1
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De Meyer A, Meuleman P. Preclinical animal models to evaluate therapeutic antiviral antibodies. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105843. [PMID: 38548022 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105843] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the availability of effective preventative vaccines and potent small-molecule antiviral drugs, effective non-toxic prophylactic and therapeutic measures are still lacking for many viruses. The use of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies in an antiviral context could fill this gap and provide effective virus-specific medical interventions. In order to develop these therapeutic antibodies, preclinical animal models are of utmost importance. Due to the variability in viral pathogenesis, immunity and overall characteristics, the most representative animal model for human viral infection differs between virus species. Therefore, throughout the years researchers sought to find the ideal preclinical animal model for each virus. The most used animal models in preclinical research include rodents (mice, ferrets, …) and non-human primates (macaques, chimpanzee, ….). Currently, antibodies are tested for antiviral efficacy against a variety of viruses including different hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and rabies virus. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about the preclinical animal models that are used for the evaluation of therapeutic antibodies for the abovementioned viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amse De Meyer
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philip Meuleman
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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2
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Song J, Sun X, Zhou Y, Li S, Wu J, Yang L, Zhou D, Yang Y, Liu A, Lu M, Michael R, Qin L, Yang D. Early application of IFNγ mediated the persistence of HBV in an HBV mouse model. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105872. [PMID: 38556058 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105872] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The antiviral activity of interferon gamma (IFNγ) against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro in a previous study. IFNγ can suppress HBV replication by accelerating the decay of replication-competent nucleocapsids of HBV. However, in this study, we found that the direct application of the mouse IFNγ (mIFNγ) expression plasmid to the liver of an HBV hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model led to the persistence of HBV, as indicated by sustained HBsAg and HBeAg levels in the serum as well as an increased percentage of the HBsAg positive mice, whereas the level of HBV DNA in the serum and the expression of HBcAg in the liver were inhibited at the early stage after HI. Meanwhile, we found that the productions of both HBcAb and HBsAb were suppressed after the application of mIFNγ. In addition, we found that HBV could be effectively inhibited in mice immunized with HBsAg expression plasmid before the application of mIFNγ. Furthermore, mIFNγ showed antiviral effect and promoted the production of HBsAb when the mice subjected to the core-null HBV plasmid. These results indicate that the application of mIFNγ in the HBV HI mouse model, the mice showed defective HBcAg-specific immunity that impeded the production of HBcAb and HBsAb, finally allowing the persistence of the virus. Moreover, IFNγ-induced negative immune regulatory factors also play an important role in virus persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjiao Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Xiliang Sun
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao West Coast New District People's Hospital, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Receptors-mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, PR China.
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Lu Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Di Zhou
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Anding Liu
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | | | - Li Qin
- Department of Dermatology, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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3
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Sharma S, Rawal P, Kaur S, Puria R. Liver organoids as a primary human model to study HBV-mediated Hepatocellular carcinoma. A review. Exp Cell Res 2023; 428:113618. [PMID: 37142202 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113618] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is the prevailing cause of chronic liver disease, which progresses to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 75% of cases. It represents a serious health concern being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Treatments available to date fail to provide a complete cure with high chances of recurrence and related side effects. The lack of reliable, reproducible, and scalable in vitro modeling systems that could recapitulate the viral life cycle and represent virus-host interactions has hindered the development of effective treatments so far. The present review provides insights into the current in-vivo and in-vitro models used for studying HBV and their major limitations. We highlight the use of three-dimensional liver organoids as a novel and suitable platform for modeling HBV infection and HBV-mediated HCC. HBV organoids can be expanded, genetically altered, patient-derived, tested for drug discovery, and biobanked. This review also provides the general guidelines for culturing HBV organoids and highlights their several prospects for HBV drug discovery and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Sharma
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Preety Rawal
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India.
| | - Rekha Puria
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India.
