoic acid inducible gene I agonist). Others may induce adaptive immunity as checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic HBV vaccines including protein (HBsAg/preS and hepatitis B core antigen), monoclonal or bispecific antibodies and genetically engineered T cells to generate chimeric antigen receptor-T or T-cell receptor-T cells and HBV-specific T cells to restore T cell function to efficiently clear HBV. Combined therapy may successfully overcome immune tolerance and lead to HBV control and cure. Immunotherapeutic approaches carry the risk of overshooting immune responses causing uncontrolled liver damage. The safety of any new curative therapies should be measured in relation to the excellent safety of currently approved nucleos(t)ide analogues. Development of novel antiviral and immune modulatory therapies should be associated with new diagnostic assays used to evaluate the effectiveness or to predict response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Ibrahim Salama
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Samia M Sami
- Department of Child Health, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Somaia I Salama
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Ghada A Abdel-Latif
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Fatma A Shaaban
- Department of Child Health, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Walaa A Fouad
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Aida M Abdelmohsen
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Hala M Raslan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
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12
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Yi J, Lei X, Guo F, Chen Q, Chen X, Zhao K, Zhu C, Cheng X, Lin J, Yin H, Xia Y. Codelivery of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNAs edits hepatitis B virus episomal and integration DNA in mouse and tree shrew models. Antiviral Res 2023; 215:105618. [PMID: 37142191 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
With 296 million chronically infected individuals worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes a major health burden. The major challenge to cure HBV infection lies in the fact that the source of persistence infection, viral episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), could not be targeted. In addition, HBV DNA integration, although normally results in replication-incompetent transcripts, considered as oncogenic. Though several studies evaluated the potential of gene-editing approaches to target HBV, previous in vivo studies have been of limited relevance to authentic HBV infection, as the models do not contain HBV cccDNA or feature a complete HBV replication cycle under competent host immune system. In this study, we evaluated the effect of in vivo codelivery of Cas9 mRNA and guide RNAs (gRNAs) by SM-102-based lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) on HBV cccDNA and integrated DNA in mouse and a higher species. CRISPR nanoparticle treatment decreased the levels of HBcAg, HBsAg and cccDNA in AAV-HBV1.04 transduced mouse liver by 53%, 73% and 64% respectively. In HBV infected tree shrews, the treatment achieved 70% reduction of viral RNA and 35% reduction of cccDNA. In HBV transgenic mouse, 90% inhibition of HBV RNA and 95% inhibition of DNA were observed. CRISPR nanoparticle treatment was well tolerated in both mouse and tree shrew, as no elevation of liver enzymes and minimal off-target was observed. Our study demonstrated that SM-102-based CRISPR is safe and effective in targeting HBV episomal and integration DNA in vivo. The system delivered by SM-102-based LNPs may be used as a potential therapeutic strategy against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhu Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinlin Lei
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Urology, Frontier Science Centre for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangteng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiubing Chen
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Urology, Frontier Science Centre for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xueyong Chen
- Group of Nonhuman Primates Reproductive and Stem Cell, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangwei Lin
- Group of Nonhuman Primates Reproductive and Stem Cell, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Hao Yin
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Urology, Frontier Science Centre for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Pathology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; RNA Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Wuhan Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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13
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Bu Y, Zhao K, Xu Z, Zheng Y, Hua R, Wu C, Zhu C, Xia Y, Cheng X. Antibiotic-induced gut bacteria depletion has no effect on HBV replication in HBV immune tolerance mouse model. Virol Sin 2023:S1995-820X(23)00048-2. [PMID: 37141990 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Commensal microbiota is closely related to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Gut bacteria maturation accelerates HBV immune clearance in hydrodynamic injection (HDI) HBV mouse model. However, the effect of gut bacteria on HBV replication in recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-HBV mouse model with immune tolerance remains obscure. We aim to investigate its role on HBV replication in AAV-HBV mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were administrated with broad-spectrum antibiotic mixtures (ABX) to deplete gut bacteria and intravenously injected with AAV-HBV to establish persistent HBV replication. Gut microbiota community was analyzed by fecal qPCR assay and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. HBV replication markers in blood and liver were determined by ELISA, qPCR assay and Western blot at indicated time points. Immune response in AAV-HBV mouse model was activated through HDI of HBV plasmid or poly(I:C) and then detected by quantifying the percentage of IFN-γ+/CD8+ T cells in the spleen via flow cytometry as well as the splenic IFN-γ mRNA level via qPCR assay. We found that antibiotic exposure remarkably decreased gut bacteria abundance and diversity. Antibiotic treatment failed to alter the levels of serological HBV antigens, intrahepatic HBV RNA transcripts and HBc protein in AAV-HBV mouse model, but contributed to HBsAg increase after breaking of immune tolerance. Overall, our data uncovered that antibiotic-induced gut bacteria depletion has no effect on HBV replication in immune tolerant AAV-HBV mouse model, providing new thoughts for elucidating the correlation between gut bacteria dysbiosis by antibiotic abuse and clinical chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yingcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chuanjian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060; China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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14
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Zheng Y, Wang M, Li S, Bu Y, Xu Z, Zhu G, Wu C, Zhao K, Li A, Chen Q, Wang J, Hua R, Teng Y, Zhao L, Cheng X, Xia Y. Hepatitis B virus hijacks TSG101 to facilitate egress via multiple vesicle bodies. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011382. [PMID: 37224147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 296 million individuals and there is no cure. As an important step of viral life cycle, the mechanisms of HBV egress remain poorly elucidated. With proteomic approach to identify capsid protein (HBc) associated host factors and siRNA screen, we uncovered tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101). Knockdown of TSG101 in HBV-producing cells, HBV-infected cells and HBV transgenic mice suppressed HBV release. Co-immunoprecipitation and site mutagenesis revealed that VFND motif in TSG101 and Lys-96 ubiquitination in HBc were essential for TSG101-HBc interaction. In vitro ubiquitination experiment demonstrated that UbcH6 and NEDD4 were potential E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme and E3 ligase that catalyzed HBc ubiquitination, respectively. PPAY motif in HBc and Cys-867 in NEDD4 were required for HBc ubiquitination, TSG101-HBc interaction and HBV egress. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that TSG101 or NEDD4 knockdown reduces HBV particles count in multivesicular bodies (MVBs). Our work indicates that TSG101 recognition for NEDD4 ubiquitylated HBc is critical for MVBs mediated HBV egress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingcheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengfei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Sitong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guoguo Zhu
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of People's Liberation Army of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuanjian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Aixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Quan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rong Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan University Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Institute of Medical Virology, TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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15
