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Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Zhang Y, Lou Y, Ge L, Zhang W, Zhang W, Song F, Huang P. Role of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) in HBV-induced hepatitis: Opportunities for developing novel therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115956. [PMID: 38049009 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the HBV virus. It presents a significant challenge for treatment due to its chronic nature and the potential for developing severe complications, including hepatocirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These complications not only cause physical and psychological distress to patients but also impose substantial economic and social burdens on both individuals and society as a whole. The internalization of HBV relies on endocytosis and necessitates the involvement of various proteins, including heparin sulfate proteoglycans, epidermal growth factor receptors, and NTCP. Among these proteins, NTCP is pivotal in HBV internalization and is primarily located in the liver's basement membrane. As a transporter of bile acids, NTCP also serves as a receptor facilitating HBV entry into cells. Numerous molecules have been identified to thwart HBV infection by stifling NTCP activity, although only a handful exhibit low IC50 values. In this systematic review, our primary focus dwells on the structure and regulation of NTCP, as well as the mechanism involved in HBV internalization. We underscore recent drug breakthroughs that specifically target NTCP to combat HBV infection. By shedding light on these advances, this review contributes novel insights into developing effective anti-HBV medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yutao Lou
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luqi Ge
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanli Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feifeng Song
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ping Huang
- Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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2
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Yan H, Wang C. Key Factors for "Fishing" NTCP as a Functional Receptor for HBV and HDV. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020512. [PMID: 36851726 PMCID: PMC9959848 DOI: 10.3390/v15020512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
About ten years ago, Wenhui Li's research group in China identified the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), a bile acid transporter predominantly expressed in the liver, as a functional receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its satellite hepatitis delta virus (HDV) through biochemical and genetic studies. This finding unraveled a longtime mystery in the HBV field and led to the establishment of efficient and easy-to-use HBV infection models, which paved the way for the in-depth study of the HBV entry mechanism and facilitated the development of therapeutics against HBV and HDV. The whole picture of the complex HBV entry process became clear upon the follow-up studies over the years, including the recent resolution found for the NTCP structure. As one of the first authors of the 2012 eLife paper on NTCP identification, here, I (H. Y.) share our experience on the bumpy and exciting journey of receptor hunting, particularly on the photo-cross-linking study and some detailed descriptions of the "fishing" process and summarize the key factors for our successful receptor identification. This review may also provide helpful insights for identifying a protein target by peptide or protein baits through cross-linking and immunoprecipitation.
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Target-binding behavior of IDPs via pre-structured motifs. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2021; 183:187-247. [PMID: 34656329 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Pre-Structured Motifs (PreSMos) are transient secondary structures observed in many intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and serve as protein target-binding hot spots. The prefix "pre" highlights that PreSMos exist a priori in the target-unbound state of IDPs as the active pockets of globular proteins pre-exist before target binding. Therefore, a PreSMo is an "active site" of an IDP; it is not a spatial pocket, but rather a secondary structural motif. The classical and perhaps the most effective approach to understand the function of a protein has been to determine and investigate its structure. Ironically or by definition IDPs do not possess structure (here structure refers to tertiary structure only). Are IDPs then entirely structureless? The PreSMos provide us with an atomic-resolution answer to this question. For target binding, IDPs do not rely on the spatial pockets afforded by tertiary or higher structures. Instead, they utilize the PreSMos possessing particular conformations that highly presage the target-bound conformations. PreSMos are recognized or captured by targets via conformational selection (CS) before their conformations eventually become stabilized via structural induction into more ordered bound structures. Using PreSMos, a number of, if not all, IDPs can bind targets following a sequential pathway of CS followed by an induced fit (IF). This chapter presents several important PreSMos implicated in cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and other diseases along with discussions on their conformational details that mediate target binding, a structural rationale for unstructured proteins.
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4
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Biscaglia F, Quarta S, Villano G, Turato C, Biasiolo A, Litti L, Ruzzene M, Meneghetti M, Pontisso P, Gobbo M. PreS1 peptide-functionalized gold nanostructures with SERRS tags for efficient liver cancer cell targeting. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 103:109762. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.109762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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5
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Baidoo SA, Sarkodie EK, Boakye-Yiadom KO, Kesse S. Nanomedicinal delivery systems for intelligent treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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6
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Eller C, Heydmann L, Colpitts CC, Verrier ER, Schuster C, Baumert TF. The functional role of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide NTCP in the life cycle of hepatitis B, C and D viruses. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:3895-3905. [PMID: 30097692 PMCID: PMC7613421 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B, C and D virus (HBV, HCV and HDV) infections are a major cause of liver disease and cancer worldwide. Despite employing distinct replication strategies, the three viruses are exclusively hepatotropic, and therefore depend on hepatocyte-specific host factors. The sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), a transmembrane protein highly expressed in human hepatocytes that mediates the transport of bile acids, plays a key role in HBV and HDV entry into hepatocytes. Recently, NTCP has been shown to modulate HCV infection of hepatocytes by regulating innate antiviral immune responses in the liver. Here, we review the current knowledge of the functional role and the molecular and cellular biology of NTCP in the life cycle of the three major hepatotropic viruses, highlight the impact of NTCP as an antiviral target and discuss future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Eller
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laura Heydmann
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Che C Colpitts
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eloi R Verrier
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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7
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Fasolato S, Trevellin E, Ruvoletto M, Granzotto M, Zanus G, Boscaro E, Babetto E, Terrin L, Battocchio MA, Ciscato F, Turato C, Quarta S, Cillo U, Pontisso P, Vettor R. SerpinB3 induces dipeptidyl-peptidase IV/CD26 expression and its metabolic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. Life Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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8
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Turato C, Balasso A, Carloni V, Tiribelli C, Mastrotto F, Mazzocca A, Pontisso P. New molecular targets for functionalized nanosized drug delivery systems in personalized therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2017; 268:184-197. [PMID: 29051062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent solid tumor of the liver, has a very poor prognosis, being the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. The incidence and mortality of this liver tumor are increasing in most areas of the world as a consequence of aging and the emerging of new risk factors such as the metabolic syndrome, beside the recognized role of hepatitis B and C viral infections and alcohol abuse. Despite the increasing knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic carcinogenesis, effective therapeutic strategies are still an unmet clinical need. Efforts have been made to develop selective drugs as well as effective targeted drug delivery systems. The development of novel drug carriers for therapeutic molecules can indeed offer a valuable strategy to ameliorate the efficacy of HCC treatment. In this review, we discuss recent drug delivery strategies for HCC treatment based on the exploitation of targeted nanoparticles (NPs). Indeed, a few of these platforms have achieved an advanced stage of preclinical development. Here, we review the most promising drug nanovehicles based on both synthetic and natural polymers, including polysaccharides that have emerged for their biocompatibility and biodegradability. To maximize site-selectivity and therapeutic efficacy, drug delivery systems should be functionalized with ligands which can specifically recognize and bind targets expressed by HCC, namely cell membrane associated antigens, receptors or biotransporters. Cell surface and intracellular molecular targets are exploited either to selectively deliver drug-loaded nanovehicles or to design novel selective therapeutics. In conclusion, the combination of novel and safe drug delivery strategies based on site-specific targeted drug nanovehicles with therapeutic molecular targets may significantly improve the pharmacological efficacy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Balasso
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vinicio Carloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzocca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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9
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Jha S, Ramadori F, Quarta S, Biasiolo A, Fabris E, Baldan P, Guarino G, Ruvoletto M, Villano G, Turato C, Gatta A, Mancin F, Pontisso P, Scrimin P. Binding and Uptake into Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells of Peptide-Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles. Bioconjug Chem 2017; 28:222-229. [PMID: 27771945 PMCID: PMC5247774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.6b00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
