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Schreiber S, Dressler LS, Loffredo-Verde E, Asen T, Färber S, Wang W, Groll T, Chakraborty A, Kolbe F, Kreer C, Kosinska AD, Simon S, Urban S, Klein F, Riddell SR, Protzer U. CARs derived from broadly neutralizing, human monoclonal antibodies identified by single B cell sorting target hepatitis B virus-positive cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1340619. [PMID: 38711498 PMCID: PMC11072186 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1340619] [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: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
To design new CARs targeting hepatitis B virus (HBV), we isolated human monoclonal antibodies recognizing the HBV envelope proteins from single B cells of a patient with a resolved infection. HBV-specific memory B cells were isolated by incubating peripheral blood mononuclear cells with biotinylated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), followed by single-cell flow cytometry-based sorting of live, CD19+ IgG+ HBsAg+ cells. Amplification and sequencing of immunoglobulin genes from single memory B cells identified variable heavy and light chain sequences. Corresponding immunoglobulin chains were cloned into IgG1 expression vectors and expressed in mammalian cells. Two antibodies named 4D06 and 4D08 were found to be highly specific for HBsAg, recognized a conformational and a linear epitope, respectively, and showed broad reactivity and neutralization capacity against all major HBV genotypes. 4D06 and 4D08 variable chain fragments were cloned into a 2nd generation CAR format with CD28 and CD3zeta intracellular signaling domains. The new CAR constructs displayed a high functional avidity when expressed on primary human T cells. CAR-grafted T cells proved to be polyfunctional regarding cytokine secretion and killed HBV-positive target cells. Interestingly, background activation of the 4D08-CAR recognizing a linear instead of a conformational epitope was consistently low. In a preclinical model of chronic HBV infection, murine T cells grafted with the 4D06 and the 4D08 CAR showed on target activity indicated by a transient increase in serum transaminases, and a lower number of HBV-positive hepatocytes in the mice treated. This study demonstrates an efficient and fast approach to identifying pathogen-specific monoclonal human antibodies from small donor cell numbers for the subsequent generation of new CARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Schreiber
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa S. Dressler
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Loffredo-Verde
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Asen
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Färber
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wenshi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Groll
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anindita Chakraborty
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fenna Kolbe
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Kreer
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna D. Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Sylvain Simon
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Klein
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stanley R. Riddell
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research, Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
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2
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Zhang X, Wan Z, Lin M, Li Y, Wu X, Jiang J, Lin S, Chi X. Immunoglobulin A and complement C4 are involved in the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110604. [PMID: 37451022 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110604] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between immunoglobulin A (IgA), complement C4, and liver fibrosis (L.F.) progression (LFP) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of CHB patients who received liver biopsies. Relevant data, including demographics, clinical serum markers, and immunological results obtained during liver biopsies, were collected and analyzed to assess and verify the relationship between IgA, C4, and LFP. RESULTS This study included 1,938 CHB patients, of whom 132 received two liver biopsies (group 1). Thirty (22.7%) of these patients were diagnosed with LFP (increase in L.F. stage (Scheuer score F ≥ 1)). IgA (C-IgA) and C4 (C-C4) change values between the first and second biopsies were independent risk factors for LFP. IgA levels increased, and C4 levels decreased during the second liver puncture. The remaining 1,806 patients received one liver puncture (group 2). They were divided into the following subgroups: A (F ≤ 1), B (1 < F ≤ 3), and C (F > 3) to verify whether the same trend was observed by cross-sectional study. IgA levels were highest, and C4 levels were lowest in group C (IgA: C > B > A, p < 0.05; C4: C < B < A, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that serum IgA and C4 levels are independent risk factors for LFP that could serve as future targets for L.F. management and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Zhang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China; Department of Hepatology Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zemin Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ming Lin
- Department of Hepatology Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yingxian Li
- Department of Medical Education, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoju Wu
- Department of Hepatology Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Junmin Jiang
- Department of Hepatology Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shanshan Lin
- Department of Hepatology Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Department of Hepatology Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510120, Guangzhou, PR China.
