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Woo J, Choi Y. Biomarkers in Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Pathogens 2024; 13:331. [PMID: 38668286 PMCID: PMC11054098 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 58 million people worldwide. In the United States, the incidence rate of acute hepatitis C has doubled since 2014; during 2021, this increased to 5% from 2020. Acute hepatitis C is defined by any symptom of acute viral hepatitis plus either jaundice or elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity with the detection of HCV RNA, the anti-HCV antibody, or hepatitis C virus antigen(s). However, most patients with acute infection are asymptomatic. In addition, ALT activity and HCV RNA levels can fluctuate, and a delayed detection of the anti-HCV antibody can occur among some immunocompromised persons with HCV infection. The detection of specific biomarkers can be of great value in the early detection of HCV infection at an asymptomatic stage. The high rate of HCV replication (which is approximately 1010 to 1012 virions per day) and the lack of proofreading by the viral RNA polymerase leads to enormous genetic diversity, creating a major challenge for the host immune response. This broad genetic diversity contributes to the likelihood of developing chronic infection, thus leading to the development of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for HCV infection are highly effective with a cure rate of up to 99%. At the same time, many patients with HCV infection are unaware of their infection status because of the mostly asymptomatic nature of hepatitis C, so they remain undiagnosed until the liver damage has advanced. Molecular mechanisms induced by HCV have been intensely investigated to find biomarkers for diagnosing the acute and chronic phases of the infection. However, there are no clinically verified biomarkers for patients with hepatitis C. In this review, we discuss the biomarkers that can differentiate acute from chronic hepatitis C, and we summarize the current state of the literature on the useful biomarkers that are detectable during acute and chronic HCV infection, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Youkyung Choi
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA 30329-4018, USA;
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Lang-Meli J, Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R. Targeting virus-specific CD8+ T cells for treatment of chronic viral hepatitis: from bench to bedside. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:77-89. [PMID: 38290716 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2313112] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 350 million people worldwide live with chronic viral hepatitis and are thus at risk for severe complications like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To meet the goals of the World Health Organization (WHO) global hepatitis strategy, there is an urgent need for new immunotherapeutic approaches. These are particularly required for chronic hepatitis B virus infection and - B/D coinfection. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes data on mechanisms of CD8+ T cells failure in chronic hepatitis B, D, C and E virus infection. The relative contribution of the different concepts (viral escape, CD8+ T cell exhaustion, defective priming) will be discussed. On this basis, examples for future therapeutic approaches targeting virus-specific CD8+ T cells for the individual hepatitis viruses will be discussed. EXPERT OPINION Immunotherapeutic approaches targeting virus-specific CD8+ T cells have the potential to change clinical practice, especially in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Further clinical development, however, requires a more detailed understanding of T cell immunology in chronic viral hepatitis. Some important conceptual questions remain to be addressed, e.g. regarding heterogeneity of exhausted virus-specific CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lang-Meli
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- IMM-PACT Programm, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Mondelli MU, Ottolini S, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Cerino A, Mele D, Varchetta S. Hepatitis C Virus and the Host: A Mutual Endurance Leaving Indelible Scars in the Host's Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:268. [PMID: 38203436 PMCID: PMC10779088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010268] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has spread worldwide, and it is responsible for potentially severe chronic liver disease and primary liver cancer. Chronic infection remains for life if not spontaneously eliminated and viral persistence profoundly impairs the efficiency of the host's immunity. Attempts have been made to develop an effective vaccine, but efficacy trials have met with failure. The availability of highly efficacious direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has created hope for the progressive elimination of chronic HCV infections; however, this approach requires a monumental global effort. HCV elicits a prompt innate immune response in the host, characterized by a robust production of interferon-α (IFN-α), although interference in IFN-α signaling by HCV proteins may curb this effect. The late appearance of largely ineffective neutralizing antibodies and the progressive exhaustion of T cells, particularly CD8 T cells, result in the inability to eradicate the virus in most infected patients. Moreover, an HCV cure resulting from DAA treatment does not completely restore the normal immunologic homeostasis. Here, we discuss the main immunological features of immune responses to HCV and the epigenetic scars that chronic viral persistence leaves behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ottolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Antonella Cerino
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.O.); (S.M.); (A.C.); (D.M.); (S.V.)
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Radkowski M, Grabarczyk P, Kryczka T, Caraballo Cortès K, Kubicka-Russel D, Janiak M, Osuch S, Perlejewski K, Laskus T. Cytokine profile and viral diversity in the early seronegative stage of community-acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20045. [PMID: 37973814 PMCID: PMC10654698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47335-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Most Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected subjects develop chronic infection, whereas a minority clear the virus in the early phase of infection. We analyzed factors associated with outcome (chronicity vs clearance) during the preclinical seronegative phase of community-acquired HCV infection. Among 17.5 million blood donations in the years 2000-2016, 124 blood donors were found to be HCV RNA-positive/anti-HCV-negative. All were contacted after 0.5-12.7 years and 40 responded and provided blood sample. Hypervariable region 1 was analyzed by ultradeep pyrosequencing and cytokines in serum were quantified by Luminex (R&D Systems) multiplex immunoassay. Twenty-one (52.5%) donors were found to be HCV-RNA-positive, while 19 (47.5%) were HCV RNA negative (none received antiviral treatment). All but one seroconverted to anti-HCV. Donors with resolving hepatitis did not differ significantly from donors with chronic infection with respect to age, genotypes, IL28B polymorphisms, number of viral variants, nucleotide diversity per site or the overall number of nucleotide substitutions. However, the former group had significantly higher levels of IL-1beta, IL-1RA, IL-6, IFN-gamma and FGF-2 in serum. In our study of community-acquired acute hepatitis C approximately half of all subjects eliminated the virus spontaneously, and this clearance was associated with marked cytokine response in the early seronegative stage of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Radkowski
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Department of Virology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kryczka
- Department of Development of Nursing and Social and Medical Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Caraballo Cortès
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Kubicka-Russel
- Department of Virology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Janiak
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sylwia Osuch
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karol Perlejewski
- Department of Immunopathology of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Laskus
- Department of Adult Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 37 Wolska St., 01-201, Warsaw, Poland.
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Bela-Ong DB, Thompson KD, Kim HJ, Park SB, Jung TS. CD4 + T lymphocyte responses to viruses and virus-relevant stimuli in teleost fish. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:109007. [PMID: 37625734 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Fish diseases caused by viruses are a major threat to aquaculture. Development of disease protection strategies for sustainable fish aquaculture requires a better understanding of the immune mechanisms involved in antiviral defence. The innate and adaptive arms of the vertebrate immune system collaborate to mount an effective defence against viral pathogens. The T lymphocyte components of the adaptive immune system, comprising two major classes (helper T, Th or CD4+ and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CTLs or CD8+ T cells), are responsible for cell-mediated immune responses. In particular, CD4+ T cells and their different subsets orchestrate the actions of various other immune cells during immune responses, making CD4+ T cells central drivers of responses to pathogens and vaccines. CD4+ T cells are also present in teleost fish. Here we review the literature that reported the use of antibodies against CD4 in a few teleost fish species and transcription profiling of Th cell-relevant genes in the context of viral infections and virus-relevant immunomodulation. Studies reveal massive CD4+ T cell proliferation and expression of key cytokines, transcription factors, and effector molecules that evoke mammalian Th cell responses. We also discuss gaps in the current understanding and evaluation of teleost CD4+ T cell responses and how development and application of novel tools and approaches to interrogate such responses could bridge these gaps. A greater understanding of fish Th cell responses will further illuminate the evolution of vertebrate adaptive immunity, inform strategies to address viral infections in aquaculture, and could further foster fish as model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Berbulla Bela-Ong
- Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Research Institute of Natural Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 501-201, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kim D Thompson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Hyoung Jun Kim
- WOAH Reference Laboratory for VHS, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Bin Park
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Pascagula, MS, 39567, USA
| | - Tae Sung Jung
- Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Research Institute of Natural Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 501-201, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, Republic of Korea.