One of the most daunting challenges of nanomedicine is the finding of appropriate targeting agents to deliver suitable payloads precisely to cells affected by malignancies. Even more complex is the ability to ensure that the nanosystems enter those cells. Here, we use 2 nm (metal core) gold nanoparticles to target human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells stably transfected with the SERPINB3 (SB3) protein. The nanoparticles were coated with a 85:15 mixture of thiols featuring, respectively, a phosphoryl choline (to ensure water solubility and biocompatibility) and a 28-mer peptide corresponding to the amino acid sequence 21-47 of the hepatitis B virus-PreS1 protein (PreS1(21-47)). Conjugation of the peptide was performed via the maleimide-thiol reaction in methanol, allowing the use of a limited amount of the targeting molecule. This is an efficient procedure also in the perspective of selecting libraries of new targeting agents. The rationale behind the selection of the peptide is that SB3, which is undetectable in normal hepatocytes, is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and in hepatoblastoma and has been proposed as a target of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). For the latter, the key recognition element is the PreS1(21-47) peptide, which is a fragment of one of the proteins composing the viral envelope. The ability of the conjugated nanoparticles to bind the target protein SB3, expressed in liver cancer cells, was investigated by surface plasmon resonance analysis and in vitro via cellular uptake analysis followed by atomic absorption analysis of digested samples. The results showed that the PreS1(21-47) peptide is a suitable targeting agent for cells overexpressing the SB3 protein. Even more important is the evidence that the gold nanoparticles are internalized by the cells. The comparison between the surface plasmon resonance analysis and the cellular uptake studies suggests that the presentation of the protein on the cell surface is critical for efficient recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satadru Jha
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Ramadori
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Santina Quarta
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biasiolo
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Enrica Fabris
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Baldan
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaetano Guarino
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Ruvoletto
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Villano
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristian Turato
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Gatta
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mancin
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pontisso
- Dipartimento
di Medicina, Univeristà di Padova, via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Scrimin
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Chimiche, Università di
Padova, via Marzolo 1, 35131, Padova, Italy
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10
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Rehman Z, Sadia H, Fahim A, Niazi UHK, Azam MZ. Mutational analysis and interactions of HBV preS1 with asialoglycoprotein receptor. Future Virol 2016. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2016-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: The mutations in preS1 of a large envelop protein of HBV may have profound implications in HBV receptor binding to hepatocytes and subsequent entry of the virus into host cells. Aims: This study aimed to identify the mutations in preS1 region and the receptor binding interactions of preS1 with hepatocytes. Methods: The mutations were searched through direct sequencing of the preS1 region. Sequence analysis was done through ClustalX and Jalview. Ab initio modeling of preS1 was done through Rosetta and QUARK followed by glycosylation of best model of preS1. Finally the interactions of preS1 with ASGPR was studied using PatchDock and analysis was done using MOE and pyMol. Results: Sequence comparison revealed changes in the preS1 region. Ab initio modeling results showed that preS1 is an overall unstructured protein with the presence of three structural motifs. Docking of preS1 with asialoglycoprotein receptor showed mostly hydrophobic interactions. Conclusion: In conclusion, preS1 sequences from Pakistani isolates were found to be 90% conserved and the predicted structure of preS1 was near to native structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Rehman
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hajra Sadia
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ammad Fahim
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Umer HK Niazi
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Edward Llwyd Building, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales SY23 3FG, UK
| | - Muhammad Z Azam
- National Institute of Liver & Gastrointestinal Diseases, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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11
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Rehman Z, Fahim A, Sadia H. Deciphering the mystery of hepatitis B virus receptors: A historical perspective. Virusdisease 2015; 26:97-104. [PMID: 26396975 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-015-0260-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is one of the major reasons of viral hepatitis with an estimated 350 million infected patients worldwide. Although, the virus was discovered and cloned more than three decades ago, its entry mechanism has still been in investigation. Numerous potential candidates have been proposed and investigated rigorously to reveal HBV entry mechanism and to unveil the first door of viral entry to hepatocytes. This review provides a short account of role of receptors for entry of HBV into hepatocytes. The viral preS1 region of large surface protein is involved in the attachment of HBV to hepatocytes. The putative attachment site of HBV is located at amino acids 21-47 of preS1. So far, several proteins have been proposed to interact with these different regions of the preS1 domain which includes human immunoglobulin A receptor, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, interleukin-6, a 31-kDa protein, HBV binding factor, asialoglycoprotein receptor, nascent polypeptide-associated complex α polypeptide, lipoprotein lipase, hepatocyte-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans, glucose-regulated protein 75. However, none of them have appeared to be generally accepted as a true receptor for the virus until recently when sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide identified as HBV entry receptor. Current review provides scientific historical perspective of various candidates known to be interacting with preS1 of HBV for their possible role in viral entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Rehman
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ammad Fahim
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hajra Sadia
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
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12
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Toita R, Kawano T, Kang JH, Murata M. Applications of human hepatitis B virus preS domain in bio- and nanotechnology. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:7400-7411. [PMID: 26139986 PMCID: PMC4481435 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i24.7400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the family Hepadnaviridae, and causes acute and chronic infections of the liver. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) contains the large (L), middle (M), and small (S) surface proteins. The L protein consists of the S protein, preS1, and preS2. In HBsAg, the preS domain (preS1 + preS2) plays a key role in the infection of hepatocytic cells by HBV and has several immunogenic epitopes. Based on these characteristics of preS, several preS-based diagnostic and therapeutic materials and systems have been developed. PreS1-specific monoclonal antibodies (e.g., MA18/7 and KR127) can be used to inhibit HBV infection. A myristoylated preS1 peptide (amino acids 2-48) also inhibits the attachment of HBV to HepaRG cells, primary human hepatocytes, and primary tupaia hepatocytes. Antibodies and antigens related to the components of HBsAg, preS (preS1 + preS2), or preS1 can be available as diagnostic markers of acute and chronic HBV infections. Hepatocyte-targeting delivery systems for therapeutic molecules (drugs, genes, or proteins) are very important for increasing the clinical efficacy of these molecules and in reducing their adverse effects on other organs. The selective delivery of diagnostic molecules to target hepatocytic cells can also improve the efficiency of diagnosis. In addition to the full-length HBV vector, preS (preS1 + preS2), preS1, and preS1-derived fragments can be useful in hepatocyte-specific targeting. In this review, we discuss the literature concerning the applications of the HBV preS domain in bio- and nanotechnology.
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13
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Turato C, Pontisso P. SERPINB3 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade B (ovalbumin), member 3). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 19:202-209. [PMID: 25984243 DOI: 10.4267/2042/56413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Review on SERPINB3, with data on DNA/RNA, on the protein encoded and where the gene is implicated.
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14
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Delgado CL, Núñez E, Yélamos B, Gómez-Gutiérrez J, Peterson DL, Gavilanes F. Study of the putative fusion regions of the preS domain of hepatitis B virus. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1848:895-906. [PMID: 25554595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In a previous study, it was shown that purified preS domains of hepatitis B virus (HBV) could interact with acidic phospholipid vesicles and induce aggregation, lipid mixing and leakage of internal contents which could be indicative of their involvement in the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes (Núñez, E. et al. 2009. Interaction of preS domains of hepatitis B virus with phospholipid vesicles. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 17884:417-424). In order to locate the region responsible for the fusogenic properties of preS, five mutant proteins have been obtained from the preS1 domain of HBV, in which 40 amino acids have been deleted from the sequence, with the starting point of each deletion moving 20 residues along the sequence. These proteins have been characterized by fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy, establishing that, in all cases, they retain their mostly non-ordered conformation with a high percentage of β structure typical of the full-length protein. All the mutants can insert into the lipid matrix of dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol vesicles. Moreover, we have studied the interaction of the proteins with acidic phospholipid vesicles and each one produces, to a greater or lesser extent, the effects of destabilizing vesicles observed with the full-length preS domain. The ability of all mutants, which cover the complete sequence of preS1, to destabilize the phospholipid bilayers points to a three-dimensional structure and/or distribution of amino acids rather than to a particular amino acid sequence as being responsible for the membrane fusion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen L Delgado
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Núñez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén Yélamos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Gómez-Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Darrell L Peterson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23298 VA, USA
| | - Francisco Gavilanes
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Tan WS, Ho KL. Phage display creates innovative applications to combat hepatitis B virus. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11650-11670. [PMID: 25206271 PMCID: PMC4155357 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has killed countless lives in human history. The invention of HBV vaccines in the 20th century has reduced significantly the rate of the viral infection. However, currently there is no effective treatment for chronic HBV carriers. Newly emerging vaccine escape mutants and drug resistant strains have complicated the viral eradication program. The entire world is now facing a new threat of HBV and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. Could phage display provide solutions to these life-threatening problems? This article reviews critically and comprehensively the innovative and potential applications of phage display in the development of vaccines, therapeutic agents, diagnostic reagents, as well as gene and drug delivery systems to combat HBV. The application of phage display in epitope mapping of HBV antigens is also discussed in detail. Although this review mainly focuses on HBV, the innovative applications of phage display could also be extended to other infectious diseases.