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You H, Wang X, Ma L, Zhang F, Zhang H, Wang Y, Pan X, Zheng K, Kong F, Tang R. Insights into the impact of hepatitis B virus on hepatic stellate cell activation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:70. [PMID: 37041599 PMCID: PMC10088164 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatic fibrosis is a serious pathological condition caused by virus-induced liver damage. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis. Although accumulating evidence has shown that HBV directly stimulates HSC activation, whether the virus infects and replicates in HSCs remains controversial. Inflammation is one of the obvious characteristics of chronic HBV infection, and it has been demonstrated that persistent inflammation has a predominant role in triggering and maintaining liver fibrosis. In particular, the regulation of HSC activation by HBV-related hepatocytes via various inflammatory modulators, including TGF-β and CTGF, in a paracrine manner has been reported. In addition to these inflammation-related molecules, several inflammatory cells are essential for the progression of HBV-associated liver fibrosis. Monocytes, macrophages, Th17 cells, NK cells, as well as NKT cells, participate in the modulation of HBV-related liver fibrosis by interacting with HSCs. This review summarizes current findings on the effects of HBV and the relevant molecular mechanisms involved in HSC activation. Because HSC activation is essential for liver fibrosis, targeting HSCs is an attractive therapeutic strategy to prevent and reverse hepatic fibrosis induced by HBV infection. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Huanyang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Zhao K, Guo F, Wang J, Zhong Y, Yi J, Teng Y, Xu Z, Zhao L, Li A, Wang Z, Chen X, Cheng X, Xia Y. Limited disassembly of cytoplasmic hepatitis B virus nucleocapsids restricts viral infection in murine hepatic cells. Hepatology 2023; 77:1366-1381. [PMID: 35718932 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Murine hepatic cells cannot support hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection even with supplemental expression of viral receptor, human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP). However, the specific restricted step remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to dissect HBV infection process in murine hepatic cells. APPROACH AND RESULTS Cells expressing hNTCP were inoculated with HBV or hepatitis delta virus (HDV). HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), and different relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) intermediates were produced in vitro . The repair process from rcDNA to cccDNA was assayed by in vitro repair experiments and in mouse with hydrodynamic injection. Southern blotting and in situ hybridization were used to detect HBV DNA. HBV, but not its satellite virus HDV, was restricted from productive infection in murine hepatic cells expressing hNTCP. Transfection of HBV pgRNA could establish HBV replication in human, but not in murine, hepatic cells. HBV replication-competent plasmid, cccDNA, and recombinant cccDNA could support HBV transcription in murine hepatic cells. Different rcDNA intermediates could be repaired to form cccDNA both in vitro and in vivo . In addition, rcDNA could be detected in the nucleus of murine hepatic cells, but cccDNA could not be formed. Interestingly, nuclease sensitivity assay showed that the protein-linked rcDNA isolated from cytoplasm was completely nuclease resistant in murine, but not in human, hepatic cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results imply that the disassembly of cytoplasmic HBV nucleocapsids is restricted in murine hepatic cells. Overcoming this limitation may help to establish an HBV infection mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Fangteng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Youquan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Junzhu Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Aixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Zichen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Xinwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology , Wuhan Institute of Virology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan , China
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
- Wuhan University Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics , Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases , Wuhan , China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
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17
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Yin J, Feng Z, Li Z, Hu J, Hu Y, Cai X, Zhou H, Wang K, Tang N, Huang A, Huang L. Synthesis and evaluation of N-sulfonylpiperidine-3-carboxamide derivatives as capsid assembly modulators inhibiting HBV in vitro and in HBV-transgenic mice. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115141. [PMID: 36709646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) have been developed as effective anti-HBV agents in the treatment of chronic HBV infection by targeting the HBV core protein and inducing the formation of aberrant or morphologically normal capsid. However, some CAMs have been observed adverse events such as ALT flares and rash. Therefore, finding new CAMs is of great importance. In this report, we synthesized N-sulfonylpiperidine-3-carboxamides (SPCs) derivatives and evaluated their anti-HBV activities. Among the SPC derivatives, compound C-49 notably suppressed HBV replication in HepAD38, HepG2-HBV1.3 and HepG2-NTCP cells. Moreover, treatment with C-49 for 12 days exhibited potent anti-HBV activity (100 mg/kg; 2.42 log reduction of serum HBV DNA) in HBV-transgenic mice without apparent hepatotoxicity. Our findings provided a new SPC derivative as HBV capsid assembly modulator for developing safe and efficient anti-HBV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhongqi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Breast&thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jieli Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xuefei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Chongqing Research Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Luyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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18
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Cai J, Li Y, Hu P, Xu R, Yuan H, Zhang W, Feng T, Liu R, Li W, Zhu C. Plerixafor and resatorvid inhibit hepatitis B virus in vitro by upregulating elongation factor Tu GTP-binding domain containing 2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1118801. [PMID: 36891156 PMCID: PMC9986551 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1118801] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increase in the demand for a functional cure has accelerated research on new methods of therapy for chronic hepatitis B, which is mainly focused on restoring antiviral immunity for controlling viral infections. Previously, we had described elongation factor Tu GTP-binding domain containing 2 (EFTUD2) as an innate immune regulator and suggested that it might be an antiviral target. Methods In this study, we generated the Epro-LUC-HepG2 cell model for screening compounds that target EFTUD2. Plerixafor and resatorvid were screened from 261 immunity and inflammation-related compounds due to their ability to highly upregulate EFTUD2. The effects of plerixafor and resatorvid on hepatitis B virus (HBV) were examined in HepAD38 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells. Results The dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that the EFTUD2 promoter hEFTUD2pro-0.5 kb had the strongest activity. In Epro-LUC-HepG2 cells, plerixafor and resatorvid significantly upregulated the activity of the EFTUD2 promoter and the expression of the gene and protein. In HepAD38 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, treatment with plerixafor and resatorvid strongly inhibited HBsAg, HBV DNA, HBV RNAs, and cccDNA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-HBV effect was enhanced when entecavir was administered along with either of the previous two compounds, and the effect could be blocked by knocking down EFTUD2. Conclusion We established a convenient model for screening compounds that target EFTUD2 and further identified plerixafor and resatorvid as novel HBV inhibitors in vitro. Our findings provided information on the development of a new class of anti-HBV agents that act on host factors rather than viral enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Cai
- 1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pingping Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruirui Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantong Feng
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhu
- 1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
- *Correspondence: Chuanlong Zhu,
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19
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He YF, Jiang ZG, Wu N, Bian N, Ren JL. Correlation between COVID-19 and hepatitis B: A systematic review. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6599-6618. [PMID: 36569273 PMCID: PMC9782843 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i46.6599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently present with liver impairment. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major public health threat in current society. Both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and HBV can cause liver damage, and current findings on whether HBV infection increases disease severity in COVID-19 patients are inconsistent, and whether SARS-CoV-2 infection accelerates hepatitis B progression or leads to a worse prognosis in hepatitis B patients has not been adequately elucidated.
AIM To explore the complex relationship between COVID-19 and hepatitis B in order to inform the research and management of patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and HBV.
METHODS An experienced information specialist searched the literature in the following online databases: PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Google Scholar, Scopus, Wiley, Web of Science, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect. The literature published from December 2019 to September 1, 2022 was included in the search. We also searched medRxiv and bioRxiv for gray literature and manually scanned references of included articles. Articles reporting studies conducted in humans discussing hepatitis B and COVID-19 were included. We excluded duplicate publications. News reports, reports, and other gray literature were included if they contained quantifiable evidence (case reports, findings, and qualitative analysis). Some topics that included HBV or COVID-19 samples but did not have quantitative evidence were excluded from the review.
RESULTS A total of 57 studies were eligible and included in this review. They were from 11 countries, of which 33 (57.9%) were from China. Forty-two of the 57 studies reported abnormalities in liver enzymes, three mainly reported abnormalities in blood parameters, four indicated no significant liver function alterations, and another eight studies did not provide data on changes in liver function. Fifty-seven studies were retrospective and the total number of co-infections was 1932, the largest sample size was 7723, and the largest number of co-infections was 353. Most of the studies suggested an interaction between hepatitis B and COVID-19, while 12 studies clearly indicated no interaction between hepatitis B and COVID-19. Six of the 57 studies clearly reported HBV activation. Six studies were related to liver transplant patients.