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3
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Hu X, Zhao L, Ou M, Chen Y, Wei H, Xia Y, Xu H, Li M, Wang J. Evaluation of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and simultaneous amplification and testing for quantitative detection of serum hepatitis B virus RNA. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18557. [PMID: 37560627 PMCID: PMC10407120 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the common infectious diseases in the world. HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the initial template of HBV replication, which can exist in human hepatocytes for a long time and is difficult to be completely removed. It has been shown that HBV RNA can directly respond to the levels and transcriptional activity of cccDNA in hepatocytes and can be used as a surrogate marker of cccDNA transcriptional activity. At present, the detection techniques used for quantitative HBV RNA mainly include reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and simultaneous amplification and testing (SAT). METHODS In this study, we verified the performance of the SAT method for detecting HBV RNA and the clinical effectiveness of SAT and RT-qPCR, and compared the correlation and consistency of the two detection methods for HBV RNA detection. RESULTS The results showed that the limit of detection for HBV RNA by SAT method was 50 copies/mL, with a linear range of 1 × 102-1 × 108 copies/mL. There was no difference in HBV RNA levels detected by the two methods. The correlation and consistency of the results were good, with the coefficient of determination of 0.7787 in HBeAg positive group and 0.8235 in HBeAg negative group. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, this study confirmed that the SAT method and RT-qPCR for detecting HBV RNA have good agreement, which are both reliable methods to detect HBV RNA and can replace each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Liwei Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Mingrong Ou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Hongxia Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Yanyan Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Hongpan Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
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Salama II, Sami SM, Salama SI, Abdel-Latif GA, Shaaban FA, Fouad WA, Abdelmohsen AM, Raslan HM. Current and novel modalities for management of chronic hepatitis B infection. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:585-608. [PMID: 37305370 PMCID: PMC10251278 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i5.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 296 million people are estimated to have chronic hepatitis B viral infection (CHB), and it poses unique challenges for elimination. CHB is the result of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific immune tolerance and the presence of covalently closed circular DNA as mini chromosome inside the nucleus and the integrated HBV. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen is the best surrogate marker for intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA. Functional HBV “cure” is the durable loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), with or without HBsAg seroconversion and undetectable serum HBV DNA after completing a course of treatment. The currently approved therapies are nucleos(t)ide analogues, interferon-alpha, and pegylated-interferon. With these therapies, functional cure can be achieved in < 10% of CHB patients. Any variation to HBV or the host immune system that disrupts the interaction between them can lead to reactivation of HBV. Novel therapies may allow efficient control of CHB. They include direct acting antivirals and immunomodulators. Reduction of the viral antigen load is a crucial factor for success of immune-based therapies. Immunomodulatory therapy may lead to modulation of the host immune system. It may enhance/restore innate immunity against HBV (as toll-like-receptors and cytosolic retinoic acid inducible gene I agonist). Others may induce adaptive immunity as checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic HBV vaccines including protein (HBsAg/preS and hepatitis B core antigen), monoclonal or bispecific antibodies and genetically engineered T cells to generate chimeric antigen receptor-T or T-cell receptor-T cells and HBV-specific T cells to restore T cell function to efficiently clear HBV. Combined therapy may successfully overcome immune tolerance and lead to HBV control and cure. Immunotherapeutic approaches carry the risk of overshooting immune responses causing uncontrolled liver damage. The safety of any new curative therapies should be measured in relation to the excellent safety of currently approved nucleos(t)ide analogues. Development of novel antiviral and immune modulatory therapies should be associated with new diagnostic assays used to evaluate the effectiveness or to predict response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Ibrahim Salama
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Samia M Sami
- Department of Child Health, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Somaia I Salama
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Ghada A Abdel-Latif
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Fatma A Shaaban
- Department of Child Health, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Walaa A Fouad
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Aida M Abdelmohsen
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Hala M Raslan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
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5
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Li X, Wang HY, Gao F, Guo FF, Wang XN, Pan YX, Bai GQ. Tenofovir alters the immune microenvironment of pregnant women with hepatitis B virus infection: Evidence from single-cell RNA sequencing. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110245. [PMID: 37163920 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mother-to-child is the main route of the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Tenofovir fumarate (TDF) antiviral treatment has become the most extensive choice worldwide. However, the effects of TDF treatment on the immune function of pregnant women remains unclear. Here we investigate the effect of TDF treatment on the immune microenvironment of pregnant women with HBV infection using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). METHODS Three HBV-infected pregnant women were treated with TDF and six samples were collected before and after the treatment. In total, 68,200 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted for 10 × scRNA-seq. The cells were clustered using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and unbiased computational informatics analysis. RESULTS The analysis identified four-cell subtypes, including T cells, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and B cells, and unraveled the developmental trajectory and maturation of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell subtypes. The cellular state and molecular features of the effector/memory T cells revealed a significant increase in the inflammatory state of CD4+ T cells and the cytotoxic characteristics of CD8+ T cells. Additionally, after TDF treatment, the monocytes showed a tendency for M1 polarization, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells was enhanced. Furthermore, the analysis of intercellular communication revealed the interaction of various subtypes of cells and the heterogeneous expression of key signal pathways. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study reveal significant differences in cellular subtypes and molecular characteristics of PBMCs of pregnant women with HBV infection before and after TDF treatment and demonstrate the recovery of immune response after treatment. These findings could help develop immune intervention measures to control HBV during pregnancy and the puerperium period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Gene Joint Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan Gao
- Clinical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fan-Fan Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Na Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Xia Pan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gui-Qin Bai
- Gene Joint Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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6
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Emerging Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis B and the Potential for a Functional Cure. Drugs 2023; 83:367-388. [PMID: 36906663 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Current therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and indefinite or finite therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (Nucs) are effective in HBV suppression, hepatitis resolution, and prevention of disease progression. However, few achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure), and relapse often occurs after the end of therapy (EOT) because these agents have no direct effect on durable template: covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss rate increases slightly by adding or switching to Peg-IFN in Nuc-treated patients and this loss rate greatly increases up to 39% in 5 years with finite Nuc therapy with currently available Nuc(s). For this, great effort has been made to develop novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and immunomodulators. Among the DAAs, entry inhibitors and capsid assembly modulators have little effect on reducing HBsAg levels; small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid polymers in combination with Peg-IFN and Nuc may reduce HBsAg levels significantly, even a rate of HBsAg loss sustained for > 24 weeks after EOT up to 40%. Novel immunomodulators, including T-cell receptor agonists, check-point inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies may restore HBV-specific T-cell response but not sustained HBsAg loss. The safety issues and the durability of HBsAg loss warrant further investigation. Combining agents of different classes has the potential to enhance HBsAg loss. Compounds directly targeting cccDNA would be more effective but are still in the early stage of development. More effort is required to achieve this goal.