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Dravid P, Murthy S, Attia Z, Cassady C, Chandra R, Trivedi S, Vyas A, Gridley J, Holland B, Kumari A, Grakoui A, Cullen JM, Walker CM, Sharma H, Kapoor A. Phenotype and fate of liver-resident CD8 T cells during acute and chronic hepacivirus infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011697. [PMID: 37812637 PMCID: PMC10602381 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011697] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance and control remain poorly defined due to the lack of an informative animal model. We recently described acute and chronic rodent HCV-like virus (RHV) infections in lab mice. Here, we developed MHC class I and class II tetramers to characterize the serial changes in RHV-specific CD8 and CD4 T cells during acute and chronic infection in C57BL/6J mice. RHV infection induced rapid expansion of T cells targeting viral structural and nonstructural proteins. After virus clearance, the virus-specific T cells transitioned from effectors to long-lived liver-resident memory T cells (TRM). The effector and memory CD8 and CD4 T cells primarily produced Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2, upon ex vivo antigen stimulation, and their phenotype and transcriptome differed significantly between the liver and spleen. Rapid clearance of RHV reinfection coincided with the proliferation of virus-specific CD8 TRM cells in the liver. Chronic RHV infection was associated with the exhaustion of CD8 T cells (Tex) and the development of severe liver diseases. Interestingly, the virus-specific CD8 Tex cells continued proliferation in the liver despite the persistent high-titer viremia and retained partial antiviral functions, as evident from their ability to degranulate and produce IFN-γ upon ex vivo antigen stimulation. Thus, RHV infection in mice provides a unique model to study the function and fate of liver-resident T cells during acute and chronic hepatotropic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Dravid
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Satyapramod Murthy
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Zayed Attia
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Cole Cassady
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rahul Chandra
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Sheetal Trivedi
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ashish Vyas
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - John Gridley
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Brantley Holland
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Anuradha Kumari
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Arash Grakoui
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - John M. Cullen
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Christopher M. Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Shoukry NH, Cox AL, Walker CM. Immunological Monitoring in Hepatitis C Virus Controlled Human Infection Model. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S270-S275. [PMID: 37579206 PMCID: PMC10425133 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad359] [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] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled human infection model trials for hepatitis C virus represent an important opportunity to identify correlates of protective immunity against a well-characterized inoculum of hepatitis C virus and how such responses are modified by vaccination. In this article, we discuss the approach to immunological monitoring during such trials, including a set of recommendations for optimal sampling schedule and preferred immunological assays to examine the different arms of the immune response. We recommend that this approach be adapted to different trial designs. Finally, we discuss how these studies can provide surrogate predictors of the success of candidate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher M Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Maretti-Mira AC, Salomon MP, Hsu AM, Matsuba C, Golden-Mason L. Chronic HCV infection promotes cytotoxicity in antigen-specific CD8 + T cells regardless of virus specificity. FRONTIERS IN VIROLOGY (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:1198361. [PMID: 37886042 PMCID: PMC10601542 DOI: 10.3389/fviro.2023.1198361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Despite advancements in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treatment, HCV still represents a significant public health burden. Besides progressive hepatic damage, viral persistence has lasting effects on innate and adaptive immune responses. Lack of a complete understanding of the factors driving an effective HCV response contributes to the failure to develop a vaccine for prevention. This study advances the existing knowledge on HCV-specific CD8+ T cells and describes the impact of current or past HCV infection on CD8+ T cells specific for other viruses. Methods We used barcoded-dextramers to identify and sort CD8+ T cells specific for HCV, cytomegalovirus, and influenza, and characterized them using single-cell RNA sequencing technology. Our cohort included chronic (cHCV), spontaneously resolved (rHCV), and subjects undergoing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Results We show that HCV-specific CD8+ T cells have cytotoxic features in patients with cHCV, which is progressively reduced with DAA therapy and persists 12 weeks after treatment completion. We also observe a shift in the CD8+ T cell phenotype on DAA treatment, with decreased effector memory and exhausted cell signatures. In rHCV, we also detected a smaller proportion of effector memory cells compared to cHCV. The proportion of CD8+ exhausted T cells in cHCV and rHCV subjects was comparable. Moreover, we also observed that non-HCV virus-specific CD8+ T cells exhibit robust cytotoxic traits during cHCV infection. Discussion Altogether, our findings suggest that cHCV infection promotes cytotoxicity in CD8+ T cells regardless of virus specificity. The immunological changes caused by cHCV infection in CD8+ T cells may contribute to worsening the ongoing hepatic damage caused by HCV infection or exacerbate the immune response to possible co-infections. Our data provide a resource to groups exploring the underlying mechanisms of HCV-specific T cell spontaneous and treatment-induced resolution to inform the development of effective vaccines against HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Maretti-Mira
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew P. Salomon
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Angela M. Hsu
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chikako Matsuba
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- USC Research Center for Liver Diseases, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Tsiakos K, Gavrielatou N, Vathiotis IA, Chatzis L, Chatzis S, Poulakou G, Kotteas E, Syrigos NK. Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 Axis Inhibition in Viral Infections: Clinical Data and Therapeutic Opportunities. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101673. [PMID: 36298538 PMCID: PMC9611078 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A vital function of the immune system is the modulation of an evolving immune response. It is responsible for guarding against a wide variety of pathogens as well as the establishment of memory responses to some future hostile encounters. Simultaneously, it maintains self-tolerance and minimizes collateral tissue damage at sites of inflammation. In recent years, the regulation of T-cell responses to foreign or self-protein antigens and maintenance of balance between T-cell subsets have been linked to a distinct class of cell surface and extracellular components, the immune checkpoint molecules. The fact that both cancer and viral infections exploit similar, if not the same, immune checkpoint molecules to escape the host immune response highlights the need to study the impact of immune checkpoint blockade on viral infections. More importantly, the process through which immune checkpoint blockade completely changed the way we approach cancer could be the key to decipher the potential role of immunotherapy in the therapeutic algorithm of viral infections. This review focuses on the effect of programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death-ligand 1 blockade on the outcome of viral infections in cancer patients as well as the potential benefit from the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treatment of viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Tsiakos
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Niki Gavrielatou
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ioannis A. Vathiotis
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Loukas Chatzis
- Pathophysiology Department, Athens School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Chatzis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Hippokration” Hospital, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Garyfallia Poulakou
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Kotteas
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Syrigos
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
- Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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10
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Zaki MYW, Fathi AM, Samir S, Eldafashi N, William KY, Nazmy MH, Fathy M, Gill US, Shetty S. Innate and Adaptive Immunopathogeneses in Viral Hepatitis; Crucial Determinants of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1255. [PMID: 35267563 PMCID: PMC8909759 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections remain the most common risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and their heterogeneous distribution influences the global prevalence of this common type of liver cancer. Typical hepatitis infection elicits various immune responses within the liver microenvironment, and viral persistence induces chronic liver inflammation and carcinogenesis. HBV is directly mutagenic but can also cause low-grade liver inflammation characterized by episodes of intermittent high-grade liver inflammation, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which can progress to decompensated liver disease and HCC. Equally, the absence of key innate and adaptive immune responses in chronic HCV infection dampens viral eradication and induces an exhausted and immunosuppressive liver niche that favors HCC development and progression. The objectives of this review are to (i) discuss the epidemiological pattern of HBV and HCV infections, (ii) understand the host immune response to acute and chronic viral hepatitis, and (iii) explore the link between this diseased immune environment and the development and progression of HCC in preclinical models and HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Y. W. Zaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ahmed M. Fathi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Samara Samir
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
| | - Nardeen Eldafashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Kerolis Y. William
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 12613, Egypt;
| | - Maiiada Hassan Nazmy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Moustafa Fathy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61732, Egypt; (A.M.F.); (N.E.); (M.H.N.); (M.F.)
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Barts & The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, QMUL, London E1 2AT, UK;
| | - Shishir Shetty
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit and Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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11
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Giadans CG, Ríos DA, Ameigeiras B, Haddad L, De Matteo EN, Valva P, Preciado MV. Intrahepatic immune infiltrate in chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C: Similar but not the same. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:124-134. [PMID: 34820942 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13635] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) infections, the composition of the immune cell microenvironment at the site of infection is poorly understood. Thus, our aim was to characterize and compare liver infiltrates to identify shared and exclusive hepatic immune components. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 26 CHB and 42 CHC liver biopsies to determine Th (CD4+), Th1 (T-bet+), Th17 (IL-17A+), Treg (Foxp3+) and CTL (CD8+) cells frequency in portal/periportal and intralobular areas and relate them to liver damage. CHB and CHC cases shared a portal/periportal CD4+ lymphocyte predominance and a lobular CD8+ lymphocyte majority. However, CHC exhibited a concomitant lobular T-bet+ cell dominance while in CHB FoxP3+ cells prevail. CHC disclosed higher frequencies of P/P FoxP3+, IL-17A+ and T-bet+ cells and intralobular CD4+, IL-17A+ and T-bet+ lymphocytes. HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis and CHC cell frequencies were similar except for lobular T-bet+ that remained higher among CHC cases. Comparison among cases with less severe liver disease revealed lower lymphocyte frequencies in CHB samples, while no differences were observed between patients with more severe stages. Interestingly, in CHB portal/periportal CD4+ and lobular CD4+, CD8+ and IL-17A+ cells were associated with severe hepatitis. Even when all studied populations were identified in both infections preferential lymphocyte frequencies and prevalence at different areas along with their association with liver damage highlighted that CHB and CHC immune responses are not the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Graciela Giadans
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Ríos
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Leila Haddad
- Liver Unit, Ramos Mejía Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - Elena Noemí De Matteo
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Preciado
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
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12
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Shoukry NH. Towards a Systems Immunology Approach to Understanding Correlates of Protective Immunity against HCV. Viruses 2021; 13:1871. [PMID: 34578451 PMCID: PMC8473057 DOI: 10.3390/v13091871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in systems biology-based approaches to studying immunity to viral infections and responses to vaccines. These approaches that integrate multiple facets of the immune response, including transcriptomics, serology and immune functions, are now being applied to understand correlates of protective immunity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and to inform vaccine development. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding immunity to HCV using systems biology, specifically transcriptomic and epigenetic studies. It also examines proposed strategies moving forward towards an integrated systems immunology approach for predicting and evaluating the efficacy of the next generation of HCV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Tour Viger, Local R09.414, 900 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada;
- Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
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13
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Where to Next? Research Directions after the First Hepatitis C Vaccine Efficacy Trial. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071351. [PMID: 34372558 PMCID: PMC8310243 DOI: 10.3390/v13071351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty years after its discovery, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Given that many countries continue to experience high rates of transmission despite the availability of potent antiviral therapies, an effective vaccine is seen as critical for the elimination of HCV. The recent failure of the first vaccine efficacy trial for the prevention of chronic HCV confirmed suspicions that this virus will be a challenging vaccine target. Here, we examine the published data from this first efficacy trial along with the earlier clinical and pre-clinical studies of the vaccine candidate and then discuss three key research directions expected to be important in ongoing and future HCV vaccine development. These include the following: 1. design of novel immunogens that generate immune responses to genetically diverse HCV genotypes and subtypes, 2. strategies to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies against envelope glycoproteins in addition to cytotoxic and helper T cell responses, and 3. consideration of the unique immunological status of individuals most at risk for HCV infection, including those who inject drugs, in vaccine platform development and early immunogenicity trials.
