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Wan J, Tang L, Li H, Yang P. A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms in IL-12, IL-17, and IL-21 and Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:194-205. [PMID: 37195820 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0249] [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: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokine imbalance is an important feature in the occurrence and outcome of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within cytokine genes may affect the protein expression and eventually contribute to the susceptibility of HBV infection. The association between interleukin (IL)-12, IL-17, or IL-21 and the risk of HBV infection has been extensively studied, but yielding equivocal results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the impact of SNPs in IL-12, IL-17, and IL-21 on the risk of HBV infection. We retrieved studies evaluating whether SNPs in IL-12, IL-17, and IL-21 influenced HBV infection from electronic databases, including PUBMED, Web of Science, EBOCO, OVID, and Embase. Summarized odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using STATA software. Under a homozygous comparison, the IL-12A rs568408 was associated with an increased risk of HBV infection in both overall analysis (OR = 1.68, 95% CI, 1.12-2.53) and Caucasians (OR = 1.80, 95% CI, 1.14-2.84). Under a dominant genetic model, the similarly higher risk was also observed in overall analysis (OR = 3.62, 95% CI, 3.08-4.24), Caucasians (OR = 3.29, 95% CI, 2.67-4.05), high-quality studies (OR = 3.29, 95% CI, 2.61-4.14), and low-quality studies (OR = 3.95, 95% CI, 3.17-4.93). Although no significant association was observed between IL-17A rs2275913 and the risk of HBV infection in overall comparison, subgroup analysis revealed that the IL-17A rs2275913 AA genotype was associated with a reduced risk in Asians (OR = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.57-0.91) and high-quality studies (OR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.55-0.92). However, no significant association of IL12B rs3212227, IL-17A rs2275913, IL-21 rs2221903, and rs907715 with HBV infection was observed. In conclusion, we provide evidence that IL-12A rs568408 was associated with an increased risk of HBV infection and IL-17A rs2275913 AA genotype was a protective factor against HBV infection in Asians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wan
- West China Centre of Excellence for Pancreatitis, Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Li Tang
- Operating Room, West China Hospital of Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
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2
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Tang L, Chen C, Gao X, Zhang W, Yan X, Zhou Y, Guo L, Zheng X, Wang W, Yang F, Liu G, Sun J, Hou J, Li Y. Interleukin 21 Reinvigorates the Antiviral Activity of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Specific CD8+ T Cells in Chronic HBV Infection. J Infect Dis 2019; 219:750-759. [PMID: 30260401 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies that target functional recovery of exhausted hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8+ T cells are beneficial for viral control, but the potential for interleukin 21 (IL-21) to rescue CD8+ T-cell function is not well understood. METHODS We investigated the effect of IL-21 on CD8+ T-cell responses by phenotypic and functional analysis of samples from patients with chronic HBV infection and a mouse model with HBV expression. RESULTS IL-21 promoted the proliferative capacity of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and down-regulated expression of the inhibitory receptors programmed death 1 and T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3. Additionally, IL-21 boosted the production of interferon-γ, granzyme B, and CD107a in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and enhanced the cytolytic activity of CD8+ T cells against HepG2.2.15 cells. Notably, an HBV mouse model established from IL-21 receptor knockout mice showed significantly decreased frequency of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and increased levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Meanwhile, administration of recombinant mouse IL-21 in an HBV mouse model established from wild-type mice resulted in enhanced functionality of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells and accelerated HBsAg clearance. CONCLUSIONS IL-21 enhances the antiviral effect of HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, suggesting that it may contribute to viral clearance in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengcong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueping Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatology, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Huadu District People's Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinchun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weibin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuqiang Yang
- Liver Disease Research Center, 458th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangze Liu