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Ablikim D, Zeng X, Xu C, Zhao M, Yang X, Feng X, Liu J. The Multiple Facets and Disorders of B Cell Functions in Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12052000. [PMID: 36902786 PMCID: PMC10004556 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12052000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a global public health burden. B cells play a pivotal role in mediating HBV clearance and can participate in the development of anti-HBV adaptive immune responses through multiple mechanisms, such as antibody production, antigen presentation, and immune regulation. However, B cell phenotypic and functional disorders are frequently observed during chronic HBV infection, suggesting the necessity of targeting the disordered anti-HBV B cell responses to design and test new immune therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic HBV infection. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the multiple roles of B cells in mediating HBV clearance and pathogenesis as well as the latest developments in understanding the immune dysfunction of B cells in chronic HBV infection. Additionally, we discuss novel immune therapeutic strategies that aim to enhance anti-HBV B cell responses for curing chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilhumare Ablikim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chunli Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mengxiao Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xuemei Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Joint International Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-186-9615-9826
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8
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Zheng JR, Wang ZL, Feng B. Hepatitis B functional cure and immune response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1075916. [PMID: 36466821 PMCID: PMC9714500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1075916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus, which damage to hepatocytes is not direct, but through the immune system. HBV specific CD4+ T cells can induce HBV specific B cells and CD8+ T cells. HBV specific B cells produce antibodies to control HBV infection, while HBV specific CD8+ T cells destroy infected hepatocytes. One of the reasons for the chronicity of HBV infection is that it cannot effectively activate adoptive immunity and the function of virus specific immune cells is exhausted. Among them, virus antigens (including HBV surface antigen, e antigen, core antigen, etc.) can inhibit the function of immune cells and induce immune tolerance. Long term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment and inactive HBsAg carriers with low HBsAg level may "wake up" immune cells with abnormal function due to the decrease of viral antigen level in blood and liver, and the specific immune function of HBV will recover to a certain extent, thus becoming the "dominant population" for functional cure. In turn, the functional cure will further promote the recovery of HBV specific immune function, which is also the theoretical basis for complete cure of hepatitis B. In the future, the complete cure of chronic HBV infection must be the combination of three drugs: inhibiting virus replication, reducing surface antigen levels and specific immune regulation, among which specific immunotherapy is indispensable. Here we review the relationship, mechanism and clinical significance between the cure of hepatitis B and immune system.
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Anti-HBc IgG Responses Occurring at the Early Phase of Infection Correlate Negatively with HBV Replication in a Mouse Model. Viruses 2022; 14:v14092011. [PMID: 36146817 PMCID: PMC9505635 DOI: 10.3390/v14092011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-HBc IgG is usually recognized as a diagnostic marker of hepatitis B, while the functional role anti-HBc IgG in HBV infection has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we firstly investigated the relationship between the anti-HBc IgG responses and the replication of HBV using AAV8-1.3HBV infected C57BL/6N mice. Our data showed that the anti-HBc IgG responses at the early phase of infection correlated negatively with the concentrations of circulating HBsAg and HBV DNA at both the early and chronic phases of infection. This observation was confirmed by an independent experiment using AAV8-1.3HBV infected C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, to comprehend the potential causal relationship between the anti-HBc IgG responses and HBV infection, mice were treated with an anti-HBc monoclonal antibody at three days post AAV8-1.3HBV infection. Our data showed that the anti-HBc mAb significantly suppressed the fold increase of circulating HBsAg level, and the protective effect was not affected by NK cell depletion. Collectively, our study demonstrated that anti-HBc antibodies occurring at the early phase of HBV infection may contribute to the constraint of the virus replication, which might be developed as an immunotherapy for hepatitis B.
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10
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Zhao HJ, Hu YF, Han QJ, Zhang J. Innate and adaptive immune escape mechanisms of hepatitis B virus. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:881-896. [PMID: 35317051 PMCID: PMC8908287 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i9.881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an international health problem with extremely high mortality and morbidity rates. Although current clinical chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment strategies can partly inhibit and eliminate HBV, viral breakthrough may result due to non-adherence to treatment, the emergence of viral resistance, and a long treatment cycle. Persistent CHB infection arises as a consequence of complex interactions between the virus and the host innate and adaptive immune systems. Therefore, understanding the immune escape mechanisms involved in persistent HBV infection is important for designing novel CHB treatment strategies to clear HBV and achieve long-lasting immune control. This review details the immunological and biological characteristics and escape mechanisms of HBV and the novel immune-based therapies that are currently used for treating HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yi-Fei Hu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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11
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An age-structured model of hepatitis B viral infection highlights the potential of different therapeutic strategies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1252. [PMID: 35075156 PMCID: PMC8786976 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health threat, and its elimination by 2030 has been prioritised by the World Health Organisation. Here we present an age-structured model for the immune response to an HBV infection, which takes into account contributions from both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. The model has been validated using published patient data recorded during acute infection. It has been adapted to the scenarios of chronic infection, clearance of infection, and flare-ups via variation of the immune response parameters. The impacts of immune response exhaustion and non-infectious subviral particles on the immune response dynamics are analysed. A comparison of different treatment options in the context of this model reveals that drugs targeting aspects of the viral life cycle are more effective than exhaustion therapy, a form of therapy mitigating immune response exhaustion. Our results suggest that antiviral treatment is best started when viral load is declining rather than in a flare-up. The model suggests that a fast antibody production rate always leads to viral clearance, highlighting the promise of antibody therapies currently in clinical trials.