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14
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Stein MD, Herman DS, Kim HN, Howell A, Lambert A, Madden S, Moitra E, Blevins CE, Anderson BJ, Taylor LE, Pinkston MM. A Randomized Trial Comparing Brief Advice and Motivational Interviewing for Persons with HIV-HCV Co-infection Who Drink Alcohol. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:1013-1025. [PMID: 33047258 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-03062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use contributes to the progression of liver disease in HIV-HCV co-infected persons, but alcohol interventions have never addressed low levels of alcohol use in this population. We enrolled 110 persons consuming at least 4 alcoholic drinks weekly in a clinical trial comparing two active 18-month long interventions, delivered every 3 months by phone, brief advice about drinking versus a motivational intervention. Final assessment was at 24 months. MI had larger reductions in alcohol use days than the BA arm at all follow-up assessments. The treatment by time effect was not significant for days of drinking (p = 0.470), mean drinks per day (p = 0.155), or for the continuous FIB-4 index (p = 0.175). Drinking declined in both conditions from baseline, but given the small sample, we do not have sufficient data to make any conclusion that one treatment is superior to the other.Trial Registry Trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov; Clinical Trial NCT02316184.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Stein
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Debra S Herman
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - H Nina Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abigail Howell
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Audrey Lambert
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | | | - Ethan Moitra
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Claire E Blevins
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bradley J Anderson
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Megan M Pinkston
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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15
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Peña-Asensio J, Calvo H, Torralba M, Miquel J, Sanz-de-Villalobos E, Larrubia JR. Gamma-Chain Receptor Cytokines & PD-1 Manipulation to Restore HCV-Specific CD8 + T Cell Response during Chronic Hepatitis C. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030538. [PMID: 33802622 PMCID: PMC8001543 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific CD8+ T cell response is essential in natural HCV infection control, but it becomes exhausted during persistent infection. Nowadays, chronic HCV infection can be resolved by direct acting anti-viral treatment, but there are still some non-responders that could benefit from CD8+ T cell response restoration. To become fully reactive, T cell needs the complete release of T cell receptor (TCR) signalling but, during exhaustion this is blocked by the PD-1 effect on CD28 triggering. The T cell pool sensitive to PD-1 modulation is the progenitor subset but not the terminally differentiated effector population. Nevertheless, the blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint cannot be always enough to restore this pool. This is due to the HCV ability to impair other co-stimulatory mechanisms and metabolic pathways and to induce a pro-apoptotic state besides the TCR signalling impairment. In this sense, gamma-chain receptor cytokines involved in memory generation and maintenance, such as low-level IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21, might carry out a positive effect on metabolic reprogramming, apoptosis blockade and restoration of co-stimulatory signalling. This review sheds light on the role of combinatory immunotherapeutic strategies to restore a reactive anti-HCV T cell response based on the mixture of PD-1 blocking plus IL-2/IL-7/IL-15/IL-21 treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/genetics
- B7-H1 Antigen/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/virology
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Hepacivirus/immunology
- Hepacivirus/pathogenicity
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/drug effects
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/immunology
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Interleukins/genetics
- Interleukins/immunology
- Interleukins/therapeutic use
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Precursor Cells, T-Lymphoid/drug effects
- Precursor Cells, T-Lymphoid/immunology
- Precursor Cells, T-Lymphoid/virology
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/genetics
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/agonists
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Peña-Asensio
- Translational Hepatology Unit, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain; (J.P.-A.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (J.M.); (E.S.-d.-V.)
- Department of Biology of Systems, University of Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Henar Calvo
- Translational Hepatology Unit, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain; (J.P.-A.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (J.M.); (E.S.-d.-V.)
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Miguel Torralba
- Translational Hepatology Unit, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain; (J.P.-A.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (J.M.); (E.S.-d.-V.)
- Service of Internal Medicine, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain
- Department of Medicine & Medical Specialties, University of Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Joaquín Miquel
- Translational Hepatology Unit, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain; (J.P.-A.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (J.M.); (E.S.-d.-V.)
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Eduardo Sanz-de-Villalobos
- Translational Hepatology Unit, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain; (J.P.-A.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (J.M.); (E.S.-d.-V.)
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Juan-Ramón Larrubia
- Translational Hepatology Unit, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain; (J.P.-A.); (H.C.); (M.T.); (J.M.); (E.S.-d.-V.)
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Guadalajara University Hospital, E-19002 Guadalajara, Spain
- Department of Medicine & Medical Specialties, University of Alcalá, E-28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-949-20-9200
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16
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Thimme R. T cell immunity to hepatitis C virus: Lessons for a prophylactic vaccine. J Hepatol 2021; 74:220-229. [PMID: 33002569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is consensus that HCV-specific T cells play a central role in the outcome (clearance vs. persistence) of acute infection and that they contribute to protection against the establishment of persistence after reinfection. However, these T cells often fail and the virus can persist, largely as a result of T cell exhaustion and the emergence of viral escape mutations. Importantly, HCV cure by direct-acting antivirals does not lead to a complete reversion of T cell exhaustion and thus HCV reinfections can occur. The current lack of detailed knowledge about the immunological determinants of viral clearance, persistence and protective immunity is a major roadblock to the development of a prophylactic T cell vaccine. This minireview highlights the basic concepts of successful T cell immunity, major mechanisms of T cell failure and how our understanding of these concepts can be translated into a prophylactic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Germany.
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17
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Coto-Llerena M, Lepore M, Spagnuolo J, Di Blasi D, Calabrese D, Suslov A, Bantug G, Duong FH, Terracciano LM, De Libero G, Heim MH. Interferon lambda 4 can directly activate human CD19 + B cells and CD8 + T cells. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:e201900612. [PMID: 33158978 PMCID: PMC7668538 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201900612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with the ubiquitous expression of type I (IFNα and IFNβ) interferon receptors, type III (IFNλ) interferon receptors are mainly expressed in epithelial cells of mucosal barriers of the of the intestine and respiratory tract. Consequently, IFNλs are important for innate pathogen defense in the lung and intestine. IFNλs also determine the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, with IFNλ4 inhibiting spontaneous clearance of HCV. Because viral clearance is dependent on T cells, we explored if IFNλs can directly bind to and regulate human T cells. We found that human B cells and CD8+ T cells express the IFNλ receptor and respond to IFNλs, including IFNλ4. IFNλs were not inhibitors but weak stimulators of B- and T-cell responses. Furthermore, IFNλ4 showed neither synergistic nor antagonistic effects in co-stimulatory experiments with IFNλ1 or IFNα. Multidimensional flow cytometry of cells from liver biopsies of hepatitis patients from IFNλ4-producers showed accumulation of activated CD8+ T cells with a central memory-like phenotype. In contrast, CD8+ T cells with a senescent/exhausted phenotype were more abundant in IFNλ4-non-producers. It remains to be elucidated how IFNλ4 promotes CD8 T-cell responses and inhibits the host immunity to HCV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairene Coto-Llerena
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Lepore
- Department of Biomedicine, Experimental Immunology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Spagnuolo
- Department of Biomedicine, Experimental Immunology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniela Di Blasi
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, Experimental Immunology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Diego Calabrese
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aleksei Suslov
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Glenn Bantug
- Department of Biomedicine, Immunobiology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francois Ht Duong
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Luigi M Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gennaro De Libero
- Department of Biomedicine, Experimental Immunology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, Hepatology, University Hospital and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Clarunis, University Center for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Smith S, Honegger JR, Walker C. T-Cell Immunity against the Hepatitis C Virus: A Persistent Research Priority in an Era of Highly Effective Therapy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2021; 11:cshperspect.a036954. [PMID: 32205413 PMCID: PMC7778213 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 70% of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections become chronic, indicating that the virus is exceptionally well adapted to persist in humans with otherwise normal immune function. Robust, lifelong replication of this small RNA virus does not require a generalized failure of immunity. HCV effectively subverts innate and adaptive host defenses while leaving immunity against other viruses intact. Here, the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in control of HCV infection and their failure to prevent virus persistence in most individuals are reviewed. Two issues of practical importance remain priorities in an era of highly effective antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C. First, the characteristics of successful T-cell responses that promote resolution of HCV infection are considered, as they will underpin development of vaccines that prevent HCV persistence. Second, defects in T-cell immunity that facilitate HCV persistence and whether they are reversed after antiviral cure to provide protection from reinfection are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Smith
- The Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43004, USA
| | - Jonathan R. Honegger
- The Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43004, USA
| | - Christopher Walker
- The Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43004, USA
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19
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Methanolic Extract of Teucrium Polium Exerts Immunomodulatory Properties in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/sjecr-2020-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Teucrium polium has been used in traditional medicine around the world for centuries in treatment of various conditions and diseases. Many studies have confirmed pharmacological effects of its extracts, although the immunomodulatory effect has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the immunomodulatory effect of methanolic extract of T. polium (TPE) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from healthy donors and patients with HCV infection. We analyzed the effect of the extract on PBMCs viability using the MTT test. The cell death type was determined using Annexin V-FITC/7-AAD staining. Immunophenotyping using anti-CD8 FITC, anti-CD4 PE, anti-CD3 ECD, anti-CD20 PC5, anti-CD14 FITC and anti-CD25 PC7 was performed by flow cytometry. Results of the MTT test indicate that TPE stimulates proliferation of healthy PBMCs, while the HCV PBMCs viability was slightly reduced.
The percentage of apoptotic HCV PBMCs was higher after TPE treatment compared to the control. The proportion of CD25-expressing cells was higher among the untreated HCV PBMCs than in the untreated healthy PBMCs. TPE treatment significantly and gradually increased CD25 expression in healthy PBMCs, whereas CD25 expression on HCV PBMCs increased only at the highest TPE concentration. The upregulation of double-positive CD3+CD25+, CD20+CD25+ and CD14+CD25+ cells was significant in TPE treated healthy PBMCs, while only the highest concentration was effective on HCV PBMCs. In summary, TPE exerts a strong immunomodulatory effect on healthy PBMCs and, only at the highest concentration, on HCV PBMNCs.
