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Luo M, Liang X, Zhou B, Hou J, Jiang DK. CXCR7 genetic variant predicts treatment response of pegylated-interferon α in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Antiviral Res 2024; 231:106005. [PMID: 39265656 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.106005] [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: 07/28/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES CXC chemokine receptor 7 (CXCR7) plays pivotal roles in different virus infections. However, no research focused on the role of CXCR7 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. The primary aim of this study is to elucidate the role of CXCR7 in predicting the treatment response of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients undergoing pegylated interferon-alpha (PegIFNα) therapy. METHODS Two cohorts with a total of 945 Chinese CHB patients (Cohort 1, n = 238; Cohort 2, n = 707) were enrolled in this retrospective study, all the patients were positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and received PegIFNα treatment for 48 weeks and followed-up for 24 weeks post-treatment. Nineteen tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected within and surrounding the CXCR7 gene region. The associations of CXCR7 SNPs and polygenic score (PGS) with PegIFNα treatment response were investigated in the two cohorts. RESULTS Among the 19 candidate SNPs of CXCR7, rs2952665 (A > G) was significantly associated with combined response (CR, defined as HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA level <3.3log10IU/mL, P = 0.002) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline (P = 0.015) in the two cohorts at week 72. Furthermore, a PGS comprising CXCR7_rs2952665 and five additional SNPs, which were previously recognized as biomarkers of PegIFNα treatment response, demonstrated a robust correlation with both CR (P = 1.38 × 10-12) and HBsAg decline (P = 0.003) in all the patients. CONCLUSION This research illustrated that CXCR7_rs2952665 is a promising predictor of the PegIFNα therapy efficiency in Chinese HBeAg-positive CHB patients. A PGS consisting of CXCR7_rs2952665 and five previously reported SNPs predicts treatment response to PegIFNα better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, MOE Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Major Liver Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology (Hepatic Diseases) of Guangxi, Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinghe Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, MOE Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Major Liver Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, MOE Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Major Liver Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, MOE Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Major Liver Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - De-Ke Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, MOE Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Major Liver Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; The Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology (Hepatic Diseases) of Guangxi, Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China.
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Guan G, Zhang T, Ning J, Tao C, Gao N, Zeng Z, Guo H, Chen CC, Yang J, Zhang J, Gu W, Yang E, Liu R, Guo X, Ren S, Wang L, Wei G, Zheng S, Gao Z, Chen X, Lu F, Chen X. Higher TP53BP2 expression is associated with HBsAg loss in peginterferon-α-treated patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2024; 80:41-52. [PMID: 37858684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HBsAg loss is only observed in a small proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who undergo interferon treatment. Investigating the host factors crucial for functional cure of CHB can aid in identifying individuals who would benefit from peginterferon-α (Peg-IFNα) therapy. METHODS We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) by enrolling 48 patients with CHB who achieved HBsAg loss after Peg-IFNα treatment and 47 patients who didn't. In the validation stage, we included 224 patients, of whom 90 had achieved HBsAg loss, to validate the identified significant single nucleotide polymorphisms. To verify the functional involvement of the candidate genes identified, we performed a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. RESULTS GWAS results indicated a significant association between the rs7519753 C allele and serum HBsAg loss in patients with CHB after Peg-IFNα treatment (p = 4.85 × 10-8, odds ratio = 14.47). This association was also observed in two independent validation cohorts. Expression quantitative trait locus analysis revealed higher hepatic TP53BP2 expression in individuals carrying the rs7519753 C allele (p = 2.90 × 10-6). RNA-sequencing of liver biopsies from patients with CHB after Peg-IFNα treatment revealed that hepatic TP53BP2 levels were significantly higher in the HBsAg loss group compared to the HBsAg persistence group (p = 0.035). In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that loss of TP53BP2 decreased interferon-stimulated gene levels and the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α. Mechanistically, TP53BP2 was found to downregulate SOCS2, thereby facilitating JAK/STAT signaling. CONCLUSION The rs7519753 C allele is associated with elevated hepatic TP53BP2 expression and an increased probability of serum HBsAg loss post-Peg-IFNα treatment in patients with CHB. TP53BP2 enhances the response of the hepatocyte to IFN-α by suppressing SOCS2 expression. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a global public health issue. Although current antiviral therapies are more effective in halting disease progression, only a few patients achieve functional cure for hepatitis B with HBsAg loss, highlighting the urgent need for a cure for CHB. This study revealed that the rs7519753 C allele, which is associated with high expression of hepatic TP53BP2, significantly increases the likelihood of serum HBsAg loss in patients with CHB undergoing Peg-IFNα treatment. This finding not only provides a promising predictor for HBsAg loss but identifies a potential therapeutic target for Peg-IFNα treatment. We believe our results are of great interest to a wide range of stakeholders based on their potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jing Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changyu Tao