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12
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Bartoli A, Gabrielli F, Tassi A, Cursaro C, Pinelli A, Andreone P. Treatments for HBV: A Glimpse into the Future. Viruses 2021; 13:1767. [PMID: 34578347 PMCID: PMC8473442 DOI: 10.3390/v13091767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus is responsible for most of the chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. As actual therapeutic strategies have had little success in eradicating the virus from hepatocytes, and as lifelong treatment is often required, new drugs targeting the various phases of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) lifecycle are currently under investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of potential future treatments for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bartoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Gabrielli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Tassi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Ambra Pinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
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13
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Huang CJ, Wang LHC, Wang YC. Identification of Therapeutic Targets for the Selective Killing of HBV-Positive Hepatocytes. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070649. [PMID: 34357116 PMCID: PMC8307716 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Most infected individuals become lifelong carriers of HBV as the drugs currently used to treat the patients can only control the disease, thereby achieving functional cure (loss of the hepatitis B surface antigen) but not complete cure (elimination of infected hepatocytes). Therefore, we aimed to identify the target genes for the selective killing of HBV-positive hepatocytes to develop a novel therapy for the treatment of HBV infection. Our strategy was to recognize the conditionally essential genes that are essential for the survival of HBV-positive hepatocytes, but non-essential for the HBV-negative hepatocytes. Using microarray gene expression data curated from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the known essential genes from the Online GEne Essentiality database, we used two approaches, comprising the random walk with restart algorithm and the support vector machine approach, to determine the potential targets for the selective killing of HBV-positive hepatocytes. The final candidate genes list obtained using these two approaches consisted of 36 target genes, which may be conditionally essential for the cell survival of HBV-positive hepatocytes; however, this requires further experimental validation. Therefore, the genes identified in this study can be used as potential drug targets to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HBV, and may ultimately help in achieving the elusive goal of a complete cure for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chao Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
- Correspondence:
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14
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Wu YH, Yang Y, Chen CH, Hsiao CJ, Li TN, Liao KJ, Watashi K, Chen BS, Wang LHC. Aerobic glycolysis supports hepatitis B virus protein synthesis through interaction between viral surface antigen and pyruvate kinase isoform M2. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1008866. [PMID: 33720996 PMCID: PMC8009439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As an intracellular pathogen, the reproduction of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) depends on the occupancy of host metabolism machinery. Here we test a hypothesis if HBV may govern intracellular biosynthesis to achieve a productive reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we set up an affinity purification screen for host factors that interact with large viral surface antigens (LHBS). This identified pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2), a key regulator of glucose metabolism, as a binding partner of viral surface antigens. We showed that the expression of viral LHBS affected oligomerization of PKM2 in hepatocytes, thereby increasing glucose consumption and lactate production, a phenomenon known as aerobic glycolysis. Reduction of PKM2 activity was also validated in several different models, including HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP-C4 cells, adenovirus mediated HBV gene transduction and transfection with a plasmid containing complete HBV genome on HuH-7 cells. We found the recovery of PKM2 activity in hepatocytes by chemical activators, TEPP-46 or DASA-58, reduced expressions of viral surface and core antigens. In addition, reduction of glycolysis by culturing in low-glucose condition or treatment with 2-deoxyglucose also decreased expressions of viral surface antigen, without affecting general host proteins. Finally, TEPP-46 largely suppressed proliferation of LHBS-positive cells on 3-dimensional agarose plates, but showed no effect on the traditional 2-dimensional cell culture. Taken together, these results indicate that HBV-induced metabolic switch may support its own translation in hepatocytes. In addition, aerobic glycolysis is likely essential for LHBS-mediated oncogenesis. Accordingly, restriction of glucose metabolism may be considered as a novel strategy to restrain viral protein synthesis and subsequent oncogenesis during chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Hsuan Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi Yang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hung Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jen Hsiao
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, New Taipei City Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Neng Li
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ju Liao
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bor-Sen Chen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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15
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Hehle V, Beretta M, Bourgine M, Ait-Goughoulte M, Planchais C, Morisse S, Vesin B, Lorin V, Hieu T, Stauffer A, Fiquet O, Dimitrov JD, Michel ML, Ungeheuer MN, Sureau C, Pol S, Di Santo JP, Strick-Marchand H, Pelletier N, Mouquet H. Potent human broadly neutralizing antibodies to hepatitis B virus from natural controllers. J Exp Med 2021; 217:151888. [PMID: 32579155 PMCID: PMC7537403 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare individuals can naturally clear chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and acquire protection from reinfection as conferred by vaccination. To examine the protective humoral response against HBV, we cloned and characterized human antibodies specific to the viral surface glycoproteins (HBsAg) from memory B cells of HBV vaccinees and controllers. We found that human HBV antibodies are encoded by a diverse set of immunoglobulin genes and recognize various conformational HBsAg epitopes. Strikingly, HBsAg-specific memory B cells from natural controllers mainly produced neutralizing antibodies able to cross-react with several viral genotypes. Furthermore, monotherapy with the potent broadly neutralizing antibody Bc1.187 suppressed viremia in vivo in HBV mouse models and led to post-therapy control of the infection in a fraction of animals. Thus, human neutralizing HBsAg antibodies appear to play a key role in the spontaneous control of HBV and represent promising immunotherapeutic tools for achieving HBV functional cure in chronically infected humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Hehle
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1222, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Beretta
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1222, Paris, France
| | - Maryline Bourgine
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Cyril Planchais
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1222, Paris, France
| | - Solen Morisse
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Vesin
- Molecular Virology and Vaccinology Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Lorin
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1222, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Hieu
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1222, Paris, France
| | | | - Oriane Fiquet
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jordan D Dimitrov