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20
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Dale JM, Hood SP, Bowen O, Bright H, Cutler KL, Berry N, Almond N, Goldin R, Karayiannis P, Rose NJ. Development of hepatic pathology in GBV-B-infected red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus). J Med Virol 2020; 92:3584-3595. [PMID: 32181899 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
GB virus B (GBV-B) is a new world monkey-associated flavivirus used to model acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Critical for evaluation of antiviral or vaccine approaches is an understanding of the effect of HCV on the liver at different stages of infection. In the absence of longitudinal human tissue samples at defined time points, we have characterized changes in tamarins. As early as 2 weeks post-infection histological changes were noticeable, and these were established in all animals by 6 weeks. Despite high levels of liver-associated viral RNA, there was reversal of hepatic damage on clearance of peripheral virus though fibrosis was demonstrated in four tamarins. Notably, viral RNA burden in the liver dropped to near undetectable or background levels in all animals which underwent a second viral challenge, highlighting the efficacy of the immune response in removing foci of replication in the liver. These data add to the knowledge of GBV-B infection in New World primates which can offer attractive systems for the testing of prophylactic and therapeutic treatments and the evaluation of their utility in preventing or reversing liver pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Dale
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Simon P Hood
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Ori Bowen
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Helen Bright
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Research and Development, Sandwich, Kent, UK
| | - Keith L Cutler
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Neil Berry
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Neil Almond
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Robert Goldin
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, UK
| | - Peter Karayiannis
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, St. Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, UK
| | - Nicola J Rose
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, Blanche Lane, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
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21
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Mekonnen ZA, Masavuli MG, Yu W, Gummow J, Whelan DM, Al-Delfi Z, Torresi J, Gowans EJ, Grubor-Bauk B. Enhanced T Cell Responses Induced by a Necrotic Dendritic Cell Vaccine, Expressing HCV NS3. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:559105. [PMID: 33343515 PMCID: PMC7739890 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.559105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A vaccine that induces potent, broad and sustained cell-mediated immunity, resulting in effective memory has the potential to restrict hepatitis C (HCV) virus infection. Early, multi-functional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against non-structural protein 3 (NS3) have been associated with HCV clearance. Necrotic cells generate strong immune responses and represent a major antigenic source used by dendritic cells (DC) for processing and presentation, but there is conflicting evidence as to their immunogenicity in vaccination. Immunization with DC loaded with viral antigens has been done in the past, but to date the immunogenicity of live vs. necrotic DC vaccines has not been investigated. We developed a DC2.4 cell line stably expressing HCV NS3, and compared the NS3-specific responses of live vs. necrotic NS3 DC. Vaccination of mice with necrotic NS3 DC increased the breadth of T-cell responses and enhanced the production of IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ by effector memory CD4+ and CD8+T cells, compared to mice vaccinated with live NS3 DC. A single dose of necrotic NS3 DC vaccine induced a greater influx and activation of cross-presenting CD11c+ CD8α+ DC and necrosis-sensing Clec9A+ DC in the draining lymph nodes. Furthermore, using a hydrodynamic challenge model necrotic NS3 DC vaccination resulted in enhanced clearance of NS3-positive hepatocytes from the livers of vaccinated mice. Taken together, the data demonstrate that necrotic DC represent a novel and exciting vaccination strategy capable of inducing broad and multifunctional T cell memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelalem A Mekonnen
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Makutiro G Masavuli
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Wenbo Yu
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jason Gummow
- Gene Silencing and Expression Laboratory, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dawn M Whelan
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zahraa Al-Delfi
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric J Gowans
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Branka Grubor-Bauk
- Viral Immunology Group, Discipline of Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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22
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Kardani K, Basimi P, Fekri M, Bolhassani A. Antiviral therapy for the sexually transmitted viruses: recent updates on vaccine development. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1001-1046. [PMID: 32838584 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1814743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses including human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), human simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are major public health issues. These infections can cause cancer or result in long-term health problems. Due to high prevalence of STIs, a safe and effective vaccine is required to overcome these fatal viruses. AREAS COVERED This review includes a comprehensive overview of the literatures relevant to vaccine development against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) using PubMed and Sciencedirect electronic search engines. Herein, we discuss the efforts directed toward development of effective vaccines using different laboratory animal models including mice, guinea pig or non-human primates in preclinical trials, and human in clinical trials with different phases. EXPERT OPINION There is no effective FDA approved vaccine against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) except for HBV and HPV as prophylactic vaccines. Many attempts are underway to develop vaccines against these viruses. There are several approaches for improving prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines such as heterologous prime/boost immunization, delivery system, administration route, adjuvants, etc. In this line, further studies can be helpful for understanding the immunobiology of STVs in human. Moreover, development of more relevant animal models is a worthy goal to induce effective immune responses in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Parya Basimi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrshad Fekri
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran, Iran
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23
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Binder B, Thimme R. CD4+ T cell responses in human viral infection: lessons from hepatitis C. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:595-597. [PMID: 31904589 DOI: 10.1172/jci133222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disease as a result of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global problem. While some HCV infections resolve spontaneously, viral persistence associates with compromised T cell immunity. In this issue of the JCI, Chen et al. and Coss et al. explored virus-specific CD4+ T cell response during HCV infection. Both studies evaluated the HCV-specific T cells of patients with different courses of infection. Chen et al. revealed that initial CD4+ T cell responses are similar during early infection and that T cell failure resulted from loss of the virus-specific T cells themselves. Coss et al. showed that HCV-specific CD4+ T cells temporarily recovered in some women following childbirth. These studies contribute to our understanding of CD4+ T cell functionality during different natural courses of infection, with the notable implication that restoring CD4+ T cell immunity might contribute to controlling HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Binder
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,IMM-PACT Clinician Scientist Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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24
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Mishin DV, Isaeva EI, Grigorian SS, Balakina AA, Ilyichev AV, Deryabin PG, Maldov DG. The Mechanism of Suppression of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection by the Medicine Stimforte. BIOL BULL+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359020050076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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25
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Kemming J, Thimme R, Neumann-Haefelin C. Adaptive Immune Response against Hepatitis C Virus. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165644. [PMID: 32781731 PMCID: PMC7460648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A functional adaptive immune response is the major determinant for clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, in the majority of patients, this response fails and persistent infection evolves. Here, we dissect the HCV-specific key players of adaptive immunity, namely B cells and T cells, and describe factors that affect infection outcome. Once chronic infection is established, continuous exposure to HCV antigens affects functionality, phenotype, transcriptional program, metabolism, and the epigenetics of the adaptive immune cells. In addition, viral escape mutations contribute to the failure of adaptive antiviral immunity. Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) can mediate HCV clearance in almost all patients with chronic HCV infection, however, defects in adaptive immune cell populations remain, only limited functional memory is obtained and reinfection of cured individuals is possible. Thus, to avoid potential reinfection and achieve global elimination of HCV infections, a prophylactic vaccine is needed. Recent vaccine trials could induce HCV-specific immunity but failed to protect from persistent infection. Thus, lessons from natural protection from persistent infection, DAA-mediated cure, and non-protective vaccination trials might lead the way to successful vaccination strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Kemming
- Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (J.K.); (R.T.)
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schaenzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (J.K.); (R.T.)
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II, Freiburg University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Strasse 55, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany; (J.K.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-32800
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26
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Animal Models Used in Hepatitis C Virus Research. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113869. [PMID: 32485887 PMCID: PMC7312079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The narrow range of species permissive to infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) presents a unique challenge to the development of useful animal models for studying HCV, as well as host immune responses and development of chronic infection and disease. Following earlier studies in chimpanzees, several unique approaches have been pursued to develop useful animal models for research while avoiding the important ethical concerns and costs inherent in research with chimpanzees. Genetically related hepatotropic viruses that infect animals are being used as surrogates for HCV in research studies; chimeras of these surrogate viruses harboring specific regions of the HCV genome are being developed to improve their utility for vaccine testing. Concurrently, genetically humanized mice are being developed and continually advanced using human factors known to be involved in virus entry and replication. Further, xenotransplantation of human hepatocytes into mice allows for the direct study of HCV infection in human liver tissue in a small animal model. The current advances in each of these approaches are discussed in the present review.
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27
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Combination of three adjuvants enhances the immunogenicity of a recombinant protein containing the CTL epitopes of non-structural proteins of hepatitis C virus. Virus Res 2020; 284:197984. [PMID: 32325116 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause chronic infection and evade the immune response. The generation and maintenance of an effective T-cell response is important for immune-mediated control of HCV infection. The purpose of this study was to obtain recombinant mosaic proteins containing the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of HCV fused with different adjuvants and analyse their immunogenicity. A recombinant polyepitope protein comprising HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of the NS3, NS4ab and NS5a proteins of HCV was designed. Adjuvant compounds, the T-helper (Th) epitope PADRE, lipopeptide from Neisseria meningiditis and interleukin 2 (IL-2) were included in the fusion proteins. Three proteins differing in their adjuvant content were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The purified proteins formed nanosized particles. The proteins were characterized by their ability to cause proliferation of spleen cells, induce expression of cytokine genes and production of interferon gamma by T lymphocytes of immunized mice. The obtained recombinant vaccine proteins effectively stimulate dendritic cells, which in turn specifically activate Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes. Adjuvant components act additively to enhance the stimulation of dendritic cells and polarize them in the direction of Th1 lymphocyte activation. Analysis of spleen cell proliferation, expression of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and production of interferon gamma by lymphocytes of immunized mice after specific stimulation in vitro revealed that recombinant protein comprising CTL epitopes of HCV, Th epitope PADRE, lipoprotein and IL-2 induced the highest response of T-lymphocytes.