CONCLUSION There is some association between COVID-19 and hepatitis B. Future high-quality randomized trials are needed to further elucidate the interaction between COVID-19 and hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fei He
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Jiang
- Department of Statistics, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563006, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ni Wu
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Ning Bian
- Health Management Center, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Jun-Lin Ren
- Department of Infection Control, The Sixth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100048, China
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20
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Zhang W, Li YY, Shang QH, Qi L, Sun MM, Chen G, An Y, Li JX, Jia WP, Sun ZA, Xu HB, Gao QM, Tang L, Wang XW, Zhang JY, Mu YM, Wang FS. Randomised controlled trial: effect of metformin add-on therapy on functional cure in entecavir-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100745. [PMID: 35964909 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance, indicating functional cure or resolved chronic hepatitis B (CHB), remains difficult to achieve via nucleos(t)ide analogue monotherapy. We investigated whether metformin add-on therapy could help achieve this goal in entecavir-treated patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with HBeAg-negative CHB who met eligibility criteria (entecavir treatment for > 12 months, HBsAg < 1000 IU/mL) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 24 weeks of either metformin (1000 mg, oral, once a day) or placebo (oral, once a day) add-on therapy. The group allocation was blinded for both patients and investigators. Efficacy and safety analyses were based on the intention-to-treat set. The primary outcome, serum HBsAg level (IU/mL) at weeks 24 and 36, was analysed using mixed models. RESULTS Sixty eligible patients were randomly assigned to the metformin (n = 29) and placebo (n = 31) groups. There was no substantial between-group difference in the HBsAg level at week 24 (adjusted mean difference 0.05, 95% confidence interval -0.04 to 0.13, p = 0.278) or week 36 (0.06, -0.03 to 0.15, p = 0.187), and no significant effect of group-by-time interaction on the HBsAg level throughout the trial (p = 0.814). The occurrence of total adverse events between the two groups was comparable (9 [31.0%] of 29 vs. 5 [16.1%] of 31, p = 0.227) and no patient experienced serious adverse events during the study. CONCLUSION Although it was safe, metformin add-on therapy did not accelerate HBsAg clearance in entecavir-treated patients with HBeAg-negative CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China; Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qing-Hua Shang
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Mi-Mi Sun
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Yong An
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Jing-Xin Li
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wang-Ping Jia
- Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Zhong-An Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Hui-Bin Xu
- Medical Laboratory Center, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Qing-Mei Gao
- Department of Ultrasonography, The 960th Hospital of Chinese PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Li Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ji-Yuan Zhang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yi-Ming Mu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China.
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China; Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
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21
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Hepatitis B Virus Core Protein Is Not Required for Covalently Closed Circular DNA Transcriptional Regulation. J Virol 2022; 96:e0136222. [PMID: 36226986 PMCID: PMC9645219 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01362-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health burden worldwide, and currently there is no cure. The persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the major obstacle for antiviral trement. HBV core protein (HBc) has emerged as a promising antiviral target, as it plays important roles in critical steps of the viral life cycle. However, whether HBc could regulate HBV cccDNA transcription remains under debate. In this study, different approaches were used to address this question. In synthesized HBV cccDNA and HBVcircle transfection assays, lack of HBc showed no effect on transcription of HBV RNA as well as HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) production in a hepatoma cell line and primary human hepatocytes. Reconstitution of HBc did not alter the expression of cccDNA-derived HBV markers. Similar results were obtained from an in vivo mouse model harboring cccDNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) or ChIP sequencing assays revealed transcription regulation of HBc-deficient cccDNA chromatin similar to that of wild-type cccDNA. Furthermore, treatment with capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) dramatically reduced extracellular HBV DNA but could not alter viral RNA and HBsAg. Our results demonstrate that HBc neither affects histone modifications and transcription factor binding of cccDNA nor directly influences cccDNA transcription. Although CAMs could reduce HBc binding to cccDNA, they do not suppress cccDNA transcriptional activity. Thus, therapeutics targeting capsid or HBc should not be expected to sufficiently reduce cccDNA transcription. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) has emerged as a promising antiviral target. However, whether HBc can regulate HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) transcription remains elusive. This study illustrated that HBc has no effect on epigenetic regulation of cccDNA, and it does not participate in cccDNA transcription. Given that HBc is dispensable for cccDNA transcription, novel cccDNA-targeting therapeutics are needed for an HBV cure.
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22
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Yu Y, Li X, Wan T. Effects of Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Patients with COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 68:1615-1631. [PMID: 36085229 PMCID: PMC9462612 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07687-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new problems to patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). AIM We aim to know the effects of HBV infection on patients with COVID-19. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for data and utilized Stata 14.0 software for this meta-analysis with a random-effects model. This paper was conducted in alignment with the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline. RESULTS In total, 37,696 patients were divided into two groups: 2591 COVID-19 patients infected with HBV in the experimental group and 35,105 COVID-19 patients not infected with HBV in the control group. Our study showed that the in-hospital mortality of the experimental group was significant higher than that of the control group (OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.49-2.79). We also found that COVID-19 patients infected with HBV were more likely to develop severe disease (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.32-2.73) than COVID-19 patients not infected with HBV. Upon measuring alanine aminotransferase (SMD = 0.62, 95% CI 0.25-0.98), aspartate aminotransferase (SMD = 0.60, 95% CI 0.30-0.91), total bilirubin (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.67), direct bilirubin (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI 0.24-0.47), lactate dehydrogenase (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI 0.18-0.47), we found that HBV infection led to significantly higher laboratory results in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION COVID-19 patients infected with HBV should receive more attention, and special attention should be given to various liver function indices during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Xingzhao Li
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China
| | - Taihu Wan
- Department of Radiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, Jilin Province, China.
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23
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Li S, Li N, Yang S, Deng H, Li Y, Wang Y, Yang J, Lv J, Dong L, Yu G, Hou X, Wang G. The study of immune checkpoint inhibitors in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108842. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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24
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Impact of COVID-19 in Chronic Viral Hepatitis B Patients on Virological, Clinical, and Paraclinical Aspects. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/jjm-127312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by an infection in the respiratory tract leading to extrapulmonary manifestations, including dysregulation of the immune system and hepatic injury. Objectives: Given the high prevalence of viral hepatitis and a few studies carried out on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and hepatitis B virus (HBV), this study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in the northeast region of Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the blood samples were collected from 93 CHB patients registered in the Patient Detection Data Bank of Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran, and 62 healthy individuals as controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was adopted to detect COVID-19 infection in all the participants’ nasopharyngeal samples. All the participants were subjected to anti-hepatitis C virus, anti-hepatitis delta virus, and liver function tests. Then, HBV deoxyribonucleic acid load was detected in CHB patients. The collected data were analyzed by statistical tests using SPSS software (version 20). A P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, 14% (13/93) and 32.25% (20/62) of CHB patients and control individuals were infected with COVID-19, respectively. The mean age of CHB patients was 39.69 ± 19.58 years, and 71% of them were female. The risk of developing COVID-19 in healthy controls was observed to be 2.3 times higher than in patients with CHB (0.95% confidence interval: 1.242 - 4.290). On the other hand, the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in CHB patients superinfected with COVID-19 were higher than other participants. Out of 35.4% of patients with viral hepatitis B that were taking antiviral drugs, only 5.4% had COVID-19. Conclusions: Although CHB infection did not predispose COVID-19 patients to more severe outcomes, the data of this study suggest that antiviral agents also decreased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Alternatively, careful assessment of hepatic manifestations and chronic viral hepatitis infections in COVID-19 patients can lead to more favorable health outcomes.