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Marie-Noëlle Ungeheuer
- Investigation Clinique et Accès aux Ressources Biologiques platform, Center for Translational Science, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Camille Sureau
- Institut National de la Transfusion Sanguine, Centre National de la Recherche-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1134, Paris, France
| | - Stanislas Pol
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Hepatology Department, Cochin Hospital, Assistance publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - James P Di Santo
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Strick-Marchand
- Innate Immunity Unit, Department of Immunology, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1223, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | - Hugo Mouquet
- Laboratory of Humoral Immunology, Department of Immunology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1222, Paris, France
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16
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B cells were related to HBsAg seroconversion in inactive HBsAg carriers following peginterferon therapy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242559. [PMID: 33264330 PMCID: PMC7710096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent study showed high rate of HBsAg seroconversion achieved in inactive HBsAg carriers (IHCs) treated with peginterferon (PEG-IFN). To better understand the immune-mediated component to the HBsAg seroconversion, we investigated the role of B cells in this study. A total of 44 IHCs were given 48 weeks of PEG-IFN. Fifteen cases achieve HBsAg seroconversion (R group), whereas 29 failed (NR group). The proportion of total B cells and plasma B cells were measured before and during treatment. We found that the proportion of total B cells and plasma B cells was no significant between R group and NR group at baseline, but significantly higher in R group than NR group during PEG-IFN treatment, even when the exact age-, sex-, and treatment period-match was made. In conclusion, we demonstrated the increase of total B cell and plasma B cells during PEG-IFN treatment favored HBsAg seroconversion for IHC, and B cells may play a role in HBV seroconversion.
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17
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Wang Q, Michailidis E, Yu Y, Wang Z, Hurley AM, Oren DA, Mayer CT, Gazumyan A, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Schoofs T, Yao KH, Nieke JP, Wu J, Jiang Q, Zou C, Kabbani M, Quirk C, Oliveira T, Chhosphel K, Zhang Q, Schneider WM, Jahan C, Ying T, Horowitz J, Caskey M, Jankovic M, Robbiani DF, Wen Y, de Jong YP, Rice CM, Nussenzweig MC. A Combination of Human Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies against Hepatitis B Virus HBsAg with Distinct Epitopes Suppresses Escape Mutations. Cell Host Microbe 2020; 28:335-349.e6. [PMID: 32504577 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although there is no effective cure for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, antibodies are protective and correlate with recovery from infection. To examine the human antibody response to HBV, we screened 124 vaccinated and 20 infected, spontaneously recovered individuals. The selected individuals produced shared clones of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that targeted 3 non-overlapping epitopes on the HBV S antigen (HBsAg). Single bNAbs protected humanized mice against infection but selected for resistance mutations in mice with prior established infection. In contrast, infection was controlled by a combination of bNAbs targeting non-overlapping epitopes with complementary sensitivity to mutations that commonly emerge during human infection. The co-crystal structure of one of the bNAbs with an HBsAg peptide epitope revealed a stabilized hairpin loop. This structure, which contains residues frequently mutated in clinical immune escape variants, provides a molecular explanation for why immunotherapy for HBV infection may require combinations of complementary bNAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Eleftherios Michailidis
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yingpu Yu
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zijun Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Arlene M Hurley
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Deena A Oren
- Structural Biology Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christian T Mayer
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna Gazumyan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Zhenmi Liu
- West China School of Public Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yunjiao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Till Schoofs
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kai-Hui Yao
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jan P Nieke
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jianbo Wu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qingling Jiang
- West China School of Public Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chenhui Zou
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mohanmmad Kabbani
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Corrine Quirk
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Thiago Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kalsang Chhosphel
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - William M Schneider
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Cyprien Jahan
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tianlei Ying
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jill Horowitz
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marina Caskey
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mila Jankovic
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Davide F Robbiani
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yumei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ype P de Jong
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Michel C Nussenzweig
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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18
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Zhou B, Xia L, Zhang T, You M, Huang Y, He M, Su R, Tang J, Zhang J, Li S, An Z, Yuan Q, Luo W, Xia N. Structure guided maturation of a novel humanized anti-HBV antibody and its preclinical development. Antiviral Res 2020; 180:104757. [PMID: 32171857 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We have reported that E6F6, a mouse monoclonal antibody, is a promising treatment option for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A humanized E6F6 antibody B11 with affinity loss was obtained by CDR-grafting approach. To address this issue, in silico affinity maturation through scanning mutagenesis using CHARMM force field methods was performed on an predicted immune complex model of the B11:HBsAg. We chose four variants with top increased interaction energy for further characterization. The antibody huE6F6-1 within two point mutations (Heavy Chain: Asp65Val; His66Leu) was identified to restore the parental antibody's high binding affinity, neutralization activity, and potent efficacy of viral suppression in vivo. Crystal structure (1.8 Å resolution) based molecular docking proved more stabilized and compact hydrogen bond interactions formed in huE6F6-1.The smaller and dispersed HBV immune complexes of huE6F6-1 by electron microscopy suggested it will have the same therapeutic efficacy as the parental E6F6 mAb. Preclinical study and pharmacokinetics of huE6F6-1 demonstrated that it is a stable and desirable lead candidate to improve the clinical management of CHB. Notably, our structure guided approach may facilitate the humanization and affinity maturation of other rodent antibody candidates during drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China; The 2nd Affiliated Hospital, South University of Science and Technology, 29 Bulan Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, 518112, China
| | - Lin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Tianying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Min You
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Maozhou He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Ruopeng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Jixian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
| | - Zhiqiang An
- The Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China.