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28
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Medel MLH, Reyes GG, Porras LM, Bernal AR, Luna JS, Garcia AP, Cordova J, Parra A, Mummidi S, Kershenobich D, Hernández J. Prolactin Induces IL-2 Associated TRAIL Expression on Natural Killer Cells from Chronic Hepatitis C Patients In vivo and In vitro. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020; 19:975-984. [PMID: 30520386 DOI: 10.2174/1871530319666181206125545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer cells (NKC) are a major component of the innate immune response to HCV, mediating their effects through TRAIL and IFN-γ. However, their function is diminished in chronic HCV patients (HCVp). Prolactin is an immunomodulatory hormone capable of activating NKC. OBJECTIVE The study aims to explore if hyperprolactinemia can activate NKC in HCVp. METHODS We treated twelve chronic HCVp (confidence level =95%, power =80%) for 15 days with Levosulpiride plus Cimetidine to induce mild hyperprolactinemia. Before and after treatment, we determined TRAIL and NKG2D expression on peripheral blood NKC, along with cytokine profiles, viral loads and liver function. We also evaluated in vitro effects of prolactin and/or IL-2 on NKC TRAIL or NKG2D expression and IFN-γ levels on cultured blood mononuclear cells from 8 HCVp and 7 healthy controls. RESULTS The treatment induced mild hyperprolactinemia and increased TRAIL expression on NKC as well as the secretion of IL-1ra, IL-2, PDGF and IFN-γ. Viral loads decreased in six HCVp. IL-2 and TRAIL together explained the viral load decrease. In vitro, prolactin plus IL-2 synergized to increase TRAIL and NKG2D expression on NKC from HCVp but not in controls. CONCLUSION Levosulpiride/Cimetidine treatment induced mild hyperprolactinaemia that was associated with NKC activation and Th1-type cytokine profile. Also, an increase in TRAIL and IL-2 was associated with viral load decrease. This treatment could potentially be used to reactivate NKC in HCVp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L H Medel
- Infectology Service, General Hospital of Mexico Dr. "Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela G Reyes
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory (HIPAM) - Experimental Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luz M Porras
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory (HIPAM) - Experimental Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo R Bernal
- Directorate of Research, General Hospital of Mexico Dr. Eduardo Liceaga ", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesús S Luna
- Department of Cell Biology, IPN Research and Advanced Studies Center, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adolfo P Garcia
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory (HIPAM) - Experimental Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacqueline Cordova
- Directorate of Research, General Hospital of Mexico Dr. Eduardo Liceaga ", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adalberto Parra
- Department of Endocrinology, National Institute of Perinatology "Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes ", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Srinivas Mummidi
- South Texas Diabetes & Obesity Institute, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, United States
| | - David Kershenobich
- National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Joselín Hernández
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory (HIPAM) - Experimental Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico.,South Texas Diabetes & Obesity Institute, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, United States.,Clinical Pharmacology Unit, General Hospital of Mexico Dr. "Eduardo Liceaga", Mexico City, Mexico
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29
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Chronic Hepatitis C: Conspectus of immunological events in the course of fibrosis evolution. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219508. [PMID: 31318916 PMCID: PMC6638930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronically infected HCV patients emergence and evolution of fibrosis, as a consequence of virus persistence, can be considered as an indicator of disease advancement. Therefore the aim of this study was to correlate alterations of immune response in chronic HCV patients with liver histopathology. Sera cytokine levels and frequency of circulating and liver infiltrating cells were evaluated using 13plex Kit Flow Cytomix, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. We found that the number of circulating T lymphocytes (including CD4+, CD8+ and Treg) and B lymphocytes, as well as DCs, was higher in patients with no fibrosis than in healthy subjects. In patients with fibrosis frequency of these cells decreased, and contrarily, in the liver, number of T and B lymphocytes gradually increased with fibrosis. Importantly, in patients with advanced fibrosis, liver infiltrating regulatory T cells and DC-SIGN+ mononuclear cells with immunosuppressive and wound-healing effector functions were abundantly present. Cytokine profiling showed predominance of proinflammatory cytokines in patients with no fibrosis and a tendency of decline in level of all cytokines with severity of liver injury. Lower but sustained IL-4 production refers to Th2 predominance in higher stages of fibrosis. Altogether, our results reveal graduall alterations of immunological parameters during fibrosis evolution and illustrate the course of immunological events through disease progression.
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30
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Hekmat S, Sadat SM, Aslani MM, Mahdavi M, Bolhassani A, Halvaee FA, Ghahari SMM, Aghasadeghi MR, Siadat SD. Truncated Core/NS3 Fusion Protein of HCV Adjuvanted with Outer Membrane Vesicles of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup B: Potent Inducer of the Murine Immune System. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2019; 23. [PMID: 30278608 PMCID: PMC6462289 DOI: 10.29252/.23.4.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background A licensed vaccine against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has not become available to date. The stability and antigenicity of a targeted synthesized recombinant fusion protein consisting of a truncated core and NS3 (rC/N) of HCV had been predicted. Although safe antigens, recombinant proteins are not efficacious vaccines without adjuvants. The present study evaluated the immunogenicity of rC/N as a bipartite antigen accompanied by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicles (NMB OMVs) in BALB/c mice. Methods The NMB OMVs were produced and evaluated accurately. The administrations were as follows: rC/N-OMV, rC/N-Freund’s complete/incomplete adjuvant (CIA), rC/N-MF59, rC/N, OMV, MF59, and PBS. The production of Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2)/Th2 (IL-4)/Th17 (IL-17) cytokines and granzyme B (cytotoxic indicator) by splenic mononuclear cells and the humoral concentration of total IgG/IgG1 (Th2)/IgG2a (Th1) in sera of mice were measured using mouse ELISA kits. Results Concentrations of Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, granzyme B, and immunoglobulins in the spleens and sera of immunized mice, which had received antigen plus each adjuvant (rC/N-OMV, rC/N-Freund’s CIA, and rC/N-MF59), significantly raised compared to the controls (rC/N, OMV, MF59, and PBS). Th1-type responses were dominant over Th2-type responses in vaccinated mice with rC/N-OMV, and Th2 type responses increased dominantly in vaccinated mice with rC/N-MF59 (p < 0.05). Discssion NMB OMVs were able to increase Th1 immune responses dramatically more than MF59 and Freund’s CIA. The formulation of rC/N with NMB OMVs showed its ability to induce Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses. rC/N-NMB OMVs is a promising approach for the development of an HCV therapeutic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Hekmat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Recombinant Vaccine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Reza Aghasadeghi
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDs, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Authors: Mohammad Reza Aghasadeghi Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Tel.: (+98-21) 66969291; Fax: (+98-21) 66969291; E-mail:
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran,
Seyed Davar Siadat Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary Research, Pasteur Institue of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Tel.: (+98-21) 66953311; Fax: (+98-21) 66953311; E-mail:
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Abstract
Many microbes, toxins, autoimmune diseases, and neoplastic diseases may cause liver inflammation; however, 5 viruses whose main pathogenesis is liver disease are referred to as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses. These viruses cause a significant burden of global illness. With the exception of hepatitis A virus, all may cause chronic infection potentially leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Excellent serologic and nucleic acid detection methods are available for determining the precise cause and, in some cases, the duration of infection. Diagnostics are critical for identifying individuals needing treatment and for monitoring the treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunatum Prasidthrathsint
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, SW54, GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Medicine and Research Services, Iowa City Veterans Administration Health Care Center, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA; University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, SW54, GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; Medicine and Research Services, Iowa City Veterans Administration Health Care Center, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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32
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ERAP1 allotypes shape the epitope repertoire of virus-specific CD8 + T cell responses in acute hepatitis C virus infection. J Hepatol 2019; 70:1072-1081. [PMID: 30769005 PMCID: PMC6527866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) polymorphisms are linked with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-associated autoinflammatory disorders, including ankylosing spondylitis and Behçet's disease. Disease-associated ERAP1 allotypes exhibit distinct functional properties, but it remains unclear how differential peptide trimming in vivo affects the repertoire of epitopes presented to CD8+ T cells. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of ERAP1 allotypes on the virus-specific CD8+ T cell epitope repertoire in an HLA-B*27:05+ individual with acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS We performed genetic and functional analyses of ERAP1 allotypes and characterized the HCV-specific CD8+ T cell repertoire at the level of fine epitope specificity and HLA class I restriction, in a patient who had acquired an HCV genotype 1a infection through a needle-stick injury. RESULTS Two hypoactive allotypic variants of ERAP1 were identified in an individual with acute HCV infection. The associated repertoire of virus-derived epitopes recognized by CD8+ T cells was uncommon in a couple of respects. Firstly, reactivity was directed away from classically immunodominant epitopes, preferentially targeting either novel or subdominant epitopes. Secondly, reactivity was biased towards longer epitopes (10-11-mers). Despite the patient exhibiting favorable prognostic indicators, these atypical immune responses failed to clear the virus and the patient developed persistent low-level infection with HCV. CONCLUSIONS ERAP1 allotypes modify the virus-specific CD8+ T cell epitope repertoire in vivo, leading to altered immunodominance patterns that may contribute to the failure of antiviral immunity after infection with HCV. LAY SUMMARY Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1) plays a key role in antigen presentation. Genetic variants of ERAP1 (leading to distinct allotypes) are linked with specific autoinflammatory disorders, such as ankylosing spondylitis and Behçet's disease. We found that ERAP1 allotypes modified the repertoire of virus-specific CD8+ T cell epitopes in a patient with hepatitis C virus, leading to an altered pattern of immunodominance that may have contributed to the failure of antiviral immunity in this patient.