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Villano G, Ruvoletto M, Ceolotto G, Quarta S, Calabrese F, Turato C, Tono N, Crescenzi M, Biasiolo A, Cattelan A, Merkel C, Avogaro A, Gatta A, Pontisso P. SERPINB3 is associated with longer survival in transgenic mice. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3056. [PMID: 24162160 PMCID: PMC3808827 DOI: 10.1038/srep03056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The physiological roles of the protease inhibitor SERPINB3 (SB3) are still largely unknown. The study was addressed to assess the biological effects of this serpin in vivo using a SB3 transgenic mouse model. Two colonies of mice (123 transgenic for SB3 and 148 C57BL/6J controls) have been studied. Transgenic (TG) mice showed longer survival than controls and the difference was more remarkable in males than in females (18.5% vs 12.7% life span increase). In TG mice decreased IL-6 in serum and lower p66shc in the liver were observed. In addition, TG males showed higher expression of mTOR in the liver. Liver histology showed age-dependent increase of steatosis and decrease of glycogen storage in both groups and none of the animals developed neoplastic lesions. In conclusion, the gain in life span observed in SB3-transgenic mice could be determined by multiple mechanisms, including the decrease of circulating IL-6 and the modulation of ageing genes in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Villano
- Dept of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2 - 35128 Padua, Italy
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17
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Sun P, Zheng J, She G, Wei X, Zhang X, Shi H, Zhou X. Expression pattern of asialoglycoprotein receptor in human testis. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 352:761-8. [PMID: 23604802 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1616-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
During acute or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the virus can invade the male reproductive system, pass through the blood-testis barrier and integrate into the germ line, resulting in abnormal spermatozoa. However, the pathway remains unclear. The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR), a potential receptor for HBV, is mainly distributed in hepatocytes. We have examined the distribution of ASGR in human testis and found it in the seminiferous tubules and interstitial region but its enrichment in human testis is much lower than that in liver. By multiple immunoenzyme histochemistry staining, ASGR was precisely co-localized with vimentin (Sertoli cell marker) but not proliferating cell nuclear antigen (spermatogonial cell marker) in testis tissue. ASGR was expressed in human Leydig cells, stromal cells in the seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cells but seldom in spermatogonial cells. Therefore, ASGR could provide HBV with access to the luminal compartment of human testis. The mechanism by which HBV invades germ cells remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingnan Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People's Republic of China
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18
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How the key finds its door — identification of HBV receptor. Virol Sin 2013; 28:1-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s12250-013-3301-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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19
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Murata M, Narahara S, Umezaki K, Toita R, Tabata S, Piao JS, Abe K, Kang JH, Ohuchida K, Cui L, Hashizume M. Liver cell specific targeting by the preS1 domain of hepatitis B virus surface antigen displayed on protein nanocages. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:4353-62. [PMID: 22927755 PMCID: PMC3420599 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s31365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein nanocages are self-organized complexes of oligomers whose three-dimensional architecture can been determined in detail. These structures possess nanoscale inner cavities into which a variety of molecules, including therapeutic or diagnostic agents, can be encapsulated. These properties yield these particles suitable for a new class of drug delivery carrier, or as a bioimaging reagent that might respond to biochemical signals in many different cellular processes. We report here the design, synthesis, and biological characterization of a hepatocyte-specific nanocage carrying small heat-shock protein. These nanoscale protein cages, with a targeting peptide composed of a preS1 derivative from the hepatitis B virus on their surfaces, were prepared by genetic engineering techniques. PreS1-carrying nanocages showed lower cytotoxicity and significantly higher specificity for human hepatocyte cell lines than other cell lines in vitro. These results suggested that small heat-shock protein-based nanocages present great potential for the development of effective targeted delivery of various agents to specific cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Murata
- Department of Advanced Medical Initiatives, Faculty of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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20
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Vidalino L, Doria A, Quarta SM, Crescenzi M, Ruvoletto M, Frezzato F, Trentin L, Turato C, Parolin MC, Ghirardello A, Iaccarino L, Cavalletto L, Chemello L, Gatta A, Pontisso P. SERPINB3 expression on B-cell surface in autoimmune diseases and hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver infection. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2012; 237:793-802. [PMID: 22829702 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2012.012024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
SERPINB3 is a serine protease inhibitor with pleiotropic functions. It is involved in several physiological and pathological processes, where it appears to exert antiapoptotic effects. Little is known about its expression on immune system cells, the major players in mechanisms of viral defense and autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to characterize the expression of SERPINB3 on the surface of peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets in both normal subjects and in patients with chronic viral infections and autoimmune diseases. Sixty-two patients were analyzed by flow cytometric analysis, including 45 with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease and 17 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SERPINB3 was expressed on B lymphocytes in 79% of the controls, in 32% of the HCV-infected patients and in none of the SLE patients. Surface localization of SERPINB3 was confirmed by confocal microscopy. SERPINB3 positivity was associated with CD27 reactivity (r = 0.98), but not to other activation molecules (CD69, CD71, CD86 and CXCR3). SERPINB3 is physiologically expressed on the surface of CD27(+) B lymphocytes, but its expression is reduced in HCV viral infection and not detectable in SLE patients. These results may suggest a role for SERPINB3 in B-cell defects typically found in viral infections and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vidalino
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, Italy
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21
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Entry of hepatitis B virus into immortalized human primary hepatocytes by clathrin-dependent endocytosis. J Virol 2012; 86:9443-53. [PMID: 22740403 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00873-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of a suitable in vitro hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectivity model has limited examination of the early stages of the virus-cell interaction. In this study, we used an immortalized cell line derived from human primary hepatocytes, HuS-E/2, to study the mechanism of HBV infection. HBV infection efficiency was markedly increased after dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-induced differentiation of the cells. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of intact HBV particles in DMSO-treated HBV-infected HuS-E/2 cells, which could be infected with HBV for up to at least 50 passages. The pre-S1 domain of the large HBsAg (LHBsAg) protein specifically interacted with clathrin heavy chain (CHC) and clathrin adaptor protein AP-2. Short hairpin RNA knockdown of CHC or AP-2 in HuS-E/2 cells significantly reduced their susceptibility to HBV, indicating that both are necessary for HBV infection. Furthermore, HBV entry was inhibited by chlorpromazine, an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. LHBsAg also interfered with the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of transferrin by human hepatocytes. This infection system using an immortalized human primary hepatocyte cell line will facilitate investigations into HBV entry and in devising therapeutic strategies for manipulating HBV-associated liver disorders.