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25
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Zheng J, Yue R, Yang R, Wu Q, Wu Y, Huang M, Chen X, Lin W, Huang J, Chen X, Jiang Y, Yang B, Liao Y. Visualization of Zika Virus Infection via a Light-Initiated Bio-Orthogonal Cycloaddition Labeling Strategy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:940511. [PMID: 35875483 PMCID: PMC9305201 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.940511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging flavivirus that leads to devastating consequences for fetal development. It is crucial to visualize the pathogenicity activities of ZIKV ranging from infection pathways to immunity processes, but the accurate labeling of ZIKV remains challenging due to the lack of a reliable labeling technique. We introduce the photo-activated bio-orthogonal cycloaddition to construct a fluorogenic probe for the labeling and visualizing of ZIKV. Via a simple UV photoirradiation, the fluorogenic probes could be effectively labeled on the ZIKV. We demonstrated that it can be used for investigating the interaction between ZIKV and diverse cells and avoiding the autofluorescence phenomenon in traditional immunofluorescence assay. Thus, this bioorthogonal-enabled labeling strategy can serve as a promising approach to monitor and understand the interaction between the ZIKV and host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judun Zheng
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Yue
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghua Yang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qikang Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- Department of Burn Surgery & Department of Rheumatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Yunxia Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- Department of Burn Surgery & Department of Rheumatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Mingxing Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Weiqiang Lin
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jialin Huang
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- Department of Burn Surgery & Department of Rheumatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Yideng Jiang, ; Bin Yang, ; Yuhui Liao,
| | - Yideng Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Vascular Injury and Repair Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Yideng Jiang, ; Bin Yang, ; Yuhui Liao,
| | - Bin Yang
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Yideng Jiang, ; Bin Yang, ; Yuhui Liao,
| | - Yuhui Liao
- Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Infectious Diseases, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Metabolic Cardiovascular Diseases Research, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Vascular Injury and Repair Research, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Yideng Jiang, ; Bin Yang, ; Yuhui Liao,
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26
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Cheng X, Xia Y. HIRA in Hepatitis B Virus Minichromosome Regulation: Another Piece of the Puzzle. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:718-719. [PMID: 35691338 PMCID: PMC9421579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Wuhan University Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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27
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Liu T, Sun Q, Gu J, Cen S, Zhang Q. Characterization of the tenofovir resistance-associated mutations in the hepatitis B virus isolates across genotypes A to D. Antiviral Res 2022; 203:105348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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28
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Ding Y, Zhou Z, Li X, Zhao C, Jin X, Liu X, Wu Y, Mei X, Li J, Qiu J, Shen C. Screening and Identification of HBV Epitopes Restricted by Multiple Prevalent HLA-A Allotypes. Front Immunol 2022; 13:847105. [PMID: 35464415 PMCID: PMC9021956 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.847105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although host T cell immune responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been demonstrated to have important influences on the outcome of HBV infection, the development of T cell epitope-based vaccine and T cell therapy and the clinical evaluation of specific T cell function are currently hampered markedly by the lack of validated HBV T cell epitopes covering broad patients. This study aimed to screen T cell epitopes spanning overall HBsAg, HBeAg, HBx and HBpol proteins and presenting by thirteen prevalent human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A allotypes which gather a total gene frequency of around 95% in China and Northeast Asia populations. 187 epitopes were in silico predicted. Of which, 62 epitopes were then functionally validated as real-world HBV T cell epitopes by ex vivo IFN-γ ELISPOT assay and in vitro co-cultures using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HBV infected patients. Furthermore, the HLA-A cross-restrictions of each epitope were identified by peptide competitive binding assay using transfected HMy2.CIR cell lines, and by HLA-A/peptide docking as well as molecular dynamic simulation. Finally, a peptide library containing 105 validated epitopes which cross-binding by 13 prevalent HLA-A allotypes were used in ELISPOT assay to enumerate HBV-specific T cells for 116 patients with HBV infection. The spot forming units (SFUs) was significantly correlated with serum HBsAg level as confirmed by multivariate linear regression analysis. This study functionally validated 62 T cell epitopes from HBV main proteins and elucidated their HLA-A restrictions and provided an alternative ELISPOT assay using validated epitope peptides rather than conventional overlapping peptides for the clinical evaluation of HBV-specific T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zining Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingyu Li
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaotao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yandan Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueyin Mei
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Division of Hepatitis, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuanlai Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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29
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A Systematic Review of T Cell Epitopes Defined from the Proteome of Hepatitis B Virus. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020257. [PMID: 35214714 PMCID: PMC8878595 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a worldwide health problem and no eradicative therapy is currently available. Host T cell immune responses have crucial influences on the outcome of HBV infection, however the development of therapeutic vaccines, T cell therapies and the clinical evaluation of HBV-specific T cell responses are hampered markedly by the lack of validated T cell epitopes. This review presented a map of T cell epitopes functionally validated from HBV antigens during the past 33 years; the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertypes to present these epitopes, and the methods to screen and identify T cell epitopes. To the best of our knowledge, a total of 205 CD8+ T cell epitopes and 79 CD4+ T cell epitopes have been defined from HBV antigens by cellular functional experiments thus far, but most are restricted to several common HLA supertypes, such as HLA-A0201, A2402, B0702, DR04, and DR12 molecules. Therefore, the currently defined T cell epitope repertoire cannot cover the major populations with HLA diversity in an indicated geographic region. More researches are needed to dissect a more comprehensive map of T cell epitopes, which covers overall HBV proteome and global patients.
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30
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Nosaka T, Naito T, Murata Y, Matsuda H, Ohtani M, Hiramatsu K, Nishizawa T, Okamoto H, Nakamoto Y. Regulatory function of interferon-inducible 44-like for hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in primary human hepatocytes. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:141-152. [PMID: 34697871 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Curing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection requires elimination of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Interferon (IFN)-γ has noncytolytic antiviral potential; however, elimination of cccDNA could not be achieved. To enhance the regulatory effect, we comprehensively analyzed the host factors associated with cccDNA amplification and IFN-γ and IFN-α effects using an in vitro HBV infection system showing various transcription levels. METHODS Primary human hepatocytes were infected with HBV using genomic plasmids carrying the basic core promoter mutation A1762T/G1764A and/or the precore mutation G1896A and treated with IFN-γ and IFN-α. Comprehensive and functional studies involving microarray and small interfering RNA analysis revealed the host factors related to cccDNA regulation. RESULTS The HBV infection system reproduced the HBV life cycle and showed various propagation levels. Microarray analysis revealed 53 genes correlated with the cccDNA levels. Of the 53 genes, expression of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) was significantly upregulated by IFN-γ and IFN-α. The anti-HBV effect of IFI44L is exerted regardless of IFN-γ or IFN-α by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 pathways. CONCLUSIONS Using the in vitro HBV infection system, an IFN-inducible molecule, IFI44L, associated with cccDNA amplification, was identified. These results suggest an innovative molecular strategy for the regulation of HBV cccDNA by controlling a novel host factor, IFI44L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Nosaka
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Naito
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Yosuke Murata
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Matsuda
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ohtani
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Katsushi Hiramatsu
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nishizawa
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Okamoto
- Division of Virology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yasunari Nakamoto
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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31