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33
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Masavuli MG, Wijesundara DK, Underwood A, Christiansen D, Earnest-Silveira L, Bull R, Torresi J, Gowans EJ, Grubor-Bauk B. A Hepatitis C Virus DNA Vaccine Encoding a Secreted, Oligomerized Form of Envelope Proteins Is Highly Immunogenic and Elicits Neutralizing Antibodies in Vaccinated Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1145. [PMID: 31178869 PMCID: PMC6543710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistently infects approximately 71 million people globally. To prevent infection a vaccine which elicits neutralizing antibodies against the virus envelope proteins (E1/E2) which are required for entry into host cells is desirable. DNA vaccines are cost-effective to manufacture globally and despite recent landmark studies highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccines in humans against cervical cancer, DNA vaccines encoding E1/E2 developed thus far are poorly immunogenic. We now report a novel and highly immunogenic DNA vaccination strategy that incorporates secreted E1 and E2 (sE1 and sE2) into oligomers by fusion with the oligomerization domain of the C4b-binding protein, IMX313P. The FDA approved plasmid, pVax, was used to encode sE1, sE2, or sE1E2 with or without IMX313P, and intradermal prime-boost vaccination studies in BALB/c mice showed that vaccines encoding IMX313P were the most effective in eliciting humoral and cell-mediated immunity against the envelope proteins. Further boosting with recombinant E1E2 proteins but not DNA nor virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing E1E2 increased the immunogenicity of the DNA prime-boost regimen. Nevertheless, the antibodies generated by the homologous DNA prime-boost vaccinations more effectively inhibited the binding of VLPs to target cells and neutralized transduction with HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) derived from different genotypes including genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This report provides the first evidence that IMX313P can be used as an adjuvant for E1/E2-based DNA vaccines and represents a translatable approach for the development of a HCV DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makutiro Ghislain Masavuli
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danushka K Wijesundara
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alexander Underwood
- Faculty of Medicine, The Kirby Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dale Christiansen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda Earnest-Silveira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rowena Bull
- Faculty of Medicine, The Kirby Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric J Gowans
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Branka Grubor-Bauk
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Chigbu DI, Loonawat R, Sehgal M, Patel D, Jain P. Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Host⁻Virus Interaction and Mechanisms of Viral Persistence. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040376. [PMID: 31027278 PMCID: PMC6523734 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease, in which a third of individuals with chronic HCV infections may develop liver cirrhosis. In a chronic HCV infection, host immune factors along with the actions of HCV proteins that promote viral persistence and dysregulation of the immune system have an impact on immunopathogenesis of HCV-induced hepatitis. The genome of HCV encodes a single polyprotein, which is translated and processed into structural and nonstructural proteins. These HCV proteins are the target of the innate and adaptive immune system of the host. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors and Toll-like receptors are the main pattern recognition receptors that recognize HCV pathogen-associated molecular patterns. This interaction results in a downstream cascade that generates antiviral cytokines including interferons. The cytolysis of HCV-infected hepatocytes is mediated by perforin and granzyme B secreted by cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells, whereas noncytolytic HCV clearance is mediated by interferon gamma (IFN-γ) secreted by CTL and NK cells. A host-HCV interaction determines whether the acute phase of an HCV infection will undergo complete resolution or progress to the development of viral persistence with a consequential progression to chronic HCV infection. Furthermore, these host-HCV interactions could pose a challenge to developing an HCV vaccine. This review will focus on the role of the innate and adaptive immunity in HCV infection, the failure of the immune response to clear an HCV infection, and the factors that promote viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeGaulle I Chigbu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, Elkins Park, PA 19027, USA.
| | - Ronak Loonawat
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
| | - Mohit Sehgal
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Dip Patel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
| | - Pooja Jain
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
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Casey JL, Feld JJ, MacParland SA. Restoration of HCV-Specific Immune Responses with Antiviral Therapy: A Case for DAA Treatment in Acute HCV Infection. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040317. [PMID: 30959825 PMCID: PMC6523849 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, 71 million individuals are chronically infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection can lead to potentially fatal outcomes including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV-specific immune responses play a major role in viral control and may explain why approximately 20% of infections are spontaneously cleared before the establishment of chronicity. Chronic infection, associated with prolonged antigen exposure, leads to immune exhaustion of HCV-specific T cells. These exhausted T cells are unable to control the viral infection. Before the introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAAs), interferon (IFN)-based therapies demonstrated successful clearance of viral infection in approximately 50% of treated patients. New effective and well-tolerated DAAs lead to a sustained virological response (SVR) in more than 95% of patients regardless of viral genotype. Researchers have investigated whether treatment, and the subsequent elimination of HCV antigen, can reverse this HCV-induced exhausted phenotype. Here we review literature exploring the restoration of HCV-specific immune responses following antiviral therapy, both IFN and DAA-based regimens. IFN treatment during acute HCV infection results in greater immune restoration than IFN treatment of chronically infected patients. Immune restoration data following DAA treatment in chronically HCV infected patients shows varied results but suggests that DAA treatment may lead to partial restoration that could be improved with earlier administration. Future research should investigate immune restoration following DAA therapies administered during acute HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia L Casey
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada.
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada.
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada.
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36
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Mori Ubaldini F, Stratta RJ, Nunez M. Delayed spontaneous hepatitis C virus elimination in a renal transplant patient following graft rejection. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13079. [PMID: 30882950 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
While elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) following acute infection is not uncommon, spontaneous clearance once the infection becomes chronic is extremely rare. The mechanisms involved in the clearance of chronic HCV infection without intervening antiviral therapy are not well known. Herein we describe a case of a renal transplant recipient who acquired HCV infection while immunosuppressed, experienced a rapid histological progression, and thereafter cleared the virus spontaneously long after withdrawal of immunosuppression following kidney graft rejection and failure. We review the literature and summarize the reports of spontaneous clearance of chronic HCV infection in various settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mori Ubaldini
- Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Robert J Stratta
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Marina Nunez
- Section on Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
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Hartlage AS, Murthy S, Kumar A, Trivedi S, Dravid P, Sharma H, Walker CM, Kapoor A. Vaccination to prevent T cell subversion can protect against persistent hepacivirus infection. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1113. [PMID: 30846697 PMCID: PMC6405742 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to develop an effective vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV; human hepacivirus) have been stymied by a lack of small animal models. Here, we describe an experimental rat model of chronic HCV-related hepacivirus infection and its response to T cell immunization. Immune-competent rats challenged with a rodent hepacivirus (RHV) develop chronic viremia characterized by expansion of non-functional CD8+ T cells. Single-dose vaccination with a recombinant adenovirus vector expressing hepacivirus non-structural proteins induces effective immunity in majority of rats. Resolution of infection coincides with a vigorous recall of intrahepatic cellular responses. Host selection of viral CD8 escape variants can subvert vaccine-conferred immunity. Transient depletion of CD8+ cells from vaccinated rats prolongs infection, while CD4+ cell depletion results in chronic viremia. These results provide direct evidence that co-operation between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is important for hepacivirus immunity, and that subversion of responses can be prevented by prophylactic vaccination. Development of a HCV vaccine is hampered by a lack of appropriate small animal models. Here, Hartlage et al. describe a rat model of hepacivirus persistence and show that persistence can be prevented by vaccination with viral non-structural proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Hartlage
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Satyapramod Murthy
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Sheetal Trivedi
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Piyush Dravid
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Christopher M Walker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Irshad M, Gupta P, Irshad K. Immunopathogenesis of Liver Injury During Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viral Immunol 2019; 32:112-120. [PMID: 30817236 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present report describes current concepts about the mechanism of liver cell injury caused by host immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human beings. This report is based on the observations from experimental studies and follow-up actions on human liver diseases. The results from different investigations suggest that liver injury depends on the presentation of viral antigen and the level of host immune response raised against HCV-related peptides. Both innate and adaptive immunity are triggered to counter the viral onset. During development of host immunity, the cell-mediated immune response involving CD4+ Th1 cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) cells were found to play a major role in causing liver damage. The hepatic Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) subsets are involved in the immune regulation of different liver diseases: viral hepatitis, mechanical liver injury, and fibrosis. Humoral immunity and natural killer (NK) cell action also contributed in liver cell injury by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In fact, immunopathogenesis of HCV infection is a complex phenomenon where regulation of immune response at several steps decides the possibility of viral elimination or persistence. Regulation of immune response was noted starting from viral-host interaction to immune reaction cascade engaged in cell damage. The activation or suppression of interferon-stimulated genes, NK cell action, CTL inducement by regulatory T cells (Treg), B cell proliferation, and so on was demonstrated during HCV infection. Involvement of HLA in antigen presentation, as well as types of viral genotypes, also influenced host immune response against HCV peptides. The combined effect of all these effector mechanisms ultimately decides the progression of viral onset to acute or chronic infection. In conclusion, immunopathogenesis of liver injury after HCV infection may be ascribed mainly to host immune response. Second, it is cell-mediated immunity that plays a predominant role in liver cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Irshad
- 1 Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- 2 Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Khushboo Irshad
- 3 Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Collister M, Ellison C, Li Q, Minuk GY, Rempel JD, Kung SK. The Influence of Hepatitis C Viral Loads on Natural Killer Cell Function. Gastroenterology Res 2019; 12:8-15. [PMID: 30834029 PMCID: PMC6396790 DOI: 10.14740/gr1081w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has a high rate of chronicity, attributable to its capacity to alter host immunity, including natural killer (NK) cell function. In this study, the interaction between NK cell activity and HCV viral load was investigated. Methods Peripheral blood NK cells were examined for cytotoxicity and interferon (IFN)-γ expression in HCV infected low (LVL, < 800,000 IU/mL, n = 10) and high (HVL, > 800,000 IU/mL, n = 13) viral load patient cohorts. Results Spontaneous NK cell cytotoxicity was more robust in the LVL cohort resulting in a negative correlation with viral loads (spontaneous, r = -0.437, P = 0.037; IFN-α activated, r = -0.372, P = 0.081). Although the percent of IFN-γ+ NK cells did not associate with viral load, within the LVL cohort there was a marked increase in IFN-γ+ NK cells upon IFN-α activation relative to medium alone (P < 0.01). To examine the inability of NK cells derived from HVL patients to be further activated, the expression of the exhaustion marker programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 was evaluated. PD-1 expression upon NK cell activation correlated with viral load (r = 0.649, P = 0.009). In addition, HCV proteins upregulated PD-1 expression in vitro (P < 0.05), suggesting that HCV can directly promote NK cell exhaustion. Cells from HVL patients were also more likely to produce IFN-γ in response to HCV core protein. The finding that NK cell PD-1 and IFN-γ expression are linked (r = 0.542, P < 0.05) suggests that increased IFN-γ levels may induce PD-1 as a negative feedback mechanism. Conclusions High HCV loads appear to promote NK exhaustion in chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Collister
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Cindy Ellison
- Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gerald Y Minuk
- Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Julia D Rempel
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Section of Hepatology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sam K Kung
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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40
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Breakdown of adaptive immunotolerance induces hepatocellular carcinoma in HBsAg-tg mice. Nat Commun 2019; 10:221. [PMID: 30644386 PMCID: PMC6333806 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can induce chronic inflammation, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite evidence suggesting a link between adaptive immunity and HBV-related diseases in humans, the immunopathogenic mechanisms involved are seldom described. Here we show that expression of TIGIT, a promising immune checkpoint in tumor immunotherapy, increases with age on hepatic CD8+ T cells in HBsAg-transgenic (HBs-tg) mice whose adaptive immune system is tolerant to HBsAg. TIGIT blockade or deficiency leads to chronic hepatitis and fibrosis, along with the emergence of functional HBsAg-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), suggesting adaptive immune tolerance could be broken by TIGIT blockade or deficiency. Importantly, HBsAg vaccination further induces nonresolving inflammation and HCC in a CD8+ T cell-dependent manner in TIGIT-blocked or -deficient HBs-tg mice. Therefore, CD8+ T cells play an important role in adaptive immunity-mediated tumor progression and TIGIT is critical in maintenance of liver tolerance by keeping CTLs in homeostatic balance. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is associated with immune tolerance to HBV. Here the authors show, in a transgenic mouse model, that rescuing T cells function via inhibition of co-inhibitory receptor TIGIT results in HCC development via supporting inflammation.