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zeng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Huili Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Chia-Chen Chen
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; National Heart and Lung Institute Faculty of Medicine (NHLI), Imperial College London, Hammersmith campus, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Weilin Gu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ence Yang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ren Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Xiaosen Guo
- Forensics Genomics International (FGI), BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Shan Ren
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Guochao Wei
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Sujun Zheng
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
| | - Xinyue Chen
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China.
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Balagopal A, Thomas DL. Genomics on the road to functional cure of hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2024; 80:6-7. [PMID: 37984710 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
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Mimura S, Fujita K, Takuma K, Nakahara M, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Tani J, Morishita A, Ono M, Himoto T, Masaki T. Predictors of therapeutic response to peginterferon α‑2a and nucleos(t)ide analog combination therapy for HBeAg‑negative chronic hepatitis B: 1‑year follow‑up after treatment. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:587. [PMID: 38023352 PMCID: PMC10665991 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12286] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major global health concern. Guidelines for the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) indicate that the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a key endpoint of interest. The present study aimed to examine long-term changes in HBsAg levels in HBV-DNA-negative, hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients treated with peginterferon (Peg-IFN) α-2a and nucleos(t)ide analog (NA), and to examine the conditions that make them susceptible to HBsAg decline. A total of 17 patients with CHB treated with NA and Peg-IFN were observed for 96 weeks (48 weeks of Peg-IFN therapy and 48 weeks of post-treatment follow-up). In this study, responders were defined as those with a 50% or greater decrease in HBsAg levels from baseline at week 96. Beginning at week 16 of Peg-IFN therapy, there was a significant difference in the decrease in HBsAg levels from baseline between the responders and non-responders. In responders, HBsAg levels tended to be >60% lower 16 weeks after Peg-IFN initiation than before initiation. Age at the start of NA use and the duration of NA use before Peg-IFN treatment initiation were significant pretreatment factors associated with HBsAg response. In conclusion, Peg-IFN was revealed to be more effective in HBeAg-negative patients with CHB who started NA at a young age and have been on long-term treatment, particularly if the HBsAg levels decreased to less than 60% of the starting level at week 16 after starting Peg-IFN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Mimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Takashi Himoto
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0123, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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Yin GQ, Chen KP, Gu XC. Heterogeneity of immune control in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: Clinical implications on immunity with interferon-α treatment and retreatment. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5784-5800. [PMID: 36353205 PMCID: PMC9639659 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i40.5784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. Interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment has been used to treat hepatitis B for over 20 years, but fewer than 5% of Asians receiving IFN-α treatment achieve functional cure. Thus, IFN-α retreatment has been introduced to enhance antiviral function. In recent years, immune-related studies have found that the complex interactions between immune cells and cytokines could modulate immune response networks, in-cluding both innate and adaptive immunity, triggering immune responses that control HBV replication. However, heterogeneity of the immune system to control HBV infection, particularly HBV-specific CD8+ T cell heterogeneity, has consequ-ential effects on T cell-based immunotherapy for treating HBV infection. Altogether, the host’s genetic variants, negative-feedback regulators and HBV components affecting the immune system's ability to control HBV. In this study, we reviewed the literature on potential immune mechanisms affecting the immune control of HBV and the clinical effects of IFN-α treatment and retreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Yin