| | - Wenxin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, School of Life Science, Xiamen University; Xiamen, 361105, China
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19
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A new approach for therapeutic vaccination against chronic HBV infections. Vaccine 2020; 38:3105-3120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Meng Z, Chen Y, Lu M. Advances in Targeting the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems to Cure Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3127. [PMID: 32117201 PMCID: PMC7018702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
“Functional cure” is being pursued as the ultimate endpoint of antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), which is characterized by loss of HBsAg whether or not anti-HBs antibodies are present. “Functional cure” can be achieved in <10% of CHB patients with currently available therapeutic agents. The dysfunction of specific immune responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) is considered the major cause of persistent HBV infection. Thus, modulating the host immune system to strengthen specific cellular immune reactions might help eliminate HBV. Strategies are needed to restore/enhance innate immunity and induce HBV-specific adaptive immune responses in a coordinated way. Immune and resident cells express pattern recognition receptors like TLRs and RIG I/MDA5, which play important roles in the induction of innate immunity through sensing of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and bridging to adaptive immunity for pathogen-specific immune control. TLR/RIG I agonists activate innate immune responses and suppress HBV replication in vitro and in vivo, and are being investigated in clinical trials. On the other hand, HBV-specific immune responses could be induced by therapeutic vaccines, including protein (HBsAg/preS and HBcAg), DNA, and viral vector-based vaccines. More than 50 clinical trials have been performed to assess therapeutic vaccines in CHB treatment, some of which display potential effects. Most recently, using genetic editing technology to generate CAR-T or TCR-T, HBV-specific T cells have been produced to efficiently clear HBV. This review summarizes the progress in basic and clinical research investigating immunomodulatory strategies for curing chronic HBV infection, and critically discusses the rather disappointing results of current clinical trials and future strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Meng
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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21
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Hooft van Huijsduijnen R, Kojima S, Carter D, Okabe H, Sato A, Akahata W, Wells TNC, Katsuno K. Reassessing therapeutic antibodies for neglected and tropical diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0007860. [PMID: 31999695 PMCID: PMC6991954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades there has been a significant expansion in the number of new therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that are approved by regulators. The discovery of these new medicines has been driven primarily by new approaches in inflammatory diseases and oncology, especially in immuno-oncology. Other recent successes have included new antibodies for use in viral diseases, including HIV. The perception of very high costs associated with mAbs has led to the assumption that they play no role in prophylaxis for diseases of poverty. However, improvements in antibody-expression yields and manufacturing processes indicate this is a cost-effective option for providing protection from many types of infection that should be revisited. Recent technology developments also indicate that several months of protection could be achieved with a single dose. Moreover, new methods in B cell sorting now enable the systematic identification of high-quality antibodies from humanized mice, or patients. This Review discusses the potential for passive immunization against schistosomiasis, fungal infections, dengue, and other neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dee Carter
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and The Marie Bashir Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Wataru Akahata
- VLP Therapeutics, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Kei Katsuno
- Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Tokyo, Japan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Nagasaki University School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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22
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Ma A, Motyka B, Gutfreund K, Shi YE, George R. A dendritic cell receptor-targeted chimeric immunotherapeutic protein (C-HBV) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 16:756-778. [PMID: 31687879 PMCID: PMC7227630 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1689080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections HBV-specific T cells are functionally impaired. Immunotherapy may restore HBV-specific T cell responses essential for sustained disease remission off-treatment and induction of a functional cure. Chimigen® Molecules are fusion proteins of antigen(s) with the Fc fragment of a xenotypic antibody designed to target specific receptors on dendritic cells (DCs). Here we describe the production and pre-clinical evaluation of Chimigen® HBV (C-HBV), containing HBV PreS1 and PreS2 peptide fragments, HBV core and murine Fc, produced in insect cells. C-HBV binding to immature DCs and internalization by endocytosis was FcγRII (CD32) and mannose receptor (CD206) dependent and led to increased MHC I and MHC II surface expression. Upon exposure of human T cells isolated from HBV un-infected healthy and chronically HBV-infected donors to C-HBV-pulsed mature DCs ex vivo, C-HBV induced vigorous T cell proliferation and enhanced expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, perforin and granzyme B in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets. Re-stimulation of C-HBV-activated T cells from chronically infected donors with HBV PreS1/PreS2 and core overlapping peptides induced IFN-γ production in both CD4+ and CD8+ populations. C-HBV-activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from chronically HBV-infected patients stimulated granzyme B production by CD4+CD25- T responder (Tresp) cells, accompanied by an increase in Annexin V staining on CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Treg) cell phenotype, consistent with apoptosis. The observed HBV-specific cellular responses induced by C-HBV ex vivo suggest that C-HBV is a promising immunotherapeutic candidate for the treatment of chronic HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Ma
- Akshaya Bio Inc., Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bruce Motyka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Klaus Gutfreund