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Hao Z, Zheng L, Kluwe L, Huang W. Ferritin light chain and squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 are coreceptors for cellular attachment and entry of hepatitis B virus. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:827-34. [PMID: 22359459 PMCID: PMC3284225 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s27803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 (SCCA1) in hepatitis G2 (HepG2) and Chinese hamster ovary cells can increase hepatitis B virus (HBV) binding capacity by interacting with the preS1 domain of the HBV surface antigen. However, the magnitude of increase in binding capacity was higher by several orders in the former, indicating the existence of additional factor(s) produced by HepG2 cells, which facilitates HBV attachment. Ferritin light chain (FTL) was identified as the sole high hit candidate by screening human liver cDNA library using a bacterial two-hybrid system with either preS or SCCA1 as the bait. Subsequent in vitro protein–protein interaction assays confirmed the binding activity of FTL to both preS and SCCA1, as well as the formation of triple complex preS-FTL-SCCA1, and narrowed down the binding sites on FTL. In vitro overexpression of FTL could further enhance HBV attachment in both HepG2 and Chinese hamster ovary cells, which were already overexpressing SCCA1. Importantly, in vivo co-expression of human FTL and SCCA1 in mouse liver by means of tailvein hydrodynamic injection increased serum levels of HBV surface antigen transiently 24 hours post challenge with HBV-positive human sera, and a large amount of HBV core antigen-positive hepatocytes around blood vessels could be identified by immunohistochemical staining 48 hours post challenge. The data strongly suggest that FTL and SCCA1 may serve as coreceptors in HBV cellular attachment and virus entry into hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojing Hao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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23
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Lunardi F, Villano G, Perissinotto E, Agostini C, Rea F, Gnoato M, Bradaschia A, Valente M, Pontisso P, Calabrese F. Overexpression of SERPIN B3 promotes epithelial proliferation and lung fibrosis in mice. J Transl Med 2011; 91:945-54. [PMID: 21403642 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
SERPIN B3/B4, members of the serpin superfamily, are fundamental for the control of proteolysis through a known inhibitory function of different proteases. Several studies have documented an important role of SERPIN B3 in the modulation of inflammation, programmed cell death and fibrosis. To confirm the role of SERPIN B3 in lung fibrosis and overall investigate its influence on epithelial dysfunction, a stratified controlled trial randomly assigning bleomycin (BLM) treatment was performed on both SERPIN B3 transgenic (TG) and wild-type (WT) mice. TG and WT animals were killed 48 h (group T48 h) and 20 days (group T20d) after BLM treatment. Lung fibrosis was assessed by histology and hydroxyproline measurement. Architectural remodeling, inflammation, epithelial apoptosis and proliferation were quantified. Moreover, the profibrogenetic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, cathepsin K, L and S were also investigated. No significant differences were observed between TG and WT mice of group T48 h in any parameters. In group T20d, less inflammation and a significant increase in epithelial proliferation were detected in treated TG than WT mice despite a similar apoptotic index, thus resulting in a different apoptosis/proliferation imbalance with a significant gain of epithelial proliferation. Moreover, TG mice showed higher TGF-β expression and more extended fibrosis. General linear model analysis, applied on morphological data, showed that interaction between SERPIN B3 expression and treatment was mainly significant for fibrosis. This study provides in vivo evidence for a role of SERPIN B3 in inhibiting inflammation and favoring epithelial proliferation with increased TGF-β secretion and thus the likelihood of consequent fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lunardi
- Department of Diagnostic Medical Sciences and Special Therapies, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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24
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Pengo P, Veggiani G, Rattanamanee K, Gallotta A, Beneduce L, Fassina G. Solid-phase preparation of protein complexes. J Mol Recognit 2011; 23:551-8. [PMID: 21038355 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein conjugation is usually achieved by solution phase methods requiring concentrated protein solution and post-synthetic purification steps. In this report we describe a novel continuous-flow solid-phase approach enabling the assembly of protein complexes minimizing the amount of material needed and allowing the repeated use of the same solid phase. The method exploits an immunoaffinity matrix as solid support; the matrix reversibly binds the first of the complex components while the other components are sequentially introduced, thus allowing the complex to grow while immobilized. The tethering technique employed relies on the use of the very mild synthetic conditions and fast association rates allowed by the avidin-biotin system. At the end of the assembly, the immobilized complexes can be removed from the solid support and recovered by lowering the pH of the medium. Under the conditions used for the sequential complexation and recovery, the solid phase was not damaged or irreversibly modified and could be reused without loss of binding capacity. The method was specifically designed to prepare protein complexes to be used in immunometric methods of analysis, where the immunoreactivity of each component needs to be preserved. The approach was successfully exploited for the preparation of two different immunoaffinity reagents with immunoreactivity mimicking native squamous cell carcinoma antigen-immunoglobulin M (SCCA-IgM) and alphafetoprotein-immunoglobulin M (AFP-IgM) immune complexes, which were characterized by dedicated sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot. Besides the specific application described in the paper, the method is sufficiently general to be used for the preparation of a broad range of protein assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pengo
- Xeptagen SpA, Via delle Industrie 9, Marghera-Venezia I-30175, Italy.
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25
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Turato C, Biasiolo A, Pengo P, Frecer V, Quarta S, Fasolato S, Ruvoletto M, Beneduce L, Zuin J, Fassina G, Gatta A, Pontisso P. Increased antiprotease activity of the SERPINB3 polymorphic variant SCCA-PD. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2011; 236:281-90. [PMID: 21383048 DOI: 10.1258/ebm.2011.010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
SERPINB3 has been found in chronic liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma, but not in normal liver. By direct mRNA sequencing, a new SERPINB3 polymorphism (SCCA-PD) has been identified, presenting the substitution Gly351Ala in the reactive center loop of the protein. The prevalence of the SCCA-PD isoform has been found to be significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis than in patients with chronic liver disease and in normal subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological and functional activity of SERPINB3 isoforms using in vitro models. HepG2 and Huh7 cells lines were transfected with plasmid vectors containing wild-type SERPINB3 or its polymorphic variant SCCA-PD and their expression at transcriptional and protein level was determined. To assess the functional activity, both recombinant proteins were produced and kinetic analysis was carried out using papain and cathepsin-L as target proteases. In addition, the inhibition of JNK kinase activity by SERPINB3 isoforms was assessed. The crystal structure of wild-type SERPINB3 at 2.7 Å resolution was used for preparation of refined 3D models of the two isoforms. The results showed that transcriptional activity and protein expression of the two isoforms were similar in both transfected cell lines. Both SERPINB3 preparations exerted a dose-dependent protease inhibitory activity, but the effect of SCCA-PD was higher than that of the wild-type isoform. This result was supported by 3D modelling, where increased hydrophobic profile of the SCCA-PD isoform, introduced by the G351A mutation, was detected. In addition, at high protein concentration, SCCA-PD revealed a 16% higher inhibitory effect on c-Jun phosphorylation by JNK1, compared with wild-type SERPINB3. In conclusion, the single amino acid substitution in the SERPINB3 reactive site loop improves the functional activity of SCCA-PD isoform. This different antiprotease activity might favor disease progression in patients carrying this polymorphism.