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41
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Monette A, Mouland AJ. T Lymphocytes as Measurable Targets of Protection and Vaccination Against Viral Disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 342:175-263. [PMID: 30635091 PMCID: PMC7104940 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Continuous epidemiological surveillance of existing and emerging viruses and their associated disorders is gaining importance in light of their abilities to cause unpredictable outbreaks as a result of increased travel and vaccination choices by steadily growing and aging populations. Close surveillance of outbreaks and herd immunity are also at the forefront, even in industrialized countries, where previously eradicated viruses are now at risk of re-emergence due to instances of strain recombination, contractions in viral vector geographies, and from their potential use as agents of bioterrorism. There is a great need for the rational design of current and future vaccines targeting viruses, with a strong focus on vaccine targeting of adaptive immune effector memory T cells as the gold standard of immunity conferring long-lived protection against a wide variety of pathogens and malignancies. Here, we review viruses that have historically caused large outbreaks and severe lethal disorders, including respiratory, gastric, skin, hepatic, neurologic, and hemorrhagic fevers. To observe trends in vaccinology against these viral disorders, we describe viral genetic, replication, transmission, and tropism, host-immune evasion strategies, and the epidemiology and health risks of their associated syndromes. We focus on immunity generated against both natural infection and vaccination, where a steady shift in conferred vaccination immunogenicity is observed from quantifying activated and proliferating, long-lived effector memory T cell subsets, as the prominent biomarkers of long-term immunity against viruses and their associated disorders causing high morbidity and mortality rates.
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42
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Xia Y, Pan W, Ke X, Skibbe K, Walker A, Hoffmann D, Lu Y, Yang X, Feng X, Tong Q, Timm J, Yang D. Differential escape of HCV from CD8 + T cell selection pressure between China and Germany depends on the presenting HLA class I molecule. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:73-82. [PMID: 30260541 PMCID: PMC7379502 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to CD8+ T cell selection pressure is well described; however, it is unclear if HCV differentially adapts in different populations. Here, we studied HLA class I-associated viral sequence polymorphisms in HCV 1b isolates in a Chinese population and compared viral substitution patterns between Chinese and German populations. We identified three HLA class I-restricted epitopes in HCV NS3 with statistical support for selection pressure and found evidence for differential escape pathways between isolates from China and Germany depending on the HLA class I molecule. The substitution patterns particularly differed in the epitope VTLTHPITK1635-1643 , which was presented by HLA-A*03 as well as HLA-A*11, two alleles with highly different frequencies in the two populations. In Germany, a substitution in position seven of the epitope was the most frequent substitution in the presence of HLA-A*03, functionally associated with immune escape and nearly absent in Chinese isolates. In contrast, the most frequent substitution in China was located at position two of the epitope and became the predominant consensus residue. Moreover, substitutions in position one of the epitope were significantly enriched in HLA-A*11-positive individuals in China and associated with different patterns of CD8+ T cell reactivity. Our study confirms the differential escape pathways selected by HCV that depended on different HLA class I alleles in Chinese and German populations, indicating that HCV differentially adapts to distinct HLA class I alleles in these populations. This result has important implications for vaccine design against highly variable and globally distributed pathogens, which may require matching antigen sequences to geographic regions for T cell-based vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youchen Xia
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyShanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (originally named “Shanghai First People's Hospital”)ShanghaiChina
| | - Wen Pan
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xiaoyu Ke
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina,Department of EmergencyTongji Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kathrin Skibbe
- Institute of VirologyUniversity Hospital DüsseldorfHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Andreas Walker
- Institute of VirologyUniversity Hospital DüsseldorfHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Bioinformatics and Computational BiophysicsFaculty of BiologyUniversity of Duisburg‐EssenEssenGermany
| | - Yinping Lu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Qiaoxia Tong
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of VirologyUniversity Hospital DüsseldorfHeinrich‐Heine‐UniversityDüsseldorfGermany
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious DiseasesUnion Hospital of Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Papic N, Zidovec Lepej S, Gorenec L, Grgic I, Gasparov S, Filipec Kanizaj T, Vince A. The association of semaphorins 3C, 5A and 6D with liver fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis C. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209481. [PMID: 30592759 PMCID: PMC6310274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins are a diverse family of immunoregulators recently recognized to play a major role in various phases of immune responses. Their role in chronic viral hepatitis C (CHC) and contribution to the progression of liver disease is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the association of secreted semaphorins with the severity of liver disease in patients with CHC. Serum concentrations of semaphorins were measured in 114 treatment-naive CHC patients and 36 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of SEMA3A, SEMA3C, SEMA5A, SEMA6B and SEMA6D were significantly increased in patients with CHC compared to controls. While serum concentrations of SEMA3C and SEMA6D significantly increased with fibrosis stage in both HCV-g1 and HCV-g3 infections, the concentration of SEMA5A inversely correlated with fibrosis stage in both HCV genotypes. ROC analysis showed that serum concentrations of SEMA3C (>4.0ng/mL, AUC 0.88) and SEMA6D (>4.5, AUC 0.82) had higher AUC than widely used APRI (AUC 0.71) and FIB-4 (AUC 0.74) scores. Serum concentrations of SEMA3C and SEMA6D significantly decreased after DAA and PEG IFN-α/ribavirin therapy, while the serum concentration of SEMA5A significantly increased after DAAs therapy. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of SEMA3C and SEMA5A in hepatocytes, endothelial cells and lymphocytes of cirrhotic livers from CHC patients but not in controls. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that SEMA3C, SEMA5A and SEMA6D can be considered as markers of liver injury in CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neven Papic
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- * E-mail:
| | - Snjezana Zidovec Lepej
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lana Gorenec
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Grgic
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slavko Gasparov
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tajana Filipec Kanizaj
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Adriana Vince
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
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44
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Villani R, Vendemiale G, Serviddio G. Molecular Mechanisms Involved in HCC Recurrence after Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:ijms20010049. [PMID: 30583555 PMCID: PMC6337751 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C is associated with a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because of a direct effect of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) proteins and an indirect oncogenic effect of chronic inflammation and impaired immune response. The treatment of chronic hepatitis C markedly reduces all-cause mortality; in fact, interferon-based treatment has shown a reduction of HCC incidence of more than 70%. The recent introduction of the highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has completely changed the scenario of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with rates of HCV cure over 90%. However, an unexpectedly high incidence of HCC recurrence was observed in patients after DAA treatment (27% versus 0.4–2% in patients who received interferon treatment). The mechanism that underlies the high rate of tumor relapse is currently unknown and is one of the main issues in hepatology. We reviewed the possible mechanisms involved in HCC recurrence after DAA treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/virology
- Hepacivirus/drug effects
- Hepacivirus/immunology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/drug therapy
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/epidemiology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Incidence
- Interferons/therapeutic use
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/virology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Monocytes/drug effects
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/virology
- Neutrophils/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Villani
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- C.U.R.E. University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
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A polymorphic residue that attenuates the antiviral potential of interferon lambda 4 in hominid lineages. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007307. [PMID: 30308076 PMCID: PMC6181419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As antimicrobial signalling molecules, type III or lambda interferons (IFNλs) are critical for defence against infection by diverse pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Counter-intuitively, expression of one member of the family, IFNλ4, is associated with decreased clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the human population; by contrast, a natural frameshift mutation that abrogates IFNλ4 production improves HCV clearance. To further understand how genetic variation between and within species affects IFNλ4 function, we screened a panel of all known extant coding variants of human IFNλ4 for their antiviral potential and identify three that substantially affect activity: P70S, L79F and K154E. The most notable variant was K154E, which was found in African Congo rainforest ‘Pygmy’ hunter-gatherers. K154E greatly enhanced in vitro activity in a range of antiviral (HCV, Zika virus, influenza virus and encephalomyocarditis virus) and gene expression assays. Remarkably, E154 is the ancestral residue in mammalian IFNλ4s and is extremely well conserved, yet K154 has been fixed throughout evolution of the hominid genus Homo, including Neanderthals. Compared to chimpanzee IFNλ4, the human orthologue had reduced activity due to amino acid K154. Comparison of published gene expression data from humans and chimpanzees showed that this difference in activity between K154 and E154 in IFNλ4 correlates with differences in antiviral gene expression in vivo during HCV infection. Mechanistically, our data show that the human-specific K154 negatively affects IFNλ4 activity through a novel means by reducing its secretion and potency. We thus demonstrate that attenuated activity of IFNλ4 is conserved among humans and postulate that differences in IFNλ4 activity between species contribute to distinct host-specific responses to—and outcomes of—infection, such as HCV infection. The driver of reduced IFNλ4 antiviral activity in humans remains unknown but likely arose between 6 million and 360,000 years ago in Africa. Natural genetic variation and its influence on the outcome of viral infection is a topical area given the wealth of genetic data now available. However, understanding how clinical phenotype is affected by genetic variation at the molecular level is often lacking yet critical for any insight into immunity and disease. It is known that variants in the antiviral ‘interferon lambda 4’ (IFNL4) gene significantly influence outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in humans. Counter-intuitively, those producing IFNL4 have greater risk of establishing chronic HCV infection, compared to individuals with an inactive variant, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. From a comprehensive screen of all natural human variants, we show that the most common form of IFNλ4 is less able to protect human cells from pathogenic virus infection than the equivalent protein from our closest living relative the chimpanzee. This is as a result of a single amino acid substitution that impedes its release from cells and reduces antiviral gene expression. Our observed differences in activity correlated with divergent host responses in HCV-infected livers from humans and chimpanzees. We suggest that human IFNL4 evolution places humans at a disadvantage when infected with pathogens such as HCV.