- Center of Hepatology, Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke-Ping Chen
- Center of Hepatology, Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Gu
- Center of Hepatology, Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
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Zheng K, Shen Y, Xia X, Song Y, Zhang AM. Genetic polymorphisms in the IFNL4, MxA, and MxB genes were associated with biochemical index of chronic HBV patients from Yunnan, China. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13353. [PMID: 35505682 PMCID: PMC9057288 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes Hepatitis B, which is one of the most common causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the host immune genes could impact HBV infection, viral clearance, and treatment effect. However, the contradictory roles of several studies suggest further analysis of various populations. The whole blood and biochemical indexes of 448 HBV patients and matched controls were collected from the Yunnan population to investigate the genetic roles of IFNL4 and the downstream genes (MxA and MxB). The genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes frequencies of the seven SNPs (rs11322783, rs117648444, rs2071430, rs17000900, rs9982944, rs408825, and rs2838029) from the HBV patients and controls were analyzed. However, no association was identified between the SNPs and HBV infection. Then, biochemical index levels were evaluated among the HBV patients with different genotypes of the seven SNPs. The results indicated that the liver function index levels (including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), and albumin (ALB)) were influenced by the genotypes of the SNPs in HBV patients. Moreover, when the HBV patients were divided into HBsAg-positive and -negative groups, the association between the SNP genotypes and the biochemical indexes still existed. In addition, although the genetic polymorphisms in the IFNL4, MxA, and MxB genes were not significantly associated with HBV infection in the Yunnan population, these genes could indirectly influence disease progression by associating with the biochemical index levels of Yunnan HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexi Zheng
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yunsong Shen
- Kunming Angel Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Kunming, China
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yuzhu Song
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - A-Mei Zhang
- Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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Tandoh KZ, Quaye O. Genetic associations in chronic hepatitis B infection: toward developing polygenic risk scores. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:541-549. [PMID: 35332782 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection results in multiple clinical phenotypes of varying severity. One of the critical gaps in CHB management is the lack of a genetic-based tool to aid existing hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis risk stratification models for patients with active CHB. Such individual predictive models for CHB are plagued by an inherent limitation of discriminatory power that clearly indicates the need for their improvement. In this article, we highlight genetic association studies in CHB that identified HLA and cytokine genetic susceptibility loci to CHB. We advance the position that translating CHB genetic susceptibility loci into polygenic risk scores will be a welcome addendum to the current arsenal of CHB outcome predictive models. We conclude with comments on hurdles that future research efforts should address within the research enclave of CHB and advocate for increased genetic data representation from sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwesi Z Tandoh
- Department of Biochemistry, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Cell & Molecular Biology, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Osbourne Quaye
- Department of Biochemistry, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Cell & Molecular Biology, College of Basic & Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Yan Y, Qiu Y, Davgadorj C, Zheng C. Novel Molecular Therapeutics Targeting Signaling Pathway to Control Hepatitis B Viral Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:847539. [PMID: 35252042 PMCID: PMC8894711 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.847539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous canonical cellular signaling pathways modulate hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. HBV genome products are known to play a significant role in regulating these cellular pathways for the liver’s viral-related pathology and physiology and have been identified as the main factor in hepatocarcinogenesis. Signaling changes during viral replication ultimately affect cellular persistence, multiplication, migration, genome instability, and genome damage, leading to proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, block of differentiation, and immortality. Recent studies have documented that numerous signaling pathway agonists or inhibitors play an important role in reducing HBV replication in vitro and in vivo, and some have been used in phase I or phase II clinical trials. These optional agents as molecular therapeutics target cellular pathways that could limit the replication and transcription of HBV or inhibit the secretion of the small surface antigen of HBV in a signaling-independent manner. As principle-based available information, a combined strategy including antiviral therapy and immunomodulation will be needed to control HBV infection effectively. In this review, we summarize recent findings on interventions of molecular regulators in viral replication and the interactions of HBV proteins with the components of the various targeting cellular pathways, which may assist in designing novel agents to modulate signaling pathways to prevent HBV replication or carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yan
- Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Hepatology Institute of Wuxi, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Wuxi, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Yan, ; Chunfu Zheng,
| | - Yuanwang Qiu
- Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Hepatology Institute of Wuxi, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Wuxi, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chantsalmaa Davgadorj
- Laboratory for Infection and Immunity, Hepatology Institute of Wuxi, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Wuxi, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chunfu Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Yan Yan, ; Chunfu Zheng,
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Chang ML, Liaw YF. Hepatitis B Flare in Hepatitis B e Antigen-Negative Patients: A Complicated Cascade of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031552. [PMID: 35163476 PMCID: PMC8836007 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a dynamic process involving interactions among HBV, hepatocytes, and the host immune system. The natural course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is divided into four chronological phases, including the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative phases. During HBV flare, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels abruptly rise to >5× the upper limit of normal; this is thought to occur due to the immune response against an upsurge in serum HBV DNA and antigen levels. Hepatitis flares may occur spontaneously, during or after antiviral therapy, or upon immunosuppression or chemotherapy in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. The clinical spectrum of HBV flares varies from asymptomatic to hepatic decompensation or failure. HBeAg seroconversion with ≥ 1 year of consolidation therapy is accepted as an endpoint of oral antiviral therapy in HBeAg-positive patients, but recommendations for treating HBeAg-negative patients differ. Thus, the management of HBeAg-negative patients has attracted increasing interest. In the current review, we summarize various types of HBV flares and the associated complex cascade of innate and adaptive immune responses, with a focus on HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Hopefully, this review will provide insight into immunopathogenesis to improve the management of HBV flares in HBeAg-negative CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ling Chang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan;
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-3281200 (ext. 8107); Fax: +886-3-3272236
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan;
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
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Li J, Chen H, Chen J, Zhou B, Hou J, Jiang DK. A Missense Variant in Granulysin is Associated with the Efficacy of Pegylated-Interferon-Alpha Therapy in Chinese Patients with HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2021; 14:1505-1515. [PMID: 34848996 PMCID: PMC8627316 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s337962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Granulysin (GNLY) is a cytotoxic granule that has been reported to have various antimicrobial activities. We evaluated the association between a missense variant in GNLY (rs11127) and treatment efficacy of pegylated interferon-alpha (PegIFNα) or nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients and Methods We included a total of 1823 patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB (954 patients treated with PegIFNα and 869 patients treated with NUCs) in four Phase IV multicenter randomized controlled trials. The association of the GNLY rs11127 genotype with the combined response (CR), defined as HBeAg seroconversion and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level <2000 IU/mL was evaluated. A polygenic score (PGS) was constructed to evaluate the cumulative effect of multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs11127 and several other SNPs, STAT4 rs7574865, CFB rs12614, and CD55 rs28371597, which were reported to be associated with CR. Results GNLY rs11127 was significantly associated with CR in patients treated with PegIFNα. The CR rate in patients with the rs11127 CC genotype was higher than that with the CT or TT genotype (40.98% vs 30.34% or 27.09%, P = 0.003). Furthermore, a PGS integrating GNLY rs11127 and three other SNPs was significantly associated with CR in PegIFNα-treated patients (P < 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between GNLY rs11127 and CR in NUCs-treated patients. Conclusion GNLY rs11127 is an independent biomarker for predicting the response to PegIFNα therapy in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Furthermore, the PGS, including GNLY rs11127, provides new insights for individualized treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Ke Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Guangdong Institute of Liver Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Chen X, Qiu ZK, Wang GB, Chen XL, Zhang FJ, Gao F. Effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt on transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY (ANKARA, TURKEY) 2021; 27:671-676. [PMID: 34318755 DOI: 10.5152/dir.2021.20358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs accompanied by portal hypertension. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is recommended as an effective treatment in HCC. Recent studies had conflicting results regarding the effectiveness and safety of TACE for HCC in patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the influence of TIPS on the effectiveness and safety of TACE for patients with HCC. METHODS A comprehensive search of studies among PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was conducted, from the earliest publishing date to January 27th, 2020. Statistical analyses were all performed using the Stata 13.0 software. I2 index statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS Six studies with a total of 536 patients with HCC were included in the analysis. The pooled response rate was 51% (95% CI: 25% to 77%) with a significant heterogeneity (I2=93.3%, p < 0.001). The TACE + TIPS group had an inferior response rate than the non-TIPS group, but the difference had no statistical significance (p = 0.171) and heterogeneity was low (I2=0.00%, p = 0.490). Pooled hepatic failure rate was 8.8% (95% CI: 5.2% to 12.4%) with low heterogeneity (I2=0.0%, p = 0.747). But the pooled hepatic failure rate increased to 12.7% (95% CI: 5.7% to 19.7%) with low heterogeneity (I2=11.5%, p = 0.323) if the patients who received TIPS after TACE were excluded. CONCLUSION TIPS does not influence the effectiveness of TACE, but attention should be paid to the risk of hepatic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Minimally Invasive - Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-Kang Qiu
- Department of Minimally Invasive - Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Bao Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China; Department of Endoscopy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Lin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Minimally Invasive - Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Minimally Invasive - Interventional Radiology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
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Campos-Valdez M, Monroy-Ramírez HC, Armendáriz-Borunda J, Sánchez-Orozco LV. Molecular Mechanisms during Hepatitis B Infection and the Effects of the Virus Variability. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061167. [PMID: 34207116 PMCID: PMC8235420 DOI: 10.3390/v13061167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunopathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved during a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have made the approaches for research complex, especially concerning the patients’ responses in the course of the early acute stage. The study of molecular bases involved in the viral clearance or persistence of the infection is complicated due to the difficulty to detect patients at the most adequate points of the disease, especially in the time lapse between the onset of the infection and the viral emergence. Despite this, there is valuable data obtained from animal and in vitro models, which have helped to clarify some aspects of the early immune response against HBV infection. The diversity of the HBV (genotypes and variants) has been proven to be associated not only with the development and outcome of the disease but also with the response to treatments. That is why factors involved in the virus evolution need to be considered while studying hepatitis B infection. This review brings together some of the published data to try to explain the immunological and molecular mechanisms involved in the different stages of the infection, clinical outcomes, viral persistence, and the impact of the variants of HBV in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Campos-Valdez
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
| | - Hugo C. Monroy-Ramírez
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
| | - Juan Armendáriz-Borunda
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Guadalajara, Zapopan 45201, Jalisco, México
| | - Laura V. Sánchez-Orozco
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-33-3954-5677
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Zhang Z, Wang C, Liu Z, Zou G, Li J, Lu M. Host Genetic Determinants of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Genet 2019; 10:696. [PMID: 31475028 PMCID: PMC6702792 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major health problem worldwide. Recently, a great number of genetic studies based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association studies have been performed to search for host determinants of the development of chronic HBV infection, clinical outcomes, therapeutic efficacy, and responses to hepatitis B vaccines, with a focus on human leukocyte antigens (HLA), cytokine genes, and toll-like receptors. In addition to SNPs, gene insertions/deletions and copy number variants are associated with infection. However, conflicting results have been obtained. In the present review, we summarize the current state of research on host genetic factors and chronic HBV infection, its clinical type, therapies, and hepatitis B vaccine responses and classify published results according to their reliability. The potential roles of host genetic determinants of chronic HBV infection identified in these studies and their clinical significance are discussed. In particular, HLAs were relevant for HBV infection and pathogenesis. Finally, we highlight the need for additional studies with large sample sizes, well-matched study designs, appropriate statistical methods, and validation in multiple populations to improve the treatment of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Changtai Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Affiliated Anqing Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Zhongping Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guizhou Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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