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26
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Zhang X, Lin SM, Chen TY, Liu M, Ye F, Chen YR, Shi L, He YL, Wu LX, Zheng SQ, Zhao YR, Zhang SL. Asialoglycoprotein receptor interacts with the preS1 domain of hepatitis B virus in vivo and in vitro. Arch Virol 2011; 156:637-45. [PMID: 21207081 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0903-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The preS1 domain of the large envelope protein has been identified as an essential viral structure involved in hepatitis B virus (HBV) attachment. However, the cellular receptor(s) for HBV has not yet been identified. AIMS To identify a cell-surface receptor for HBV, which could elucidate the molecular mechanism of HBV infection. METHODS A novel yeast two-hybrid system was used to screen proteins interacting with the preS1 region of HBV. Their interaction was verified by yeast cotransformation, coimmunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid assay, while their intracellular and tissue localization was analyzed by confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS Asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) interacted specifically and directly with the preS1 domain of HBV in vivo and in vitro. The levels of expression of preS1 and ASGPR in the liver were similar and correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS ASGPR is a candidate receptor for HBV that mediates further steps of HBV entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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27
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Park H, Jeon YH. Free energy perturbation approach for the rational engineering of the antibody for human hepatitis B virus. J Mol Graph Model 2010; 29:643-9. [PMID: 21159534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HzKR127 is the humanized monoclonal antibody effective for the neutralization of human hepatitis B virus. By means of the free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations based on molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, we examine the mutation-induced variations in the energetic and structural features associated with the interactions between HzKR127 and its antigen. N58A, Y96A, D97A, and D97A/Y102A mutants of HzKR127 are taken in account in this study for which the experimental data for relative efficacies with respect to the wild-type antibody are available. The results of the present MD-FEP simulation studies show that in order to enhance the affinity for the antigen, the engineering of HzKR127 should be made in such a way as to promote the dynamic stability of the overall protein conformation and that of the translational motion of the antigen in the antibody-antigen complex. The relative binding free energies of the four mutant antibodies obtained from MD-FEP calculations compare pretty well with the experimental mutagenesis data with the associated squared correlation coefficient of 0.96. This indicates that MD-FEP calculations may serve as a useful computational tool for rational antibody engineering. Discussed in detail are the differences in the structural features of antibody-antigen interactions between the wild-type and the mutant antibodies that are responsible for the change in binding affinities for the antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwangseo Park
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, 98 Kunja-Dong, Kwangjin-Ku, Seoul 143-747, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Veggiani G, Zuin J, Beneduce L, Gallotta A, Pengo P, Fassina G. Combinatorial Semisynthesis of Biomarker-IgM Complexes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 15:1274-80. [DOI: 10.1177/1087057110378623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Circulating immune complexes formed by tumor antigens and immunoglobulin M (IgM) represent a novel class of biomarkers with diagnostic value for early cancer detection. The quantitative analysis of these immune complexes is achieved by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods using a purified calibrator from samples of patients with cancer. These complexes obtained from samples of human origin are not suitable for cost-effective production processes with high safety standards. Given the ill-defined biomarker/IgM ratio in these complexes, semisynthesis with retention of functional properties is difficult to achieve and may vary widely according to the batch-to-batch heterogeneity of starting biological preparations. Here the authors describe the development of a combinatorial method for defining the optimal reaction conditions for the reproducible semisynthesis of biomarker-IgM complexes by exploiting the biotin-avidin technology. The method relies on screening by ELISA the 3D composition space defined by the combinatorial variation of biotinylated-biomarker, biotinylated-IgM, and avidin concentrations aiming to select those conditions leading to biomarker-IgM complexes with the highest immunoreactivity. The method allows the reproducible synthesis of species with immunoreactivity comparable to that of natural immune complexes and endowed with sufficient stability to be used as calibrators in ELISA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Zuin
- Xeptagen SpA, Via delle Industrie 9, I-30175 Marghera, Italy
| | - Luca Beneduce
- Xeptagen SpA, Via delle Industrie 9, I-30175 Marghera, Italy
| | - Andrea Gallotta
- Xeptagen SpA, Via delle Industrie 9, I-30175 Marghera, Italy
| | - Paolo Pengo
- Xeptagen SpA, Via delle Industrie 9, I-30175 Marghera, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fassina
- Xeptagen SpA, Via delle Industrie 9, I-30175 Marghera, Italy
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29
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Xie Y, Zhai J, Deng Q, Tiollais P, Wang Y, Zhao M. Entry of hepatitis B virus: mechanism and new therapeutic target. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 58:301-7. [PMID: 20570056 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Entry of hepatitis B virus (HBV) into human hepatocytes constitutes the initial step in viral infection. The study of HBV entry had long been hampered by the lack of efficient cell culture systems and small animal models. The situation was greatly improved in the last decade with the development of HBV-infectible HepaRG cell line and primary Tupaia hepatocyte culture. Armed with these new tools, marked progresses have been achieved in the elucidation of the mechanism of HBV entry. Plenty of evidences indicate that the viral large surface protein (LHBs) is essential for HBV entry. Several regions in the PreS1 domain of LHBs have been verified to contribute directly to the viral attachment. In addition, a myristate moiety linked to the N-terminal glycine of PreS1 appears critical for HBV infectivity. Recently, the cysteine-rich antigenic loop of the S domain was identified as another crucial determinant for HBV infectivity. On the other hand, several cellular proteins were implicated in HBV attachment to hepatic cells, though definitive proofs are required in support to their functional involvement in HBV infection. Aiming to blocking viral entry, a couple of approaches based on acylated PreS1-derived peptides and short PreS1-binding peptides are currently under investigation, which have the potential to become novel antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Fibronectin and asialoglyprotein receptor mediate hepatitis B surface antigen binding to the cell surface. Arch Virol 2010; 155:881-8. [PMID: 20364278 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0657-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both fibronectin and the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) have been identified by some investigators as partners for hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope proteins. Because fibronectin is a natural ligand for ASGPR, we speculated that HBV might attach to ASGPR expressed on the hepatocyte surface via fibronectin. To test this hypothesis, we first confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation that ASGPR, fibronectin and HBsAg bind to each other in HepG2.2.15 cells, and possible binding domains were identified by GST pull-down. In addition, by measuring binding of HBsAg to cells, we found that ASGPR and fibronectin enhanced the binding capability of HBsAg to HepG2 cells, and even to 293T and CHO cells, which normally do not bind HBV. In conclusion, our findings suggest that both fibronectin and ASGPR mediate HBsAg binding to the cell surface, which provides further evidence for the potential roles of these two proteins in mediating HBV binding to liver cells.
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31
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Tang KH, Yusoff K, Tan WS. Display of hepatitis B virus PreS1 peptide on bacteriophage T7 and its potential in gene delivery into HepG2 cells. J Virol Methods 2009; 159:194-9. [PMID: 19490973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2008] [Revised: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a major public health problem worldwide which may lead to chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. An interaction between hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope protein, particularly the PreS1 region, and a specific cell surface receptor is believed to be the initial step of HBV infection through attachment to hepatocytes. In order to develop a gene delivery system, bacteriophage T7 was modified genetically to display polypeptides of the PreS1 region. A recombinant T7 phage displaying amino acids 60-108 of the PreS1 region (PreS1(60-108)) was demonstrated to be most effective in transfecting HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependant manner. The phage genome was recovered from the cell lysate and confirmed by PCR whereas the infectious form of the internalized phage was measured by a plaque-forming assay. The internalized phage exhibited the appearance of green fluorescent dots when examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Surface modification, particularly by displaying the PreS1(60-108) enhanced phage uptake, resulting in more efficient in vitro gene transfer. The ability of the recombinant phage to transfect HepG2 cells demonstrates the potential of the phage display system as a gene therapy for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kie Hie Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Malaysia
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Núñez E, Yélamos B, Delgado C, Gómez-Gutiérrez J, Peterson DL, Gavilanes F. Interaction of preS domains of hepatitis B virus with phospholipid vesicles. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2009; 1788:417-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Revised: 09/24/2008] [Accepted: 10/22/2008] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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33