- Liver Disease Research Center, 458th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Dong Y, Li X, Zhang L, Zhu Q, Chen C, Bao J, Chen Y. CD4 + T cell exhaustion revealed by high PD-1 and LAG-3 expression and the loss of helper T cell function in chronic hepatitis B. BMC Immunol 2019; 20:27. [PMID: 31390978 PMCID: PMC6686459 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-019-0309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune inhibitory receptors play an important role in chronic infections. However, little is known about their role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Here, we analyzed the relationship between programmed death-1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3) expression on CD4+ T cells and HBV disease progression. Results PD-1 and LAG-3 expression was significantly higher on CD4+ T cells from HBV patients than on those from the HCs. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between the PD-1 and LAG-3 expression levels and the ALT(alanine aminotransferase) level. CD4+ T cell function was inhibited by high PD-1 and LAG-3 levels, and CD4+ T cells with high PD-1 and LAG-3 expression lost the ability to secrete IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α. Furthermore, blockade of the PD-1 and LAG-3 pathways reversed the damage to CD4+ T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. Conclusions CD4+ T cell exhaustion during chronic HBV had high PD-1 and LAG-3 expression and the absence of helper T cell cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α. After blocking PD-L1 and LAG-3, CD4+ T cell function in chronic hepatitis B patients was partially restored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejiao Dong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xuefen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chunlei Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jiaqi Bao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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4
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高 雪, 周 扬, 郑 新, 易 璇, 唐 利, 侯 金, 李 咏. [A recombinant adenovirus vector carrying murine interleukin-21 gene controls chronic HBV infection in mice]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2017; 37:1436-1441. [PMID: 29180321 PMCID: PMC6779632 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2017.11.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of an adenovirus vector containing murine interleukin-21 gene (Ad-GFP-mIL-21) in virus clearance and on the production of HBV-specific antibodies in mice with persistent HBV infection. METHODS ELISA and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of mIL-21 in the supernatant and cytoplasm of cultured HepG2.2.15 cells after infection by Ad-GFP-mIL-21. Mouse models of chronic HBV infection established by in vivo transduction with rAAV8-1.3HBV were divided into 3 groups for treatment 12 weeks later with injection of Ad-GFP-mIL-21, GFP recombinant adenovirus or PBS via the tail vein. Serum levels of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, and mIL-21 in the mice were detected using ELISA, and the expression of Ad-GFP-mIL-21 in the organs was observed by fluorescent microscopy at different time points after the injection. RESULTS Ad-GFP-mIL-21 was capable of infecting HepG2.2.15 cells in vitro, and the levels of mIL-21 in the supernatant were correlated with the titers of adenovirus administered and the infection time. In the mice with persistent HBV infection, green fluorescence expression was observed almost exclusively in the liver on day 4 after injection of Ad-GFP-mIL21, and serum levels of IL-21 increased significantly compared with the level before treatment (P<0.05). Although HBsAb was undetectable in both Ad-GFP-mIL21-injected and control mice on day 13, a significantly higher serum level of HBcAb was detected in the mice with Ad-GFP-mIL21 injection (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Ad-GFP-mIL-21 can efficiently express mIL-21 in mice with chronic HBV infection to downregulate serum levels of HBsAg and promote HBcAb production, suggesting its efficacy in controlling chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- 雪萍 高
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 扬 周
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 新春 郑
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 璇 易
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 利波 唐
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 金林 侯
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 咏茵 李
- />器官衰竭防治国家重点实验室//广东省病毒性肝炎研究重点实验室//南方医科大学南方医院感染内科,广东 广州 510515State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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5
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Abstract
Chronic viral infections represent a unique challenge to the infected host. Persistently replicating viruses outcompete or subvert the initial antiviral response, allowing the establishment of chronic infections that result in continuous stimulation of both the innate and adaptive immune compartments. This causes a profound reprogramming of the host immune system, including attenuation and persistent low levels of type I interferons, progressive loss (or exhaustion) of CD8(+) T cell functions, and specialization of CD4(+) T cells to produce interleukin-21 and promote antibody-mediated immunity and immune regulation. Epigenetic, transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and metabolic changes underlie this adaptation or recalibration of immune cells to the emerging new environment in order to strike an often imperfect balance between the host and the infectious pathogen. In this review we discuss the common immunological hallmarks observed across a range of different persistently replicating viruses and host species, the underlying molecular mechanisms, and the biological and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina I Zuniga
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
| | - Monica Macal
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
| | - Gavin M Lewis
- Molecular Biology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093;
| | - James A Harker