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Yuenian Eric Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Ma Z, Zhang E, Gao S, Xiong Y, Lu M. Toward a Functional Cure for Hepatitis B: The Rationale and Challenges for Therapeutic Targeting of the B Cell Immune Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2308. [PMID: 31608073 PMCID: PMC6769125 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role of the cellular immune response in the control and clearance of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been well-established. The contribution of humoral immunity, including B cell and antibody responses against HBV, has been investigated for a long time but has attracted increasing attention again in recent years. The anti-HBs antibody was first recognized as a marker of protective immunity after the acute resolution of the HBV infection (or vaccination) and is now defined as a biomarker for the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this way, therapies targeting HBV-specific B cells and the induction of an anti-HBs antibody response are essential elements of a rational strategy to terminate chronic HBV infection. However, a high load of HBsAg in the blood, which has been proposed to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance, represents a major obstacle to curing CHB. Long-term antiviral treatment by nucleoside analogs, by targeting viral translation by siRNA, by inhibiting HBsAg release via nucleic acid polymers, or by neutralizing HBsAg via specific antibodies could potentially reduce the HBsAg load in CHB patients. A combined strategy including a reduction of the HBsAg load via the above treatments and the therapeutic targeting of B cells by vaccination may induce the appearance of anti-HBs antibodies and lead to a functional cure of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shicheng Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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24
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Publicover J, Gaggar A, Jespersen JM, Halac U, Johnson AJ, Goodsell A, Avanesyan L, Nishimura SL, Holdorf M, Mansfield KG, Judge JB, Koshti A, Croft M, Wakil AE, Rosenthal P, Pai E, Cooper S, Baron JL. An OX40/OX40L interaction directs successful immunity to hepatitis B virus. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/433/eaah5766. [PMID: 29563320 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aah5766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Depending on age of acquisition, hepatitis B virus (HBV) can induce a cell-mediated immune response that results in either cure or progressive liver injury. In adult-acquired infection, HBV antigens are usually cleared, whereas in infancy-acquired infection, they persist. Individuals infected during infancy therefore represent the majority of patients chronically infected with HBV (CHB). A therapy that can promote viral antigen clearance in most CHB patients has not been developed and would represent a major health care advance and cost mitigator. Using an age-dependent mouse model of HBV clearance and persistence in conjunction with human blood and liver tissue, we studied mechanisms of viral clearance to identify new therapeutic targets. We demonstrate that age-dependent expression of the costimulatory molecule OX40 ligand (OX40L) by hepatic innate immune cells is pivotal in determining HBV immunity, and that treatment with OX40 agonists leads to improved HBV antigen clearance in young mice, as well as increased strength of T cell responses in young mice and adult mice that were exposed to HBV when they were young and developed a CHB serological profile. Similarly, in humans, we show that hepatic OX40L transcript expression is age-dependent and that increased OX40 expression on peripheral CD4+ T cells in adults is associated with HBV clearance. These findings provide new mechanistic understanding of the immune pathways and cells necessary for HBV immunity and identify potential therapeutic targets for resolving CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Publicover
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anuj Gaggar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jillian M Jespersen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ugur Halac
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Audra J Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Amanda Goodsell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lia Avanesyan
- Liver Immunology Laboratory, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Division of General and Transplant Hepatology, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | | | - Meghan Holdorf
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94619, USA
| | - Keith G Mansfield
- Discovery and Investigative Pathology, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joyce Bousquet Judge
- Discovery and Investigative Pathology, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Arya Koshti
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Emeryville, CA 94619, USA
| | - Michael Croft
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Adil E Wakil
- Liver Immunology Laboratory, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Division of General and Transplant Hepatology, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Philip Rosenthal
- UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Department of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Eric Pai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stewart Cooper
- UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Liver Immunology Laboratory, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.,Division of General and Transplant Hepatology, California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jody L Baron
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. .,UCSF Liver Center, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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25
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Zhang YL, Gao Y, Cao JL, Zhao JH, Zhang TY, Yang CL, Xiong HL, Wang YB, Ou SH, Cheng T, Chen CR, Yuan Q, Xia NS. Robust in vitro assay for analyzing the neutralization activity of serum specimens against hepatitis B virus. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:724-733. [PMID: 31130075 PMCID: PMC6542156 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1619485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anti-HBs is a well-known marker of protective capability against HBV. However, little is known about the association between the qAnti-HBs determined by immunoassays and the neutralization activity (NAT) derived from functional assays. We developed an in vitro assay for direct measurement of the NAT of human sera. The new assay was highly sensitive, with an analytical sensitivity of 9.6 ± 1.3 mIU/mL for the HBIG standard. For serum detection, the maximum fold dilution required to produce ≥50% inhibition (MDF50) of HBV infection was used as the quantitative index. In vitro NAT evaluations were conducted for a cohort of 164 HBV-free healthy individuals. The results demonstrated that the NAT positively correlated with the qAnti-HBs (R2 = 0.473, p < 0.001). ROC analysis indicated that the optimal cutoff value of the qAnti-HBs to discriminate significant NAT (MDF50 ≥ 8) was 62.9 mIU/mL, with an AUROC of 0.920. Additionally, we found that the qAnti-HBc was another independent parameter positively associated with the NAT (R2 = 0.300, p < 0.001), which suggested that antibodies against other HBV proteins generated by previous HBV exposure possibly also contribute to the NAT. In summary, the new cell-based assay provides a robust tool to analyse the anti-HBV NAT. Abbreviations: HBV: Hepatitis B virus; HBsAg: Hepatitis B surface antigen; Anti-HBs: Hepatitis B surface antibody; HBeAg: Hepatitis B e antigen; Anti-HBc: Hepatitis B core antibody; qAnti-HBs: quantitative hepatitis B surface antibody; qAnti-HBc: quantitative hepatitis B core antibody; qHBeAg: quantitative hepatitis B e antigen; NAT: neutralization activity; HBIG: hepatitis B immune globulin; NTCP: Na+-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide; IRES: internal ribosome entry site; ccHBV: cell culture derived hepatitis B virus; GE/cell: genome equivalent per cell; MOI: multiplicity of infection; Dpi: day post infection; HepG2-TetOn: a HepG2-derived cell line that expresses the doxycycline-regulated transactivator; ROC: receiver operating characteristic curve; AUROC: area under receiver operating characteristic curve; LLOQ: the lower limits of quantification; MDF50: the maximum fold dilution required to produce ≥50% inhibition; IC50: half maximal inhibitory concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Li Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Gao