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4
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Mnyandu N, Limani SW, Arbuthnot P, Maepa MB. Advances in designing Adeno-associated viral vectors for development of anti-HBV gene therapeutics. Virol J 2021; 18:247. [PMID: 34903258 PMCID: PMC8670254 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01715-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the five decades having passed since discovery of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), together with development of an effective anti-HBV vaccine, infection with the virus remains a serious public health problem and results in nearly 900,000 annual deaths worldwide. Current therapies do not eliminate the virus and viral replication typically reactivates after treatment withdrawal. Hence, current endeavours are aimed at developing novel therapies to achieve a functional cure. Nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches are promising, with several candidates showing excellent potencies in preclinical and early stages of clinical development. However, this class of therapeutics is yet to become part of standard anti-HBV treatment regimens. Obstacles delaying development of gene-based therapies include lack of clinically relevant delivery methods and a paucity of good animal models for preclinical characterisation. Recent studies have demonstrated safety and efficiency of Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) in gene therapy. However, AAVs do have flaws and this has prompted research aimed at improving design of novel and artificially synthesised AAVs. Main goals are to improve liver transduction efficiencies and avoiding immune clearance. Application of AAVs to model HBV replication in vivo is also useful for characterising anti-HBV gene therapeutics. This review summarises recent advances in AAV engineering and their contributions to progress with anti-HBV gene therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njabulo Mnyandu
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shonisani Wendy Limani
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohube Betty Maepa
- Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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5
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Du Y, Broering R, Li X, Zhang X, Liu J, Yang D, Lu M. In Vivo Mouse Models for Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Their Application. Front Immunol 2021; 12:766534. [PMID: 34777385 PMCID: PMC8586444 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.766534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of effective vaccination, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major challenge worldwide. Research efforts are ongoing to find an effective cure for the estimated 250 million people chronically infected by HBV in recent years. The exceptionally limited host spectrum of HBV has limited the research progress. Thus, different HBV mouse models have been developed and used for studies on infection, immune responses, pathogenesis, and antiviral therapies. However, these mouse models have great limitations as no spread of HBV infection occurs in the mouse liver and no or only very mild hepatitis is present. Thus, the suitability of these mouse models for a given issue and the interpretation of the results need to be critically assessed. This review summarizes the currently available mouse models for HBV research, including hydrodynamic injection, viral vector-mediated transfection, recombinant covalently closed circular DNA (rc-cccDNA), transgenic, and liver humanized mouse models. We systematically discuss the characteristics of each model, with the main focus on hydrodynamic injection mouse model. The usefulness and limitations of each mouse model are discussed based on the published studies. This review summarizes the facts for considerations of the use and suitability of mouse model in future HBV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqin Du
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ruth Broering
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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6
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In Vivo Modelling of Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype A1 Replication Using Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112247. [PMID: 34835053 PMCID: PMC8618177 DOI: 10.3390/v13112247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The paucity of animal models that simulate the replication of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an impediment to advancing new anti-viral treatments. The work reported here employed recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to model HBV subgenotype A1 and subgenotype D3 replication in vitro and in vivo. Infection with subgenotype A1 is endemic to parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and it is associated with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Recombinant AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) and 8 (AAV8) vectors bearing greater-than-genome-length sequences of HBV DNA from subgenotype A1 and D3, were produced. Transduced liver-derived cultured cells produced HBV surface antigen and core antigen. Administration of AAV8 carrying HBV subgenotype A1 genome (AAV8-A1) to mice resulted in the sustained production of HBV replication markers over a six-month period, without elevated inflammatory cytokines, expression of interferon response genes or alanine transaminase activity. Markers of replication were generally higher in animals treated with subgenotype D3 genome-bearing AAVs than in those receiving the subgenotype A1-genome-bearing vectors. To validate the use of the AAV8-A1 murine model for anti-HBV drug development, the efficacy of anti-HBV artificial primary-microRNAs was assessed. Significant silencing of HBV markers was observed over a 6-month period after administering AAVs. These data indicate that AAVs conveniently and safely recapitulate the replication of different HBV subgenotypes, and the vectors may be used to assess antivirals’ potency.