- Section of Inflammation, Repair and Development, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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Kefalakes H, Budeus B, Walker A, Jochum C, Hilgard G, Heinold A, Heinemann FM, Gerken G, Hoffmann D, Timm J. Adaptation of the hepatitis B virus core protein to CD8(+) T-cell selection pressure. Hepatology 2015; 62:47-56. [PMID: 25720337 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Activation of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific CD8 T cells by therapeutic vaccination may promote sustained control of viral replication by clearance of covalently closed circular DNA from infected hepatocytes. However, little is known about the exact targets of the CD8 T-cell response and whether HBV reproducibly evades CD8 T-cell immune pressure by mutation. The aim of this study was to address if HBV reproducibly selects substitutions in CD8 T-cell epitopes that functionally act as immune escape mutations. The HBV core gene was amplified and sequenced from 148 patients with chronic HBV infection, and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genotype (A and B loci) was determined. Residues under selection pressure in the presence of particular HLA class I alleles were identified by a statistical approach utilizing the novel analysis package SeqFeatR. With this approach we identified nine residues in HBV core under selection pressure in the presence of 10 different HLA class I alleles. Additional immunological experiments confirmed that seven of the residues were located inside epitopes targeted by patients with chronic HBV infection carrying the relevant HLA class I allele. Consistent with viral escape, the selected substitutions reproducibly impaired recognition by HBV-specific CD8 T cells. CONCLUSION Viral sequence analysis allows identification of HLA class I-restricted epitopes under reproducible selection pressure in HBV core; the possibility of viral escape from CD8 T-cell immune pressure needs attention in the context of therapeutic vaccination against HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helenie Kefalakes
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Bettina Budeus
- Research Group Bioinformatics, Centre for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Walker
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Jochum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Hilgard
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinold
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Falko M Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Research Group Bioinformatics, Centre for Medical Biotechnology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Joerg Timm
- Institute for Virology, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital, Duesseldorf, Germany
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7
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Kefalakes H, Jochum C, Hilgard G, Kahraman A, Bohrer AM, El Hindy N, Heinemann FM, Verheyen J, Gerken G, Roggendorf M, Timm J. Decades after recovery from hepatitis B and HBsAg clearance the CD8+ T cell response against HBV core is nearly undetectable. J Hepatol 2015; 63:13-9. [PMID: 25646888 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS CD8(+) T cells are an essential component of a successful immune response against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Patients who spontaneously clear HBsAg after acute HBV infection have a strong CD8(+) T cell immune response, predominantly directed against the HBV core protein (HBcAg). However, the fate and phenotype of HBcAg-specific CD8(+) T cells after immune control are unclear. METHODS The CD8(+) T cell immune response against HBV core was determined in 65 patients with chronic HBV infection, 16 patients after recovery from acute HBV infection, and four patients with acute HBV infection utilizing overlapping peptides and HLA class I/peptide-multimers. RESULTS Patients who had cleared HBsAg >30 years ago had significantly weaker CD8(+) T cell responses after antigen-specific expansion compared to patients who had cleared the virus <10 years ago and patients with HBeAg negative chronic infection and low viral load (<2000 IU/ml; p<0.01). Also directly ex vivo, patients who had cleared the HBsAg >30 years ago had less HBV-specific CD8(+) T cells compared to patients with HBeAg negative chronic infection (p=0.0025). In patients with acute HBV infection, the frequency of HBc-specific CD8(+) T cells continued to decline after clearance of HBV-DNA and HBsAg even at a time when ALT levels had already normalized (p=0.0313). CONCLUSIONS The frequency of HBcAg-specific CD8(+) T cells continuously declines after HBsAg clearance. In line with clinical observations, this suggests that humoral and not CD8(+) T cell immune responses mainly contribute to prevention of HBV reactivation decades after HBsAg clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helenie Kefalakes
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Jochum
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Hilgard
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alisan Kahraman
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Nicolai El Hindy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Falko Markus Heinemann
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jens Verheyen
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Joerg Timm
- Institute of Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Institute of Virology, Heinrich-Heine-University, University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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8
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Li Y, Tang L, Hou J. Role of interleukin-21 in HBV infection: friend or foe? Cell Mol Immunol 2014; 12:303-8. [PMID: 25363528 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2014.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21, a cytokine produced by activated CD4(+) T cells, has broad pleiotropic actions that affect the functions of a variety of lymphoid cells. The roles of IL-21 in modulating immunity to infections are currently being defined. Notably, IL-21-mediated cellular and humoral immune responses play an important role in determining the outcome of viral infection. This article reviews the current knowledge on the critical role of IL-21 in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As a competent intermediary, IL-21 derived from virus-specific CD4(+) T cells plays key roles in sustaining CD8(+) T cells and promoting B-cell responses that are essential for effective viral control. However, as a mediator of inflammation, IL-21 is also involved in the development of HBV-induced liver cirrhosis and exacerbating liver injury. Overall, the current data point to IL-21 as an immunomodulatory cytokine in HBV infection. Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at optimizing the beneficial effects of IL-21 in HBV infection may prove to be a rigorous challenge in the future, as they should foster the strengths of IL-21 while circumventing potential drawbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyin Li