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Murer L, Petkidis A, Vallet T, Vignuzzi M, Greber UF. Chemical Evolution of Rhinovirus Identifies Capsid-Destabilizing Mutations Driving Low-pH-Independent Genome Uncoating. J Virol 2022; 96:e0106021. [PMID: 34705560 PMCID: PMC8791267 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01060-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhinoviruses (RVs) cause recurrent infections of the nasal and pulmonary tracts, life-threatening conditions in chronic respiratory illness patients, predisposition of children to asthmatic exacerbation, and large economic cost. RVs are difficult to treat. They rapidly evolve resistance and are genetically diverse. Here, we provide insight into RV drug resistance mechanisms against chemical compounds neutralizing low pH in endolysosomes. Serial passaging of RV-A16 in the presence of the vacuolar proton ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) or the endolysosomotropic agent ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) promoted the emergence of resistant virus populations. We found two reproducible point mutations in viral proteins 1 and 3 (VP1 and VP3), A2526G (serine 66 to asparagine [S66N]), and G2274U (cysteine 220 to phenylalanine [C220F]), respectively. Both mutations conferred cross-resistance to BafA1, NH4Cl, and the protonophore niclosamide, as identified by massive parallel sequencing and reverse genetics, but not the double mutation, which we could not rescue. Both VP1-S66 and VP3-C220 locate at the interprotomeric face, and their mutations increase the sensitivity of virions to low pH, elevated temperature, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 receptor. These results indicate that the ability of RV to uncoat at low endosomal pH confers virion resistance to extracellular stress. The data endorse endosomal acidification inhibitors as a viable strategy against RVs, especially if inhibitors are directly applied to the airways. IMPORTANCE Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the predominant agents causing the common cold. Anti-RV drugs and vaccines are not available, largely due to rapid evolutionary adaptation of RVs giving rise to resistant mutants and an immense diversity of antigens in more than 160 different RV types. In this study, we obtained insight into the cell biology of RVs by harnessing the ability of RVs to evolve resistance against host-targeting small chemical compounds neutralizing endosomal pH, an important cue for uncoating of normal RVs. We show that RVs grown in cells treated with inhibitors of endolysosomal acidification evolved capsid mutations yielding reduced virion stability against elevated temperature, low pH, and incubation with recombinant soluble receptor fragments. This fitness cost makes it unlikely that RV mutants adapted to neutral pH become prevalent in nature. The data support the concept of host-directed drug development against respiratory viruses in general, notably at low risk of gain-of-function mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Murer
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anthony Petkidis
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Vallet
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Department of Virology, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Marco Vignuzzi
- Institut Pasteur, Viral Populations and Pathogenesis Unit, Department of Virology, CNRS UMR 3569, Paris, France
| | - Urs F. Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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32
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Luo M, Chen Z, Liu M, Liang Q, Han R, Liang Z, Ye Z, Liu K. Inhibitory Activities of Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. Ethanol Extract against Hepatitis B Virus. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2727-2735. [PMID: 35075662 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide public health problem, which cannot be cured by current therapeutics due to the persistence of viral CCC DNA in the infected hepatocytes. Screening from medicinal herbs for anti-HBV activities showed that the ethanol extract from Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. could decrease the production of HBV e antigen (HBeAg). Further study showed that the extract had no effect on core protein expression but significantly reduced the efficiency of viral capsid assembly. The levels of viral pgRNA and total core DNA were not affected significantly. However, the ratio of RC DNA/SS DNA decreased, indicating that the conversion of RC DNA from SS DNA was delayed by the extract. More interestingly, though similar levels of RC DNA were accumulated, the CCC DNA level and its formation efficiency were reduced significantly, which was also consistent with the decreased level of HBeAg, indicating that Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. extract could inhibit the CCC DNA formation. Together, this study found that Ranunculus japonicus Thunb. extract could inhibit HBV replication at multiple steps, especially showed significant inhibitory effects on capsid assembly and CCC DNA formation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhuohang Chen
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzho, 510000, China
| | - Miaoya Liu
- College of Life Sciences & Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Qian Liang
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650224, China
| | - Ruilian Han
- College of Life Sciences & Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zongsuo Liang
- College of Life Sciences & Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Zhuoming Ye
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzho, 510000, China
| | - Kuancheng Liu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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33
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Xu Z, Zhao L, Zhong Y, Zhu C, Zhao K, Teng Y, Cheng X, Chen Q, Xia Y. A Novel Mouse Model Harboring Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:1001-1017. [PMID: 34896285 PMCID: PMC8873614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The persistence of viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the major obstacle for antiviral treatment against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Basic and translational studies are largely hampered due to the lack of feasible small animal models to support HBV cccDNA formation. The aim of this study is to establish a novel mouse model harboring cccDNA. METHODS An adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector carrying a replication-deficient HBV1.04-fold genome (AAV-HBV1.04) was constructed. The linear HBV genome starts from nucleotide 403 and ends at 538, which results in the splitting of HBV surface and polymerase genes. Different HBV replication markers were evaluated for AAV-HBV1.04 plasmid-transfected cells, the AAV-HBV1.04 viral vector-transduced cells, and mice injected with the AAV-HBV1.04 viral vector. RESULTS Compared with the previously reported AAV-HBV1.2 construct, direct transfection of AAV-HBV1.04 plasmid failed to produce hepatitis B surface antigen and progeny virus. Interestingly, AAV-HBV1.04 viral vector transduction could result in the formation of cccDNA and the production of all HBV replication markers in vitro and in vivo. The formation of cccDNA could be blocked by ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein) inhibitors but not HBV reverse transcription inhibitor or capsid inhibitors. The AAV-HBV1.04 mouse supported long-term HBV replication and responded to antiviral treatments. CONCLUSIONS This AAV-HBV1.04 mouse model can support HBV cccDNA formation through ATR-mediated DNA damage response. The de novo formed cccDNA but not the parental AAV vector can lead to the production of hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV progeny. This model will provide a unique platform for studying HBV cccDNA and developing novel antivirals against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Youquan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Wuhan University Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Yuchen Xia, PhD, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China. fax: 0086-27-68759222.
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Zhang M, Zhang Z, Imamura M, Osawa M, Teraoka Y, Piotrowski J, Ishida Y, Sozzi V, Revill PA, Saito T, Chayama K, Liang TJ. Infection courses, virological features and IFN-α responses of HBV genotypes in cell culture and animal models. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1335-1345. [PMID: 34363922 PMCID: PMC8604785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HBV consists of 9 major genotypes (A to I), 1 minor strain (designated J) and multiple subtypes, which may be associated with different clinical characteristics. As only cell lines expressing genotype D3 have been established, herein, we aimed to establish stable cell lines producing high-titer cell culture-generated HBV (HBVcc) of different genotypes and to explore their infectivity, virological features and responses to treatment. METHODS Stable cell lines producing high titers of HBV genotype A2, B2, C1, E, F1b and H were generated by transfecting plasmids containing a replication-competent 1.3x length HBV genome and an antibiotic marker into HepG2 cells that can support HBV replication. Clones with the highest levels of HBV DNA and/or HBeAg were selected and expanded for large-scale purification of HBVcc. HBVcc of different genotypes were tested in cells and a humanized chimeric mouse model. RESULTS HBVcc genotypes were infectious in mouse-passaged primary human hepatocytes (PXB cells) and responded differently to human interferon (IFN)-α with variable kinetics of reduction in HBV DNA, HBeAg and HBsAg. HBVcc of all genotypes were infectious in humanized chimeric mice but with variable kinetics of viremia and viral antigen production. Treatment of infected mice with human IFN-α resulted in modest and variable reductions of viremia and viral antigenemia. HBVcc passaged in humanized chimeric mice (HBVmp) infected PXB cells much more efficiently than that of the original HBVcc viral stock. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we generated stable cell lines producing HBV of various genotypes that are infectious in vitro and in vivo. We observe genotype-associated variations in viral antigen production, infection kinetics and responses to human IFN-α treatment in these models. LAY SUMMARY Stable cell lines producing high-titer cell culture-generated hepatitis B virus (HBV) of various genotypes were established. HBV genotypes showed stable infectivity in both in vitro and in vivo models, which are valuable tools for antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mitsutaka Osawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuji Teraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Ishida
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; PhoenixBio Co., Ltd., Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Vitina Sozzi