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7
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Lacorcia M, Bhattacharjee S, Laubhahn K, Alhamdan F, Ram M, Muschaweckh A, Potaczek DP, Kosinska A, Garn H, Protzer U, Renz H, Prazeres da Costa C. Fetomaternal immune cross talk modifies T-cell priming through sustained changes to DC function. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 148:843-857.e6. [PMID: 33684437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to infections can modify immune development. These environmental disturbances during early life potentially alter the incidence of inflammatory disorders as well as priming of immune responses. Infection with the helminth Schistosoma mansoni is widely studied for its ability to alter immune responsiveness and is associated with variations in coinfection, allergy, and vaccine efficacy in endemic populations. OBJECTIVE Exposure to maternal schistosomiasis during early life, even without transmission of infection, can result in priming effects on offspring immune responses to bystander antigenic challenges as related to allergic responsiveness and vaccination, with this article seeking to further clarify the effects and underlying immunologic imprinting. METHODS Here, we have combined a model of chronic maternal schistosomiasis infection with a thorough analysis of subsequent offspring immune responses to allergy and vaccination models, including viral challenge and steady-state changes to immune cell compartments. RESULTS We have demonstrated that maternal schistosomiasis alters CD4+ responses during allergic sensitization and challenge in a skewed IL-4/B-cell-dominant response to antigenic challenge associated with limited inflammatory response. Beyond that, we have uncovered previously unidentified alterations to CD8+ T-cell responses during immunization that are dependent on vaccine formulation and have functional impact on the efficacy of vaccination against viral infection in a murine hepatitis B virus model. CONCLUSION In addition to steady-state modifications to CD4+ T-cell polarization and B-cell priming, we have traced these modified CD8+ responses to an altered dendritic cell phenotype sustained into adulthood, providing evidence for complex priming effects imparted by infection via fetomaternal cross talk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lacorcia
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonakshi Bhattacharjee
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Laubhahn
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Pediatric Allergology, Department of Pediatrics, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Fahd Alhamdan
- Biochemical Pharmacological Center, Translational Inflammation Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marija Ram
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Muschaweckh
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel P Potaczek
- Biochemical Pharmacological Center, Translational Inflammation Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Anna Kosinska
- Institute for Virology Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Garn
- Biochemical Pharmacological Center, Translational Inflammation Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute for Virology Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Renz
- Biochemical Pharmacological Center, Translational Inflammation Division & Core Facility for Single Cell Multiomics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Clarissa Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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8
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Zhang X, Wang X, Wu M, Ghildyal R, Yuan Z. Animal Models for the Study of Hepatitis B Virus Pathobiology and Immunity: Past, Present, and Future. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:715450. [PMID: 34335553 PMCID: PMC8322840 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.715450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem that plagues approximately 240 million people. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) often leads to liver inflammation and aberrant repair which results in diseases ranging from liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, to hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its narrow species tropism, researchers have established various in vivo models for HBV or its related viruses which have provided a wealth of knowledge on viral lifecycle, pathogenesis, and immunity. Here we briefly revisit over five decades of endeavor in animal model development for HBV and summarize their advantages and limitations. We also suggest directions for further improvements that are crucial for elucidation of the viral immune-evasion strategies and for development of novel therapeutics for a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Zhang
- Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Reena Ghildyal
- Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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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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10
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Loffredo-Verde E, Bhattacharjee S, Malo A, Festag J, Kosinska AD, Ringelhan M, Rim Sarkar S, Steiger K, Heikenwaelder M, Protzer U, Prazeres da Costa CU. Dynamic, Helminth-Induced Immune Modulation Influences the Outcome of Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1448-1461. [PMID: 31875228 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B develops more frequently in countries with high prevalence of helminth infections. The crosstalk between these 2 major liver-residing pathogens, Schistosoma mansoni and hepatitis B virus (HBV), is barely understood. METHODS We used state-of-the-art models for both acute and chronic HBV infection to study the pathogen-crosstalk during the different immune phases of schistosome infection. RESULTS Although liver pathology caused by schistosome infection was not affected by either acute or chronic HBV infection, S mansoni infection influenced HBV infection outcomes in a phase-dependent manner. Interferon (IFN)-γ secreting, HBV- and schistosome-specific CD8 T cells acted in synergy to reduce HBV-induced pathology during the TH1 phase and chronic phase of schistosomiasis. Consequently, HBV was completely rescued in IFN-γ-deficient or in TH2 phase coinfected mice demonstrating the key role of this cytokine. It is interesting to note that secondary helminth infection on the basis of persistent (chronic) HBV infection increased HBV-specific T-cell frequency and resulted in suppression of virus replication but failed to fully restore T-cell function and eliminate HBV. CONCLUSIONS Thus, schistosome-induced IFN-γ had a prominent antiviral effect that outcompeted immunosuppressive effects of TH2 cytokines, whereas HBV coinfection did not alter schistosome pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Loffredo-Verde