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Kasuya T, Nomura S, Matsuzaki T, Jung J, Yamada T, Tatematsu K, Okajima T, Tanizawa K, Kuroda S. Expression of squamous cell carcinoma antigen-1 in liver enhances the uptake of hepatitis B virus envelope-derived bio-nanocapsules in transgenic rats. FEBS J 2008; 275:5714-24. [PMID: 18959756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously developed the bio-nanocapsule, which consists of hepatitis B virus envelope L proteins. The bio-nanocapsule can be used to deliver genes and drugs specifically to the human liver-derived tissues in xenograft models, presumably by utilizing the human liver-specific mechanism of hepatitis B virus infection. The hepatitis B virus tropism is highly restricted to humans and higher primates. Thus, to evaluate the in vivo therapeutic effects of forthcoming bio-nanocapsule-based medicines, it will be crucial to develop an animal model whose liver is susceptible to both bio-nanocapsule and hepatitis B virus. In the present study, we aimed to establish a bio-nanocapsule-susceptible animal model using transgenic rats expressing squamous cell carcinoma antigen-1 (SCCA1), which has been proposed to be a receptor for hepatitis B virus, interacting with the hepatitis B virus envelope protein and enhancing the cellular uptake of hepatitis B virus. We show that the recombinant SCCA1 protein interacts directly with bio-nanocapsule and inhibits its attachment to the cultured human liver-derived cells. Furthermore, we have established a transgenic rat that specifically expresses SCCA1 in the liver and also demonstrate that the amount of bio-nanocapsule accumulated in the liver is significantly increased by the SCCA1 expression. Histological analysis suggests that bio-nanocapsule is preferentially incorporated into the SCCA1-expressing hepatocytes but not into macrophages, such as Küppfer cells, nor into endothelial cells. Therefore, this animal model is expected to be useful for the development of bio-nanocapsule-based medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kasuya
- Department of Structural Molecular Biology, The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Japan
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Ponticelli S, Marasco D, Tarallo V, Albuquerque RJC, Mitola S, Takeda A, Stassen JM, Presta M, Ambati J, Ruvo M, De Falco S. Modulation of angiogenesis by a tetrameric tripeptide that antagonizes vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1. J Biol Chem 2008; 283:34250-9. [PMID: 18922791 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m806607200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR-1, also known as Flt-1) is involved in complex biological processes often associated to severe pathological conditions like cancer, inflammation, and metastasis formation. Consequently, the search for antagonists of Flt-1 has recently gained a growing interest. Here we report the identification of a tetrameric tripeptide from a combinatorial peptide library built using non-natural amino acids, which binds Flt-1 and inhibits in vitro its interaction with placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A and B (IC(50) approximately 10 microm). The peptide is stable in serum for 7 days and prevents both Flt-1 phosphorylation and the capillary-like tube formation of human primary endothelial cells stimulated by PlGF or VEGF-A. Conversely, the identified peptide does not interfere in VEGF-induced VEGFR-2 activation. In vivo, this peptide inhibits VEGF-A- and PlGF-induced neoangiogenesis in the chicken embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. In contrast, in the cornea, where avascularity is maintained by high levels of expression of the soluble form of Flt-1 receptor (sFlt-1) that prevents the VEGF-A activity, the peptide is able to stimulate corneal mouse neovascularization in physiological condition, as reported previously for others neutralizing anti-Flt-1 molecules. This tetrameric tripeptide represents a new, promising compound for therapeutic approaches in pathologies where Flt-1 activation plays a crucial role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Ponticelli
- Angiogenesis Laboratory and Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80131 Napoli, Italy
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35
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Chen B, Lian M, Xu S, Luo M, Zheng X. A chemical lipid modification of recombinant preS antigen to study the mechanism of HBV attachment to the host cell. J Biotechnol 2008; 137:8-13. [PMID: 18675858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2008.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Revised: 06/12/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Surface antigen preS of Hepatitis B virus plays fundamental roles in mediating receptor recognition and virus internalization. Myristoylation at N-terminal Gly(2) residue of preS is essential for viral attachment and infectivity. A number of myristoylated proteins have been shown to undergo a conformational change (myristoyl switch) that alters their affinity to cell membrane. However, there is little knowledge about what effect this fatty acylation contributes in virus-host cell interaction. Here we demonstrated a new method for lipid modification of recombinant preS protein at N-terminal residue 2 with alkylating chemicals. Modified preS was able to inhibit HBV penetrating into HepG2 cells with an increased efficiency compared to unmodified form. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that lipid modification enhanced the binding affinity of preS to hepatocytes, but not resulting from hydrophobic interaction. CD analysis further revealed a conformational change of modified preS in the presence of membrane mimetics. These findings imply that the conformation transition induced by fatty acylation is important for efficient attachment of virus to cell receptors, and this method of chemical lipid modification provides a basis for designing therapeutic inhibitors to Hepatitis B virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chen
- National Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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36
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Kim DH, Ni Y, Lee SH, Urban S, Han KH. An anti-viral peptide derived from the preS1 surface protein of hepatitis B virus. BMB Rep 2008; 41:640-4. [DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2008.41.9.640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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37
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Pontisso P, Vidalino L, Quarta S, Gatta A. Biological and clinical implications of HBV infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Autoimmun Rev 2008; 8:13-7. [PMID: 18706529 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2008.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the main site of HBV replication, however extrahepatic organs, such as the lymphoid system, are an important reservoir of the virus. Viral DNA into different mononuclear cell subsets has been mainly detected in monocytes and B lymphocytes. The attachment site of the virus has been identified in the preS1 encoded protein of the virus envelope, the same involved in hepatocyte infection. The risk of HBV transmission by infected lymphocytes has been clearly documented in the setting of liver transplantation where de novo HBV infection has been found in up to about 80% of liver grafts from HBsAg negative but anti-HBc positive donors. In the hemodialysis setting the percentage of HBV DNA detection in mononuclear cells of HBsAg negative patients has been described in up to 54% of the cases. Vertical transmission studies indicate that HBV-infected mononuclear cells of the mother may result in viral infection of mononuclear cells of the newborns and possible HBV vaccine response failure. HBV can also infect bone marrow cells and in vitro studies demonstrate a block of hematopoiesis by HBV, supporting clinical observations of isolate cases of aplastic anemia associated to the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Pontisso
- Clinica Medica 5, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padua, Italy.
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38
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Lian M, Zhou X, Chen B, Li C, Gu X, Luo M, Zheng X. Identification of the critical regions in hepatitis B virus preS required for its stability. J Pept Sci 2008; 14:307-12. [PMID: 17918766 DOI: 10.1002/psc.929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As a hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope domain, preS plays significant roles in receptor recognition and viral infection. However, the regions critical for maintaining a stable and functional conformation of preS are still unclear and require further investigation. In order to unravel these regions, serially truncated fragments of preS were constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. Their solubility, stability, secondary structure, and affinity to polyclonal antibodies and hepatocytes were examined. The results showed that amino acids 31-36 were vital for its stable conformation, and the absence of 10-36 amino acids significantly reduced its binding to polyclonal antibodies as well as hepatocytes. The most stable fragment 1-120 (preS1 + N-terminal 12 amino acids of preS2), perhaps the core of preS, was discovered, which bound to HepG2 cells most tightly. Moreover, the availability of large amounts of well-folded and stable preS1-120 enables us to carry out further structural determination and mechanistic study on HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lian
- National Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Genetic Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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39
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Characterization of the Putative Membrane Fusion Peptides in the Envelope Proteins of Human Hepatitis B Virus. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2007. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2007.28.10.1756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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40