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Novel function of SART1 in HNF4α transcriptional regulation contributes to its antiviral role during HBV infection. J Hepatol 2021; 75:1072-1082. [PMID: 34242702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Our understanding of the interactions between HBV and its host cells is still quite limited. Spliceosome associated factor 1 (SART1) has recently been found to restrict HCV. Thus, we aimed to dissect its role in HBV infection. METHODS SART1 was knocked down by RNA interference and over-expressed by lentiviral or adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in HBV-infected cell cultures and in vivo in HBV-infected mice. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine viral or host factor promoter activities, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was used to investigate protein-DNA interactions. RESULTS In HBV-infected cell cultures, downregulation of SART1 did not affect covalently closed circular HBV DNA but resulted in markedly enhanced HBV RNA, antigen expression and progeny virus production. On the other hand, HBV transcription and replication were significantly inhibited by overexpression of SART1. Similar results were observed in AAV-HBV-infected mice persistently replicating HBV. Inhibition of Janus kinases had no effect on SART1-mediated inhibition of HBV replication. HBV promoter assays revealed that SART1 reduced HBV core promoter activity. By screening known HBV transcription factors, we found that SART1 specifically suppressed the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α). Luciferase reporter and ChIP assays demonstrated a direct downregulation of HNF4α expression by association of SART1 with the HNF4α proximal P1 promoter element. CONCLUSIONS We identify SART1 as a novel host factor suppressing HBV cccDNA transcription. Besides its effect on interferon-stimulated genes, SART1 exerts an anti-HBV activity by suppressing HNF4α expression, which is essential for transcription of HBV cccDNA. LAY SUMMARY Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infects hepatocytes and persists in the form of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which remains a major obstacle to successful antiviral treatment. In this study, using various HBV models, we demonstrate that the protein SART1 restricts HBV cccDNA transcription by suppressing a key transcription factor, HNF4α.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Kong F, Li Q, Zhang F, Li X, You H, Pan X, Zheng K, Tang R. Sirtuins as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:751516. [PMID: 34708060 PMCID: PMC8542665 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.751516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sirtuins (SIRTs) are well-known histone deacetylases that are capable of modulating various cellular processes in numerous diseases, including the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is one of the primary pathogenic drivers of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mounting evidence reveals that HBV can alter the expression levels of all SIRT proteins. In turn, all SIRTs regulate HBV replication via a cascade of molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, several studies suggest that targeting SIRTs using suitable drugs is a potential treatment strategy for HBV infection. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms associated with SIRT-mediated upregulation of viral propagation and the recent advances in SIRT-targeted therapy as potential therapeutic modalities against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qi Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Laboratory Department, The People's Hospital of Funing, Yancheng, China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Xiaocui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Lv W, Li T, Wang S, Wang H, Li X, Zhang S, Wang L, Xu Y, Wei W. The Application of the CRISPR/Cas9 System in the Treatment of Hepatitis B Liver Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211045206. [PMID: 34605326 PMCID: PMC8493308 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211045206] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system was originally discovered in prokaryotes and functions as part of the adaptive immune system. The experimental research of many scholars, as well as scientific and technological advancements, has allowed prokaryote-derived CRISPR/Cas genome-editing systems to transform our ability to manipulate, detect, image, and annotate specific DNA and RNA sequences in the living cells of diverse species. Through modern genetic engineering editing technology and high-throughput gene sequencing, we can edit and splice covalently closed circular DNA to silence it, and correct the mutation and deletion of liver cancer genes to achieve precise in situ repair of defective genes and prohibit viral infection or replication. Such manipulations do not destroy the structure of the entire genome and facilitate the cure of diseases. In this review, we discussed the possibility that CRISPR/Cas could be used as a treatment for patients with liver cancer caused by hepatitis B virus infection, and reviewed the challenges incurred by this effective gene-editing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lv
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tao Li
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huihui Wang
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shubing Zhang
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lianzi Wang
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Wei
- 36639The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Lucifora J, Pastor F, Charles É, Pons C, Auclair H, Fusil F, Rivoire M, Cosset FL, Durantel D, Salvetti A. Evidence for long-term association of virion-delivered HBV core protein with cccDNA independently of viral protein production. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100330. [PMID: 34409278 PMCID: PMC8363821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims HBV persists in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes as a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) episome that constitutes the template for viral RNA and protein synthesis. Both HBx and HBc (core) viral proteins associate with cccDNA but, while HBx is required for viral transcription, the role of HBc is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if HBc derived from incoming nucleocapsid can associate with cccDNA before the onset of viral transcription and protein production. Methods Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed in native conditions. In addition, differentiated HepaRG (dHepaRG) cells infected with HBx-deficient HBV were used to investigate if HBc delivered by incoming virions can associate with cccDNA. Results Our results indicate that HBc can associate with cccDNA in the absence of viral transcription and de novo protein synthesis. In dHepaRG cells, this association is stable for at least 6 weeks. Conclusion These results suggest that virion-delivered HBc may participate at an early stage of cccDNA formation and/or transcription. Lay summary The hepatitis B virus genome is released into the nucleoplasm of infected cells after disassembly of the viral nucleocapsids at the nuclear membrane. Herein, we show for the first time that virion-delivered hepatitis B core protein, a component of the viral capsid, can stably associate with integrated viral DNA. The HBV episome (cccDNA) is formed in the nucleus following disassembly of incoming nucleocapsids. Native ChIP analysis indicates that virion-delivered HBc proteins can stably associate with cccDNA. Association of virion-delivered HBc does not require de novo viral protein synthesis. These results suggest that virion-delivered HBc may participate in cccDNA formation and/or transcriptional regulation.
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Key Words
- CAM
- ChIP
- ChIP, chromatin immunoprecipitation
- FA, formaldehyde
- H3K27Ac, histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation
- HBVΔX, HBx-deficient HBV
- HBc
- HBc, HBV core protein
- Hepatitis B Virus
- HuHep, liver-humanized mice
- PHHs, primary human hepatocytes
- cccDNA
- cccDNA, covalently closed circular DNA
- dHepaRG, differentiated HepaRG cells
- rcDNA, relaxed circular DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lucifora
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France.,Past affiliation: INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), University of Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Florentin Pastor
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Émilie Charles
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Pons
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France.,Past affiliation: INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), University of Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Héloïse Auclair
- Past affiliation: INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), University of Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Floriane Fusil
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | | | - François-Loïc Cosset
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - David Durantel
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- CIRI - Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
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Recent developments with advancing gene therapy to treat chronic infection with hepatitis B virus. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2021; 15:200-207. [PMID: 32141890 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The available vaccine and therapies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) rarely eliminate chronic infection with the virus. High mortality resulting from complicating cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma makes improving anti-HBV therapy an important priority. Recent advances with using gene therapy to counter HBV have potential and are the focus of this review. RECENT FINDINGS The stable replication-competent HBV intermediate comprising covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the template for expression of all viral genes. Inactivating cccDNA has thus been a focus of research aimed at achieving cure for HBV infection. Many studies have reported profound inhibition of replication of the virus using silencing and editing techniques. Therapeutic gene silencing with synthetic short interfering RNA is now in clinical trials. Ability to mutate and permanently inactivate cccDNA with engineered gene editors, such as those derived from CRISPR/Cas or TALENs, is particularly appealing but has not yet reached clinical evaluation. SUMMARY Gene silencing and gene editing potentially provide the means to cure HBV infection. However, achieving efficient delivery of therapeutic sequences, ensuring their specificity of action and progress with other antiviral strategies are likely to determine utility of gene therapy for chronic HBV infection.