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,d Hainan Health Disseminate Centre , Haikou , People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Li Cao
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Hua Zhao
- b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,e Natural Medicine Institute of Zhejiang Yangshengtang , Hangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Ying Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Lai Yang
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Long Xiong
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Bin Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Hai Ou
- c Xiamen Blood Service , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Cheng
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Rong Chen
- f Xiamen Haicang Hospital , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Quan Yuan
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
| | - Ning-Shao Xia
- a State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics , School of Public Health, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China.,b School of Life Science , National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University , Xiamen , People's Republic of China
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26
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Burton AR, Pallett LJ, McCoy LE, Suveizdyte K, Amin OE, Swadling L, Alberts E, Davidson BR, Kennedy PT, Gill US, Mauri C, Blair PA, Pelletier N, Maini MK. Circulating and intrahepatic antiviral B cells are defective in hepatitis B. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:4588-4603. [PMID: 30091725 PMCID: PMC6159997 DOI: 10.1172/jci121960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
B cells are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in the ongoing control of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The development of antibodies against the viral surface antigen (HBV surface antigen [HBsAgs]) constitutes the hallmark of resolution of acute infection and is a therapeutic goal for functional cure of chronic HBV (CHB). We characterized B cells directly ex vivo from the blood and liver of patients with CHB to investigate constraints on their antiviral potential. Unexpectedly, we found that HBsAg-specific B cells persisted in the blood and liver of many patients with CHB and were enriched for T-bet, a signature of antiviral potential in B cells. However, purified, differentiated HBsAg-specific B cells from patients with CHB had defective antibody production, consistent with undetectable anti-HBs antibodies in vivo. HBsAg-specific and global B cells had an accumulation of CD21-CD27- atypical memory B cells (atMBC) with high expression of inhibitory receptors, including PD-1. These atMBC demonstrated altered signaling, homing, differentiation into antibody-producing cells, survival, and antiviral/proinflammatory cytokine production that could be partially rescued by PD-1 blockade. Analysis of B cells within healthy and HBV-infected livers implicated the combination of this tolerogenic niche and HBV infection in driving PD-1hiatMBC and impairing B cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R. Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Laura J. Pallett
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Laura E. McCoy
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Kornelija Suveizdyte
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Oliver E. Amin
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Leo Swadling
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Elena Alberts
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
| | - Brian R. Davidson
- Department of Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Upkar S. Gill
- Centre for Immunobiology, Barts and the London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Mauri
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. Blair
- Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mala K. Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, and
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27
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Wang XY, Wen YM. A "sandwich" strategy for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Emerg Microbes Infect 2018; 7:91. [PMID: 29769522 PMCID: PMC5956037 DOI: 10.1038/s41426-018-0092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory Medical Molecular Virology, MoE/MoH, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 200032.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 200032
| | - Yu-Mei Wen
- Key Laboratory Medical Molecular Virology, MoE/MoH, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China, 200032.
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28
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Zhang S, Zhao J, Zhang Z. Humoral immunity, the underestimated player in hepatitis B. Cell Mol Immunol 2017; 15:645-648. [PMID: 29225341 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2017.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shuye Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 201508, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Research Center for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Beijing 302 Hospital, 100039, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Research Center for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Beijing 302 Hospital, 100039, Beijing, China.
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29
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Zhang S, Wang F, Zhang Z. Current advances in the elimination of hepatitis B in China by 2030. Front Med 2017; 11:490-501. [PMID: 29170919 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
With its 78 million chronic carriers, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still one of the leading public health challenges in China. Over the last two decades, China has made great progress on the prevention of HBV transmission through national vaccination programs. Zero transmission from mother to infant has been proposed as the current goal. Available anti-HBV therapy is efficacious in suppressing HBV replication; however, it fails to completely cure patients with chronic hepatitis B and even requires lifelong treatment. To reduce the costs and improve the efficacy, several trials have been recently conducted in China to optimize the current anti-HBV managements. Novel biomarkers were identified to predict treatment outcomes, and new promising treatment strategies were developed. Reports also indicate that coinfections of HBV with other hepatotropic viruses and human immunodeficiency virus are common in China and cause severe liver diseases, which should be recognized early and treated properly. Work is still needed to eliminate hepatitis B in China by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuye Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fusheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Research Center for Clinical & Translational Medicine, Beijiing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
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