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Edwards RJ, Davey NE, Shields DC. SLiMFinder: a probabilistic method for identifying over-represented, convergently evolved, short linear motifs in proteins. PLoS One 2007; 2:e967. [PMID: 17912346 PMCID: PMC1989135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Short linear motifs (SLiMs) in proteins are functional microdomains of fundamental importance in many biological systems. SLiMs typically consist of a 3 to 10 amino acid stretch of the primary protein sequence, of which as few as two sites may be important for activity, making identification of novel SLiMs extremely difficult. In particular, it can be very difficult to distinguish a randomly recurring “motif” from a truly over-represented one. Incorporating ambiguous amino acid positions and/or variable-length wildcard spacers between defined residues further complicates the matter. Methodology/Principal Findings In this paper we present two algorithms. SLiMBuild identifies convergently evolved, short motifs in a dataset of proteins. Motifs are built by combining dimers into longer patterns, retaining only those motifs occurring in a sufficient number of unrelated proteins. Motifs with fixed amino acid positions are identified and then combined to incorporate amino acid ambiguity and variable-length wildcard spacers. The algorithm is computationally efficient compared to alternatives, particularly when datasets include homologous proteins, and provides great flexibility in the nature of motifs returned. The SLiMChance algorithm estimates the probability of returned motifs arising by chance, correcting for the size and composition of the dataset, and assigns a significance value to each motif. These algorithms are implemented in a software package, SLiMFinder. SLiMFinder default settings identify known SLiMs with 100% specificity, and have a low false discovery rate on random test data. Conclusions/Significance The efficiency of SLiMBuild and low false discovery rate of SLiMChance make SLiMFinder highly suited to high throughput motif discovery and individual high quality analyses alike. Examples of such analyses on real biological data, and how SLiMFinder results can help direct future discoveries, are provided. SLiMFinder is freely available for download under a GNU license from http://bioinformatics.ucd.ie/shields/software/slimfinder/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Edwards
- University College Dublin Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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41
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Chi SW, Kim DH, Lee SH, Chang I, Han KH. Pre-structured motifs in the natively unstructured preS1 surface antigen of hepatitis B virus. Protein Sci 2007; 16:2108-17. [PMID: 17766372 PMCID: PMC2204132 DOI: 10.1110/ps.072983507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The preS1 surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to play an important role in the initial attachment of HBV to hepatocytes. We have characterized structural features of the full-length preS1 using heteronuclear NMR methods and discovered that this 119-residue protein is inherently unstructured without a unique tertiary structure under a nondenaturing condition. Yet, combination of various NMR parameters shows that the preS1 contains "pre-structured" domains broadly covering its functional domains. The most prominent domain is formed by residues 27-45 and overlaps with the putative hepatocyte-binding domain (HBD) encompassing residues 21-47, within which two well-defined pre-structured motifs, formed by Pro(32)-Ala(36) and Pro(41)-Phe(45) are found. Additional, somewhat less prominent, pre-structured motifs are also formed by residues 11-18, 22-25, 37-40, and 46-50. Overall results suggest that the preS1 is a natively unstructured protein (NUP) whose N-terminal 50 residues, populated with multiple pre-structured motifs, contribute critically to hepatocyte binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Wook Chi
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, Division of Molecular Therapeutics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Korea
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42
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Chi SW, Maeng CY, Kim SJ, Oh MS, Ryu CJ, Kim SJ, Han KH, Hong HJ, Ryu SE. Broadly neutralizing anti-hepatitis B virus antibody reveals a complementarity determining region H3 lid-opening mechanism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:9230-5. [PMID: 17517649 PMCID: PMC1890477 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0701279104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The humanized monoclonal antibody HzKR127 recognizes the preS1 domain of the human hepatitis B virus surface proteins with a broadly neutralizing activity in vivo. We present the crystal structures of HzKR127 Fab and its complex with a major epitope peptide. In the complex structure, the bound peptide forms a type IV beta-turn followed by 3(10) helical turn, the looped-out conformation of which provides a structural basis for broad neutralization. Upon peptide binding, the antibody undergoes a dramatic complementarity determining region H3 lid opening. To understand the structural implication of the virus neutralization, we carried out comprehensive alanine-scanning mutagenesis of all complementarity determining region residues in HzKR127 Fab. The functional mapping of the antigen-combining site demonstrates the specific roles of major binding determinants in antigen binding, contributing to the rational design for maximal humanization and affinity maturation of the antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Wook Chi
- *Center for Cellular Switch Protein Structure
- Molecular Cancer Research Center
| | | | - Seung Jun Kim
- *Center for Cellular Switch Protein Structure
- Systemic Proteomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-333, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Hyo Jeong Hong
- Therapeutic Antibody Research Center, and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
| | - Seong Eon Ryu
- *Center for Cellular Switch Protein Structure
- Systemic Proteomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-333, Korea
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
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43
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Abstract
Hepadnaviridae is a family of hepatotropic DNA viruses that is divided into the genera orthohepadnavirus of mammals and avihepadnavirus of birds. All members of this family can cause acute and chronic hepatic infection, which in the case of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) constitutes a major global health problem. Although our knowledge about the molecular biology of these highly liver-specific viruses has profoundly increased in the last two decades, the mechanisms of attachment and productive entrance into the differentiated host hepatocytes are still enigmatic. The difficulties in studying hepadnaviral entry were primarily caused by the lack of easily accessible in vitro infection systems. Thus, for more than twenty years, differentiated primary hepatocytes from the respective species were the only in vitro models for both orthohepadnaviruses (e.g. HBV) and avihepadnaviruses (e.g. duck hepatitis B virus [DHBV]). Two important discoveries have been made recently regarding HBV: (1) primary hepatocytes from tree-shrews; i.e., Tupaia belangeri, can be substituted for primary human hepatocytes, and (2) a human hepatoma cell line (HepaRG) was established that gains susceptibility for HBV infection upon induction of differentiation in vitro. A number of potential HBV receptor candidates have been described in the past, but none of them have been confirmed to function as a receptor. For DHBV and probably all other avian hepadnaviruses, carboxypeptidase D (CPD) has been shown to be indispensable for infection, although the exact role of this molecule is still under debate. While still restricted to the use of primary duck hepatocytes (PDH), investigations performed with DHBV provided important general concepts on the first steps of hepadnaviral infection. However, with emerging data obtained from the new HBV infection systems, the hope that DHBV utilizes the same mechanism as HBV only partially held true. Nevertheless, both HBV and DHBV in vitro infection systems will help to: (1) functionally dissect the hepadnaviral entry pathways, (2) perform reverse genetics (e.g. test the fitness of escape mutants), (3) titrate and map neutralizing antibodies, (4) improve current vaccines to combat acute and chronic infections of hepatitis B, and (5) develop entry inhibitors for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Frankfurter Strasse 107, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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44
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Deng Q, Zhai JW, Michel ML, Zhang J, Qin J, Kong YY, Zhang XX, Budkowska A, Tiollais P, Wang Y, Xie YH. Identification and characterization of peptides that interact with hepatitis B virus via the putative receptor binding site. J Virol 2006; 81:4244-54. [PMID: 17192308 PMCID: PMC1866126 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01270-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A direct involvement of the PreS domain of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) large envelope protein, and in particular amino acid residues 21 to 47, in virus attachment to hepatocytes has been suggested by many previous studies. Several PreS-interacting proteins have been identified. However, they share few common sequence motifs, and a bona fide cellular receptor for HBV remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to identify PreS-interacting motifs and to search for novel HBV-interacting proteins and the long-sought receptor. PreS fusion proteins were used as baits to screen a phage display library of random peptides. A group of PreS-binding peptides were obtained. These peptides could bind to amino acids 21 to 47 of PreS1 and shared a linear motif (W1T2X3W4W5) sufficient for binding specifically to PreS and viral particles. Several human proteins with such a motif were identified through BLAST search. Analysis of their biochemical and structural properties suggested that lipoprotein lipase (LPL), a key enzyme in lipoprotein metabolism, might interact with PreS and HBV particles. The interaction of HBV with LPL was demonstrated by in vitro binding, virus capture, and cell attachment assays. These findings suggest that LPL may play a role in the initiation of HBV infection. Identification of peptides and protein ligands corresponding to LPL that bind to the HBV envelope will offer new therapeutic strategies against HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ruijin Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, China
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45