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonakshi Bhattacharjee
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Festag
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna D Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Ringelhan
- 2nd Medical Department, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Rim Sarkar
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwaelder
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Immunology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Clarissa U Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
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11
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Burwitz BJ, Zhou Z, Li W. Animal models for the study of human hepatitis B and D virus infection: New insights and progress. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104898. [PMID: 32758525 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family and infects hepatocytes, leading to liver pathology in acutely and chronically infected individuals. Co-infection with Hepatitis D virus (HDV), which requires the surface proteins of HBV to replicate, can exacerbate this disease progression. Thus, the >250 million people living with chronic HBV infection, including 13 million co-infected with HDV, would significantly benefit from an effective and affordable curative treatment. Animal models are crucial to the development of innovative disease therapies, a paradigm repeated again and again throughout the fields of immunology, neurology, reproduction, and development. Unfortunately, HBV has a highly-restricted species tropism, infecting limited species including humans, chimpanzees, and treeshrews. The first experimentally controlled studies of HBV infection were following inoculation of human volunteers in 1942, which identified the transmissibility of hepatitis through serum transfer and led to the hypothesis that the etiological agent was viral. Subsequent research in chimpanzees (Desmyter et al., 1971; Lichter, 1969) and later in other species, such as the treeshrews (Walter et al., 1996; Yan et al., 1996), further confirmed the viral origin of hepatitis B. Shortly thereafter, HBV-like viral infections were identified in woodchucks (Summers et al., 1978; Werner et al., 1979) and ducks, and much of our understanding of HBV replication can be attributed to these important models. However, with the exodus of chimpanzees from research and the limited reagents and historical data for treeshrews and other understudied species, there remains an urgent need to identify physiologically relevant models of chronic HBV infection. While large strides have been made in generating such models, particularly over the past two decades, there is still no available model that faithfully recapitulates the immunity and pathogenesis of HBV infection. Here, we discuss recent advancements in the generation of murine and non-human primate (NHP) models of HBV/HDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Burwitz
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA.
| | - Zhongmin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, 102206, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 102206, China.
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12
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Li G, Zhu Y, Shao D, Chang H, Zhang X, Zhou D, Gao Y, Lan K, Deng Q. Recombinant covalently closed circular DNA of hepatitis B virus induces long-term viral persistence with chronic hepatitis in a mouse model. Hepatology 2018; 67:56-70. [PMID: 28749559 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Covalently closed circular DNA of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is critical for viral persistence in vivo. We recently reported a technique involving recombinant covalently closed circular DNA (rcccDNA) of HBV by site-specific DNA recombination. Using hydrodynamic injection, rcccDNA induces a temporarily prolonged HBV antigenemia in immunocompetent mice, similar to acute resolving HBV infection. In this study, we simulated the pathophysiological impact of chronic hepatitis to reproduce rcccDNA persistence in mouse models. We showed that rcccDNA achieved long-lasting persistence in the presence of a compromised immune response or when transcriptional activity was repressed. To closely mimic chronic hepatitis, we used a replication-defective recombinant adenoviral vector to deliver rcccDNA to the liver, which led to prominent HBV persistence throughout the experiment duration (>62 weeks) in transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the albumin promoter. A sustained necroinflammatory response and fibrosis were identified in mouse livers, with dysplastic lesions commonly seen during the late stage of viral persistence, analogous to the progressive pathology of clinical chronic hepatitis. CONCLUSION rcccDNA was intrinsically stable in vivo, enabling long-term persistence in the context of chronic hepatitis, and viral persistence, in turn, may promote progression of chronic liver disease; our study also presented a surrogate model of HBV cccDNA persistence in mice that could advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B. (Hepatology 2018;67:56-70).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaiyun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanfei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianhui Shao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongming Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Deng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE & MOH), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Li L, Li S, Zhou Y, Yang L, Zhou D, Yang Y, Lu M, Yang D, Song J. The dose of HBV genome contained plasmid has a great impact on HBV persistence in hydrodynamic injection mouse model. Virol J 2017; 14:205. [PMID: 29070073 PMCID: PMC5657044 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0874-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hydrodynamic injection (HI) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) mouse model is an useful tool for HBV related research in vivo. However, only 40% of C57/BL6 mice injected with 10 μg HBV genome contained plasmid (pAAV-HBV1.2), serum HBsAg more than 6 months and none of the BALB/c mice injected with 10 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA, serum HBsAg positive more than 4 weeks in the previous study. Methods In this study, C57/BL6 and BALB/c mice were hydrodynamic injected with different doses of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. HBV related serum markers were detected by ELISA. ALT levels in the serum were measured using full automated biochemistry analyzer. HBcAg