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Miyakawa Y, Otsuka M, Sekiba K, Funato K, Koike K. Humanized virus-suppressing factor inhibits hepatitis B virus infection by targeting viral cell entry. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07586. [PMID: 34345745 PMCID: PMC8319007 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferons suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, they must be taken continuously and have a low response rate. Therefore, therapeutics for HBV with novel modes of action are needed. Humanized virus-suppressing factor (hzVSF) is a monoclonal antibody against vimentin that exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Here, hzVSF significantly inhibited HBV infection. Although hzVSF inhibited HBV RNA production, it did not affect viral transcription from minicircle DNA mimicking covalently closed circular DNA. Additionally, hzVSF did not inhibit viral protein or DNA release from infected cells. Rather, hzVSF inhibited the cell entry of viral preS1 peptides, possibly by altering intracellular vimentin localization, which is important for HBV cell entry. These results suggest that hzVSF has therapeutic potential for HBV infection with a novel mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Miyakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuma Sekiba
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Funato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Wing PAC, Liu PJ, Harris JM, Magri A, Michler T, Zhuang X, Borrmann H, Minisini R, Frampton NR, Wettengel JM, Mailly L, D'Arienzo V, Riedl T, Nobre L, Weekes MP, Pirisi M, Heikenwalder M, Baumert TF, Hammond EM, Mole DR, Protzer U, Balfe P, McKeating JA. Hypoxia inducible factors regulate hepatitis B virus replication by activating the basal core promoter. J Hepatol 2021; 75:64-73. [PMID: 33516779 PMCID: PMC8214165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are a hallmark of inflammation and are key regulators of hepatic immunity and metabolism, yet their role in HBV replication is poorly defined. HBV replicates in hepatocytes within the liver, a naturally hypoxic organ, however most studies of viral replication are performed under conditions of atmospheric oxygen, where HIFs are inactive. We therefore investigated the role of HIFs in regulating HBV replication. METHODS Using cell culture, animal models, human tissue and pharmacological agents inhibiting the HIF-prolyl hydroxylases, we investigated the impact of hypoxia on the HBV life cycle. RESULTS Culturing liver cell-based model systems under low oxygen uncovered a new role for HIFs in binding HBV DNA and activating the basal core promoter, leading to increased pre-genomic RNA and de novo HBV particle secretion. The presence of hypoxia responsive elements among all primate members of the hepadnaviridae highlights an evolutionary conserved role for HIFs in regulating this virus family. CONCLUSIONS Identifying a role for this conserved oxygen sensor in regulating HBV transcription suggests that this virus has evolved to exploit the HIF signaling pathway to persist in the low oxygen environment of the liver. Our studies show the importance of considering oxygen availability when studying HBV-host interactions and provide innovative routes to better understand and target chronic HBV infection. LAY SUMMARY Viral replication in host cells is defined by the cellular microenvironment and one key factor is local oxygen tension. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates in the liver, a naturally hypoxic organ. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are the major sensors of low oxygen; herein, we identify a new role for these factors in regulating HBV replication, revealing new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrea Magri
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Michler
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Xiaodong Zhuang
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helene Borrmann
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicholas R Frampton
- Institute of Inflammation and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jochen M Wettengel
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Laurent Mailly
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Tobias Riedl
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Luis Nobre
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael P Weekes
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mathias Heikenwalder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ester M Hammond
- Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David R Mole
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Balfe
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jane A McKeating
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Oxford Institute (COI), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Zhang D, Zhang K, Protzer U, Zeng C. HBV Integration Induces Complex Interactions between Host and Viral Genomic Functions at the Insertion Site. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:399-408. [PMID: 34221926 PMCID: PMC8237140 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), one of the well-known DNA oncogenic viruses, is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In infected hepatocytes, HBV DNA can be integrated into the host genome through an insertional mutagenesis process inducing tumorigenesis. Dissection of the genomic features surrounding integration sites will deepen our understanding of mechanisms underlying integration. Moreover, the quantity and biological activity of integration sites may reflect the DNA damage within affected cells or the potential survival benefits they may confer. The well-known human genomic features include repeat elements, particular regions (such as telomeres), and frequently interrupted genes (e.g., telomerase reverse transcriptase [i.e. TERT], lysine methyltransferase 2B [i.e. KMT2B], cyclin E1 [CCNE1], and cyclin A2 [CCNA2]). Consequently, distinct genomic features within diverse integrations differentiate their biological functions. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence has shown that viral proteins produced by integrants may cause cell damage even after the suppression of HBV replication. The integration-derived gene products can also serve as tumor markers, promoting the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HCC. Viral integrants can be single copy or multiple copies of different fragments with complicated rearrangement, which warrants elucidation of the whole viral integrant arrangement in future studies. All of these considerations underlie an urgent need to develop novel methodology and technology for sequence characterization and function evaluation of integration events in chronic hepatitis B-associated disease progression by monitoring both host genomic features and viral integrants. This endeavor may also serve as a promising solution for evaluating the risk of tumorigenesis and as a companion diagnostic for designing therapeutic strategies targeting integration-related disease complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dake Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- SCG Cell Therapy Pte. Ltd, Singapore
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Urlike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Changqing Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Inoue J, Sato K, Ninomiya M, Masamune A. Envelope Proteins of Hepatitis B Virus: Molecular Biology and Involvement in Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:1124. [PMID: 34208172 PMCID: PMC8230773 DOI: 10.3390/v13061124] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The envelope of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is required for the entry to hepatocytes, consists of a lipid bilayer derived from hepatocyte and HBV envelope proteins, large/middle/small hepatitis B surface antigen (L/M/SHBs). The mechanisms and host factors for the envelope formation in the hepatocytes are being revealed. HBV-infected hepatocytes release a large amount of subviral particles (SVPs) containing L/M/SHBs that facilitate escape from the immune system. Recently, novel drugs inhibiting the functions of the viral envelope and those inhibiting the release of SVPs have been reported. LHBs that accumulate in ER is considered to promote carcinogenesis and, especially, deletion mutants in the preS1/S2 domain have been reported to be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize recent reports on the findings regarding the biological characteristics of HBV envelope proteins, their involvement in HCC development and new agents targeting the envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (K.S.); (M.N.); (A.M.)