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Chi SW, Kim DH, Kim JS, Lee MK, Han KH. Solution conformation of an immunodominant epitope in the hepatitis B virus preS2 surface antigen. Antiviral Res 2006; 72:207-15. [PMID: 16872688 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2006.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2006] [Revised: 06/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We have determined the solution conformation of the major B cell epitope (residues 123-145, adrl23 hereafter) in the preS2 region of hepatitis B virus known to be associated with infection neutralization. The adrl23 shows an "L" shaped helix-turn-helix topology with two beta-turns formed by residues Ala(130)-Asp(133) and Asp(133)-Val(136) intervening the N- and C-terminal helices. The N-terminal alpha-helix consists of residues Ser(124)-Gln(129) whereas the C-terminal 3(10) helix is formed by residues Val(136)-Tyr(140). The beta-turns overlap partially with the putative "conformational" epitope. The overall topology of adrl23 is primarily maintained by hydrophobic interactions involving Phe(127), Leu(131), Leu(132), Val(136), and Tyr(140) that are clustered on one side of the molecule. An additional hydrophobic stabilization comes from Phe(141) that is buried inside the concave side of the molecule. A network of hydrogen bonds formed among Thr(125), His(128), and Arg(137) further contribute to the "boomerang-shaped" architecture of adrl23. The N-terminus of adrl23 is immobile due to a hydrogen bond between the N-terminal amide proton of Asn(123) and the hydroxyl oxygen of Thr(126). The side chains of Asp(133), Arg(135), Val(136), Leu(139), and Tyr(140) that were shown to be important for binding to a monoclonal antibody H8 mAb are surface exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Wook Chi
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, Division of Molecular Therapeutics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yusong P.O. Box 115, Daejon, Korea
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46
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Xia HB, Chen ZY, Chen XG. Overexpression of hepatitis B virus-binding protein, squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1, extends retention of hepatitis B virus in mouse liver. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2006; 38:484-91. [PMID: 16820864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2006.00190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
How receptors mediate the entry of hepatitis B virus (HBV) into the target liver cells is poorly understood. Recently, human squamous cell carcinoma antigen 1 (SCCA1) has been found to mediate binding and internalization of HBV to liver-derived cell lines in vitro. In this report, we investigate if SCCA1 is able to function as an HBV receptor and mediate HBV entry into mouse liver. SCCA1 transgene under the control of Rous sarcoma virus promoter was constructed in a minicircle DNA vector that was delivered to NOD/SCID mouse liver using the hydrodynamic technique. Subsequently, HBV-positive human serum was injected intravenously. We demonstrated that approximately 30% of the mouse liver cells expressed a high level of recombined SCCA1 protein for at least 37 d. The HBV surface antigen was found to persist in mouse liver for up to 17 d. Furthermore, HBV genome also persisted in mouse liver, as determined by polymerase chain reaction, for up to 17 d, and in mouse circulation for 7 d. These results suggest that SCAA1 might serve as an HBV receptor or co-receptor and play an important role in mediating HBV entry into hepatocytes, although its role in human HBV infection remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bin Xia
- Center of Experimental Animals, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510089, China
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47
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Park SG, Jung YJ, Lee YY, Yang CM, Kim IJ, Chung JH, Kim IS, Lee YJ, Park SJ, Lee JN, Seo SK, Park YH, Choi IH. Improvement of Neutralizing Activity of Human scFv Antibodies Against Hepatitis B Virus Binding Using CDR3 VHMutant Library. Viral Immunol 2006; 19:115-23. [PMID: 16553557 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2006.19.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
CDR3 of the heavy-chain variable region of immunoglobulin is a region in which somatic mutation occurs heavily after secondary antibody response, resulting in an affinity maturation of antibodies in vivo. The aim of this study was to improve the affinity of a human single-chain variable fragment (scFv) specific for pre-S1 of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by introducing random mutagenesis in CDR3 variable region of heavy chain (V(H)) of the parental scFv clone 1E4. By using a BIAcore for panning and screening, we have selected three clones (A9, B2, and B9) with lower highest affinity (K(D)) than 1E4. Affinities of selected clones ranged from 1.7 x 10(7) mol/L to 6.3 x 10(8) mol/L, which were increased by factors of 1.4 to 4.0, respectively, compared to the parental clone. Binding inhibition assay using flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction revealed that B2 (6.4 x 10(8) mol/L) had a higher neutralizing activity against pre-S1 or HBV virion binding to liver cell line. This anti-pre-S1 scFv can be considered as a potential therapeutic tool for a passive immunotherapy for HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sae-Gwang Park
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine and Center for Viral Disease Research, Inje University, Pusan, Republic of Korea
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48
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Owada T, Matsubayashi K, Sakata H, Ihara H, Sato S, Ikebuchi K, Kato T, Azuma H, Ikeda H. Interaction between desialylated hepatitis B virus and asialoglycoprotein receptor on hepatocytes may be indispensable for viral binding and entry. J Viral Hepat 2006; 13:11-8. [PMID: 16364077 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2005.00648.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The cellular receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has not yet been identified. The purpose of this study was to address the possibility of participation by desialylated HBV and the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R) exclusively expressed on liver parenchymal cells, in infection. Assays for viral binding and entry were performed by culturing a hepatoblastoma cell line, HepG2, and HBV particles derived from the HBV carrier in the presence or absence of neuraminidase (NA). Viral binding and entry were clearly enhanced in the presence of NA, and the enhancement of the binding could be blocked by asialo-fetuin and ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA). In addition, covalently closed circular (CCC)-DNA, as a marker of infectivity, was detected in the presence of NA, but not in its absence. The optimal concentration of NA raised infectivity more than 1000 times. We concluded that this method makes it feasible to evaluate the infectivity of HBV in vitro and that ASGP-R may be a specific HBV receptor once viral particles are desialylated.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Owada
- Hokkaido Red Cross Blood Center, Nishi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, Japan.
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49
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Su HX, Xu DZ, Li D, Zhang JX, Lu J, Choi BCK, Yan YP. Heterogeneity analysis of the hepatitis B virus genome in intrauterine infection. J Med Virol 2005; 77:180-7. [PMID: 16121373 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There are many factors leading to intrauterine infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). These factors include viral structure, HBV mutations, HBV DNA level, placenta barrier, immune status of the mother, and susceptibility of the fetus. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between intrauterine infection with and HBV mutations of the genome of the virus. In this study, HBsAg-positive mothers were divided into two groups: intrauterine infection group and non-infection group according to whether the newborn infants were infected or not. The intrauterine infection group included four pairs of mother and their newborn infants infected in utero, and non-infection group included five HBsAg-positive mothers. HBV sequences from the two groups were analyzed and compared. The predominant strains in the mothers and infants from the intrauterine infection group were not completely consistent. This suggested that both HBV predominant strains and minority strains in the mothers could infect their infants through intrauterine transmission. Some HBV mutations probably related to intrauterine infection were examined and it was found that the frequencies of mutations were low in isolates of the virus of infants from the intrauterine infection group and high in the non-infection group. These results suggest that some strains of HBV from the mother may be transmitted selectively to the fetus in utero because of viral heterogeneity. The strains without screened mutations such as P21L in the pre-S1 region may infect the fetus more readily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Xia Su
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Preventive Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Barrera A, Guerra B, Notvall L, Lanford RE. Mapping of the hepatitis B virus pre-S1 domain involved in receptor recognition. J Virol 2005; 79:9786-98. [PMID: 16014940 PMCID: PMC1181564 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.15.9786-9798.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and woolly monkey hepatitis B virus (WMHBV) are primate hepadnaviruses that display restricted tissue and host tropisms. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) particles pseudotyped with HBV and WMHBV envelopes (HBV-HDV and WM-HDV) preferentially infect human and spider monkey hepatocytes, respectively, thereby confirming host range bias in vitro. The analysis of chimeric HBV and WMHBV large (L) envelope proteins suggests that the pre-S1 domain may comprise two regions that affect infectivity: one within the amino-terminal 40 amino acids of pre-S1 and one downstream of this region. In the present study, we further characterized the role of the amino terminus of pre-S1 in infectivity by examining the ability of synthetic peptides to competitively block HDV infection of primary human and spider monkey hepatocytes. A synthetic peptide representing the first 45 residues of the pre-S1 domain of the HBV L protein blocked infectivity of HBV-HDV and WM-HDV, with a requirement for myristylation of the amino terminal residue. Competition studies with truncated peptides suggested that pre-S1 residues 5 to 20 represent the minimal domain for inhibition of HDV infection and, thus, presumably represent the residues involved in virus-host receptor interaction. Recombinant pre-S1 proteins expressed in insect cells blocked infection with HBV-HDV and WM-HDV at a concentration of 1 nanomolar. The ability of short pre-S1 peptides to efficiently inhibit HDV infection suggests that they represent suitable ligands for identification of the HBV receptor and that a pre-S1 mimetic may represent a rational therapy for the treatment of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azeneth Barrera
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, TX 78227, USA
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