- 1] Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China [2] State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China [3] Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Libo Tang
- 1] Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China [2] State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- 1] Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China [2] State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China [3] Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Pan Q, Yu Y, Tang Z, Xi M, Jiang H, Xun Y, Liu X, Liu H, Hu J, Zang G. Increased levels of IL-21 responses are associated with the severity of liver injury in patients with chronic active hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:e78-88. [PMID: 24611989 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) participates in tissue damage in various immune-mediated diseases. Its role in the pathogenesis of chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) has not been clarified. The frequency of circulating IL-21(+) T cells and the levels of serum and intrahepatic IL-21 have been characterized in 70 CAHB patients, 32 inactive carrier (IC), 18 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and 20 healthy controls (HC). Their potential association with liver injury was analysed. The percentages of IL-21(+) CD3(+) CD8(-) and IL-21(+) CD3(+) CD8(+) T cells and the levels of serum IL-21 in CAHB patients were significantly higher than that in the IC, CHC patients and HC (P < 0.001) and were correlated positively with the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT, r = 0.424, P < 0.001; r = 0.392, P = 0.001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, r = 0.388, P = 0.001; r = 0.329, P = 0.005) in CAHB patients, respectively. The levels of IL-21 expression in the liver tissues were associated significantly with increased degrees of inflammation and fibrosis in CAHB patients (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that aberrant IL-21 responses may be associated with the progression of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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TCRγδ(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) T cells suppress the CD8(+) T-cell response to hepatitis B virus peptides, and are associated with viral control in chronic hepatitis B. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88475. [PMID: 24551107 PMCID: PMC3925121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune mechanisms underlying failure to achieve hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion associated with viral control in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain unclear. Here we investigated the role of CD4(-)CD8(-) T (double-negative T; DNT) cells including TCRαβ(+) DNT (αβ DNT) and TCRγδ(+) DNT (γδ DNT) cells. Frequencies of circulating DNT cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry in a retrospective cohort of 51 telbivudine-treated HBeAg-positive CHB patients, 25 immune tolerant carriers (IT), 33 inactive carriers (IC), and 37 healthy controls (HC). We found that γδ DNT cell frequencies did not significantly change during treatment, being lower at baseline (P = 0.019) in patients with HBeAg seroconversion after 52 weeks of antiviral therapy (n = 20) than in those without (n = 31), and higher in the total CHB and IT than IC and HC groups (P<0.001). αβ DNT cell frequencies were similar for all groups. In vitro, γδ DNT cells suppressed HBV core peptide-stimulated interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α production in TCRαβ(+)CD8(+) T cells, which may require cell-cell contact, and could be partially reversed by anti-NKG2A. These findings suggest that γδ DNT cells limit CD8(+) T cell response to HBV, and may impede HBeAg seroconversion in CHB.
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Giarda P, Avihingsanon A, Sasadeusz J, Audsley J, Marks P, Matthews G, Ruxrungtham K, Lewin SR, Crane M. CXCL-10, interleukin-12 and interleukin-21 are not immunological predictors of HBeAg seroconversion in HIV-1-HBV coinfection following HBV-active antiretroviral therapy. Antivir Ther 2014; 19:429-33. [PMID: 24430489 DOI: 10.3851/imp2720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon stimulated chemokine CXCL-10, interleukin (IL)-12 (p70) and IL-21 have been associated with HBsAg and HBeAg loss following treatment of HBV monoinfection. The aim of this study was to determine whether these factors were also associated with HBsAg and HBeAg loss in HIV-HBV-coinfected patients following HBV-active combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). METHODS HIV-HBV-coinfected patients with HBeAg seroconversion (n=12; seroconverters [SC]) were compared to patients who did not seroconvert (n=13; non-seroconverters [NSC]). CXCL-10, IL-12 and IL-21 (Luminex Bead Array, Life Technologies, Grand Island, NY, USA) were measured in plasma prior to initiation of HBV-active cART (baseline), at the time of seroconversion (T0) and at the closest time point before (T-1) and after (T+1) seroconversion. RESULTS Levels of CXCL-10 declined significantly in all patients following HBV-active cART (P<0.05 for both SC and NSC; Kruskall-Wallis, Dunn's post-test). There was no difference between SC and NSC in the level of CXCL-10, IL-12 and IL-21 at any time point. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that CXCL-10, IL-12 or IL-21 were associated with HBeAg seroconversion following HBV-active cART. Other immunological determinants should be explored in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Giarda
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale 'A Avogadro', Novara, Italy
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