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45
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Review of Lambda Interferons in Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Outcomes and Therapeutic Strategies. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061090. [PMID: 34207487 PMCID: PMC8230240 DOI: 10.3390/v13061090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects over 250 million people worldwide and causes nearly 1 million deaths per year due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Approved treatments for chronic infection include injectable type-I interferons and nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. A small minority of patients achieve seroclearance after treatment with type-I interferons, defined as sustained absence of detectable HBV DNA and surface antigen (HBsAg) antigenemia. However, type-I interferons cause significant side effects, are costly, must be administered for months, and most patients have viral rebound or non-response. Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors reduce HBV viral load and improve liver-related outcomes, but do not lower HBsAg levels or impart seroclearance. Thus, new therapeutics are urgently needed. Lambda interferons (IFNLs) have been tested as an alternative strategy to stimulate host antiviral pathways to treat HBV infection. IFNLs comprise an evolutionarily conserved innate immune pathway and have cell-type specific activity on hepatocytes, other epithelial cells found at mucosal surfaces, and some immune cells due to restricted cellular expression of the IFNL receptor. This article will review work that examined expression of IFNLs during acute and chronic HBV infection, the impact of IFNLs on HBV replication in vitro and in vivo, the association of polymorphisms in IFNL genes with clinical outcomes, and the therapeutic evaluation of IFNLs for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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46
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Roca Suarez AA, Testoni B, Zoulim F. HBV 2021: New therapeutic strategies against an old foe. Liver Int 2021; 41 Suppl 1:15-23. [PMID: 34155787 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects more than 250 million people worldwide, and is one of the major aetiologies for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In spite of universal vaccination programs, HBV infection is still a public health problem, and the limited number of available therapeutic approaches complicates the clinical management of these patients. Thus, HBV infection remains an unmet medical need that requires a continuous effort to develop new individual molecules, treatment combinations and even completely novel therapeutic strategies to achieve the goal of HBV elimination. The following review provides an overview of the current situation in chronic HBV infection, with an analysis of the scientific rationale of certain clinical interventions and, more importantly, explores the most recent developments in the field of HBV drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Andres Roca Suarez
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), Lyon, France
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47
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Schmidt NM, Wing PAC, Diniz MO, Pallett LJ, Swadling L, Harris JM, Burton AR, Jeffery-Smith A, Zakeri N, Amin OE, Kucykowicz S, Heemskerk MH, Davidson B, Meyer T, Grove J, Stauss HJ, Pineda-Torra I, Jolly C, Jury EC, McKeating JA, Maini MK. Targeting human Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase as a dual viral and T cell metabolic checkpoint. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2814. [PMID: 33990561 PMCID: PMC8121939 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Determining divergent metabolic requirements of T cells, and the viruses and tumours they fail to combat, could provide new therapeutic checkpoints. Inhibition of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) has direct anti-carcinogenic activity. Here, we show that ACAT inhibition has antiviral activity against hepatitis B (HBV), as well as boosting protective anti-HBV and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) T cells. ACAT inhibition reduces CD8+ T cell neutral lipid droplets and promotes lipid microdomains, enhancing TCR signalling and TCR-independent bioenergetics. Dysfunctional HBV- and HCC-specific T cells are rescued by ACAT inhibitors directly ex vivo from human liver and tumour tissue respectively, including tissue-resident responses. ACAT inhibition enhances in vitro responsiveness of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells to PD-1 blockade and increases the functional avidity of TCR-gene-modified T cells. Finally, ACAT regulates HBV particle genesis in vitro, with inhibitors reducing both virions and subviral particles. Thus, ACAT inhibition provides a paradigm of a metabolic checkpoint able to constrain tumours and viruses but rescue exhausted T cells, rendering it an attractive therapeutic target for the functional cure of HBV and HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie M Schmidt
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter A C Wing
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Mariana O Diniz
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura J Pallett
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Leo Swadling
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - James M Harris
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Alice R Burton
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Jeffery-Smith
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nekisa Zakeri
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver E Amin
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephanie Kucykowicz
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mirjam H Heemskerk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brian Davidson
- Division of Surgery, University College London, London, UK
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tim Meyer
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joe Grove
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hans J Stauss
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Clare Jolly
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
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48
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Liu R, Zhao L, Cheng X, Han H, Li C, Li D, Liu A, Gao G, Zhou F, Liu F, Jiang Y, Zhu C, Xia Y. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients with hepatitis B virus infection - a retrospective study. Liver Int 2021; 41:720-730. [PMID: 33351265 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic. Although COVID-19 is caused by infection in the respiratory tract, extrapulmonary manifestations including dysregulation of the immune system and hepatic injury have been observed. Given the high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China, we sought to study the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and HBV coinfection in patients. METHODS Blood samples of 50 SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfected patients, 56 SARS-CoV-2 mono-infected patients, 57 HBeAg-negative chronic HBV patient controls and 57 healthy controls admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were collected in this study. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry panels including markers indicative of liver functions were performed. Cytokines including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were evaluated. T cell, B cell and NK cell counts were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfection did not significantly affect the outcome of the COVID-19. However, at the onset of COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfected patients showed more severe monocytopenia and thrombocytopenia as well as more disturbed hepatic function in albumin production and lipid metabolism. Most of the disarrangement could be reversed after recovery from COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS While chronic HBV infection did not predispose COVID-19 patients to more severe outcomes, our data suggest SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfection poses a higher extent of dysregulation of host functions at the onset of COVID-19. Thus, caution needs to be taken with the management of SARS-CoV-2 and HBV coinfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Huan Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Andrew Liu
- Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Guosheng Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory for Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Institute of Medical Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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49
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Roca Suarez AA, Testoni B, Baumert TF, Lupberger J. Nucleic Acid-Induced Signaling in Chronic Viral Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 11:624034. [PMID: 33613561 PMCID: PMC7892431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.624034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark for the development and progression of chronic liver diseases is the persistent dysregulation of signaling pathways related to inflammatory responses, which eventually promotes the development of hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The two major etiological agents associated with these complications in immunocompetent patients are hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), accounting for almost 1.4 million liver disease-associated deaths worldwide. Although both differ significantly from the point of their genomes and viral life cycles, they exert not only individual but also common strategies to divert innate antiviral defenses. Multiple virus-modulated pathways implicated in stress and inflammation illustrate how chronic viral hepatitis persistently tweaks host signaling processes with important consequences for liver pathogenesis. The following review aims to summarize the molecular events implicated in the sensing of viral nucleic acids, the mechanisms employed by HBV and HCV to counter these measures and how the dysregulation of these cellular pathways drives the development of chronic liver disease and the progression toward HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Andres Roca Suarez
- INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Joachim Lupberger
- INSERM, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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50
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Murayama A, Yamada N, Osaki Y, Shiina M, Aly HH, Iwamoto M, Tsukuda S, Watashi K, Matsuda M, Suzuki R, Tanaka T, Moriishi K, Suzuki T, Nishitsuji H, Sugiyama M, Mizokami M, Shimotohno K, Wakita T, Muramatsu M, Liang TJ, Kato T. N-Terminal PreS1 Sequence Regulates Efficient Infection of Cell-Culture-Generated Hepatitis B Virus. Hepatology 2021; 73:520-532. [PMID: 32446278 PMCID: PMC8527393 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS An efficient cell-culture system for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is indispensable for research on viral characteristics and antiviral reagents. Currently, for the HBV infection assay in cell culture, viruses derived from HBV genome-integrated cell lines of HepG2.2.15 or HepAD-38 are commonly used. However, these viruses are not suitable for the evaluation of polymorphism-dependent viral characteristics or resistant mutations against antiviral reagents. HBV obtained by the transient transfection of the ordinary HBV molecular clone has limited infection efficiencies in cell culture. APPROACH AND RESULTS We found that an 11-amino-acid deletion (d11) in the preS1 region enhances the infectivity of cell-culture-generated HBV (HBVcc) to sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide-transduced HepG2 (HepG2/NTCP) cells. Infection of HBVcc derived from a d11-introduced genotype C strain (GTC-d11) was ~10-fold more efficient than infection of wild-type GTC (GTC-wt), and the number of infected cells was comparable between GTC-d11- and HepG2.2.15-derived viruses when inoculated with the same genome equivalents. A time-dependent increase in pregenomic RNA and efficient synthesis of covalently closed circular DNA were detected after infection with the GTC-d11 virus. The involvement of d11 in the HBV large surface protein in the enhanced infectivity was confirmed by an HBV reporter virus and hepatitis D virus infection system. The binding step of the GTC-d11 virus onto the cell surface was responsible for this efficient infection. CONCLUSIONS This system provides a powerful tool for studying the infection and propagation of HBV in cell culture and also for developing the antiviral strategy against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asako Murayama
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Norie Yamada
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshiki Osaki
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Masaaki Shiina
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan.,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyShin-Yurigaoka General HospitalKawasakiJapan
| | - Hussein Hassan Aly
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Masashi Iwamoto
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Senko Tsukuda
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan.,Liver Cancer Prevention Research UnitCenter for Integrative Medical SciencesRIKENWakoJapan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Mami Matsuda
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Ryosuke Suzuki
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Tomohisa Tanaka
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of MedicineUniversity of YamanashiChuo-shiJapan
| | - Kohji Moriishi
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of MedicineUniversity of YamanashiChuo-shiJapan
| | - Tetsuro Suzuki
- Department of Virology and ParasitologyHamamatsu University School of MedicineShizuokaJapan
| | - Hironori Nishitsuji
- Genome Medical Sciences ProjectNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Genome Medical Sciences ProjectNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Genome Medical Sciences ProjectNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
| | - Kunitada Shimotohno
- Genome Medical Sciences ProjectNational Center for Global Health and MedicineIchikawaJapan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Masamichi Muramatsu
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases BranchNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMD
| | - Takanobu Kato
- Department of Virology IINational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
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