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Rosenberg BR, Depla M, Freije CA, Gaucher D, Mazouz S, Boisvert M, Bédard N, Bruneau J, Rice CM, Shoukry NH. Longitudinal transcriptomic characterization of the immune response to acute hepatitis C virus infection in patients with spontaneous viral clearance. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007290. [PMID: 30222771 PMCID: PMC6160227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most individuals exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) become persistently infected while a minority spontaneously eliminate the virus. Although early immune events influence infection outcome, the cellular composition, molecular effectors, and timeframe of the host response active shortly after viral exposure remain incompletely understood. Employing specimens collected from people who inject drugs (PWID) with high risk of HCV exposure, we utilized RNA-Seq and blood transcriptome module (BTM) analysis to characterize immune function in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) before, during, and after acute HCV infection resulting in spontaneous resolution. Our results provide a detailed description of innate immune programs active in peripheral blood during acute HCV infection, which include prominent type I interferon and inflammatory signatures. Innate immune gene expression rapidly returns to pre-infection levels upon viral clearance. Comparative analyses using peripheral blood gene expression profiles from other viral and vaccine studies demonstrate similarities in the immune responses to acute HCV and flaviviruses. Of note, both acute dengue virus (DENV) infection and acute HCV infection elicit similar innate antiviral signatures. However, while transient in DENV infection, this signature was sustained for many weeks in the response to HCV. These results represent the first longitudinal transcriptomic characterization of human immune function in PBMC during acute HCV infection and identify several dynamically regulated features of the complex response to natural HCV exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad R. Rosenberg
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Program in Immunogenomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Marion Depla
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine A. Freije
- Program in Immunogenomics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Denis Gaucher
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sabrina Mazouz
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Departement de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maude Boisvert
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bédard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine familiale et de médecine d’urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Ramamurthy N, Marchi E, Ansari MA, Pedergnana V, Mclean A, Hudson E, Bowden R, Spencer CC, Barnes E, Klenerman P. Impact of Interferon Lambda 4 Genotype on Interferon-Stimulated Gene Expression During Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C. Hepatology 2018; 68. [PMID: 29534310 PMCID: PMC6207923 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
New directly acting antivirals (DAAs) provide very high cure rates in most patients infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, some patient groups have been relatively harder to treat, including those with cirrhosis or infected with HCV genotype 3. In the recent BOSON trial, genotype 3, patients with cirrhosis receiving a 16-week course of sofosbuvir and ribavirin had a sustained virological response (SVR) rate of around 50%. In patients with cirrhosis, interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) CC genotype was significantly associated with SVR. This genotype was also associated with a lower interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) signature in peripheral blood and in liver at baseline. Unexpectedly, patients with the CC genotype showed a dynamic increase in ISG expression between weeks 4 and 16 of DAA therapy, whereas the reverse was true for non-CC patients. Conclusion: These data provide an important dynamic link between host genotype and phenotype in HCV therapy also potentially relevant to naturally acquired infection. (Hepatology 2018; 00:000-000).
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Ramamurthy
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and Translational Gastroeneterology Unit, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Marchi
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and Translational Gastroeneterology Unit, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - M. Azim Ansari
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and Translational Gastroeneterology Unit, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom,Oxford Martin SchoolUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Vincent Pedergnana
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Angela Mclean
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma Hudson
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and Translational Gastroeneterology Unit, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Rory Bowden
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Chris C.A. Spencer
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and Translational Gastroeneterology Unit, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research and Translational Gastroeneterology Unit, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
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Zhao N, Zheng W, Wu D, Wang X, Yang W, Yuan L, Niu Z, Jiang X, Huang F, Li Z. Clinical value of hepatitis C virus core antigen levels in monitoring acute hepatitis C spontaneous clearance or treatment-induced clearance. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1787-1792. [PMID: 29995318 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM To observe the clinical value of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCcAg) levels in monitoring acute HCV infection in patients with spontaneous clearance (SC) or clearance induced by antiviral therapy. METHODS Patients with iatrogenic HCV infection (n = 104) were enrolled at the Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, between 5 February 2013 and 3 April 2013. All cases were diagnosed with acute HCV infection, enrolled within 90 days of infection, and followed for 12 to 16 weeks. Blood was collected every month. HCV RNA and HCcAg levels were detected. From week 16, patients without SC were treated with pegylated-interferon and the HCV RNA and HCcAg levels were observed monthly. Follow-up was 7.5 (5.0 to 10.4) months. The Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between HCV RNA and HCcAg. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of baseline HCV RNA and HCcAg levels with SC. RESULTS Ten patients (9.62%) showed SC, with a negative conversion time of 57 (14 to 143) days. During follow-up, HCV RNA and HCcAg expression levels were positively correlated for each patient (except on the sixth month), but the levels of HCV RNA and HCcAg were not associated with HCV infection SC. CONCLUSIONS HCcAg levels could be of value for monitoring the course early HCV infection, but could not predict SC of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiqiang Niu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fen Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Manickam C, Reeves RK. A mouse model for hepatitis C virus infection: are we there yet? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 1. [PMID: 30123888 DOI: 10.21037/aoi.2017.11.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Manickam
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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50
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Trivedi S, Murthy S, Sharma H, Hartlage AS, Kumar A, Gadi S, Simmonds P, Chauhan LV, Scheel TKH, Billerbeck E, Burbelo PD, Rice CM, Lipkin WI, Vandergrift K, Cullen JM, Kapoor A. Viral persistence, liver disease, and host response in a hepatitis C-like virus rat model. Hepatology 2018; 68:435-448. [PMID: 28859226 PMCID: PMC5832584 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The lack of a relevant, tractable, and immunocompetent animal model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has severely impeded investigations of viral persistence, immunity, and pathogenesis. In the absence of immunocompetent models with robust HCV infection, homolog hepaciviruses in their natural host could potentially provide useful surrogate models. We isolated a rodent hepacivirus from wild rats (Rattus norvegicus), RHV-rn1; acquired the complete viral genome sequence; and developed an infectious reverse genetics system. RHV-rn1 resembles HCV in genomic features including the pattern of polyprotein cleavage sites and secondary structures in the viral 5' and 3' untranslated regions. We used site-directed and random mutagenesis to determine that only the first of the two microRNA-122 seed sites in the viral 5' untranslated region is required for viral replication and persistence in rats. Next, we used the clone-derived virus progeny to infect several inbred and outbred rat strains. Our results determined that RHV-rn1 possesses several HCV-defining hallmarks: hepatotropism, propensity to persist, and the ability to induce gradual liver damage. Histological examination of liver samples revealed the presence of lymphoid aggregates, parenchymal inflammation, and macrovesicular and microvesicular steatosis in chronically infected rats. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that the intrahepatic response during RHV-rn1 infection in rats mirrors that of HCV infection, including persistent activation of interferon signaling pathways. Finally, we determined that the backbone drug of HCV direct-acting antiviral therapy, sofosbuvir, effectively suppresses chronic RHV-rn1 infection in rats. CONCLUSION We developed RHV-rn1-infected rats as a fully immunocompetent and informative surrogate model to delineate the mechanisms of HCV-related viral persistence, immunity, and pathogenesis. (Hepatology 2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Trivedi
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Satyapramod Murthy
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Alex S. Hartlage
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Sashi Gadi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Lokendra V. Chauhan
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Troels K. H. Scheel
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | - Eva Billerbeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | | | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Kurt Vandergrift
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - John M. Cullen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210,Corresponding author. , Amit Kapoor, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Center for Vaccines and Immunity, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
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