positive cells in the liver were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA levels of IRF3, ISGs including ISG15, OAS, PKR and immune factors including IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ, IL-6, IL-10, PDL1 in liver of the mice were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results The results showed that the mice injected with 100 μg high-concentration or 1 μg low-concentration of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA did not excert dominant influence on HBV persistence. In contrast, injection of 5 μg intermediate-dose of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA led to significant prolonged HBsAg expression and HBV persistence in both C57/BL6 (80% of the mice with HBsAg positive more than 6 months) and BALB/c (60% of the mice with HBsAg positive more than 3 months) mice. IFNγ was significant up-regulated in liver of the mice injected with 1 μg or 100 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. TNFα was up-regulated significantly in liver of the mice injected with 100 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. Moreover, PDL1 was significant up-regulated in liver of the mice injected with 5 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. Conclusion In this paper we demonstrated that, in the HBV HI mouse model, the concentration of injected pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA contributes to the diverse kinetics of HBsAg and HBeAg in the serum as well as HBcAg expression level in the liver, which then determined the HBV persisternce, while the antiviral factors IFNγ, TNFα as well as immune negative regulatory factor PDL1 play important roles on HBV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjiao Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Yu J, Chen Y, Wu Y, Ye L, Lian Z, Wei H, Sun R, Tian Z. The differential organogenesis and functionality of two liver-draining lymph nodes in mice. J Autoimmun 2017; 84:109-121. [PMID: 28886898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The liver is an immunological organ. However, fundamental knowledge concerning liver-draining lymph nodes (LNs), which have been newly identified in mice as the portal and celiac LNs, is still lacking. Here, we revealed that the portal LN and celiac LN drain liver lymph through different lymphatic vessels. Although both the portal LN and celiac LN possess typical structures, they have different cell compositions. Interestingly, these two LNs form at different times during fetal development. Moreover, the organogenesis of the celiac LN, but not the portal LN, is controlled by the transcription factor NFIL3. Furthermore, the portal LN and celiac LN also perform different functions. The celiac LN is the predominant site of liver antiviral immune responses, whereas the portal LN functions in the in situ induction of dietary antigen-specific regulatory T cells. In conclusion, the portal LN and celiac LN are two independent liver-draining LNs with different organogenesis histories and separate functions in maintaining immune homeostasis in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Yu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease (Chinese Academy of Science), Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease (Chinese Academy of Science), Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Lilin Ye
- Institute of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhexiong Lian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease (Chinese Academy of Science), Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease (Chinese Academy of Science), Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease (Chinese Academy of Science), Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease (Chinese Academy of Science), Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Hepatitis B Virus Activates Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Supporting Hepatocyte Survival and Virus Replication. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 4:339-363. [PMID: 28884137 PMCID: PMC5581872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but molecular mechanisms driving liver disease and carcinogenesis are largely unknown. We therefore studied cellular pathways altered by HBV infection. METHODS We performed gene expression profiling of primary human hepatocytes infected with HBV and proved the results in HBV-replicating cell lines and human liver tissue using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) was examined in HBV-replicating human hepatocytes, HBV-replicating mice, and liver tissue from HBV-infected individuals using Western blotting, STAT3-luciferase reporter assay, and immunohistochemistry. The consequences of STAT3 activation on HBV infection and cell survival were studied by chemical inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation and small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of STAT3. RESULTS Gene expression profiling of HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes detected no interferon response, while genes encoding for acute phase and antiapoptotic proteins were up-regulated. This gene regulation was confirmed in liver tissue samples of patients with chronic HBV infection and in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathway analysis revealed activation of STAT3 to be the major regulator. Interleukin-6-dependent and -independent activation of STAT3 was detected in HBV-replicating hepatocytes in cell culture and in vivo. Prevention of STAT3 activation by inhibition of Janus tyrosine kinases as well as small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of STAT3-induced apoptosis and reduced HBV replication and gene expression. CONCLUSIONS HBV activates STAT3 signaling in hepatocytes to foster its own replication but also to prevent apoptosis of infected cells. This very likely supports HBV-related carcinogenesis.
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Key Words
- APR, acute phase response
- Apoptosis
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- FCS, fetal calf serum
- HBV pg RNA, hepatitis B pregenomic RNA
- HBV, Hepatitis B virus
- HBVtg, hepatitis B transgenic
- HBeAg, hepatitis B early antigen
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HNF, hepatocyte nuclear factor
- Hepatitis B Virus Infection
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- IFN, interferon
- IL-6, interleukin 6
- IRF3, interferon regulatory factor 3
- NAC, N-acetyl-L-cysteine
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PHH, primary human hepatocyte
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- RT, reverse transcription
- STAT3 Signaling
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- cDNA, complementary DNA
- cRNA, complementary RNA
- cccDNA, covalently closed circular DNA
- mRNA, messenger RNA
- p.i., postinfection
- pSTAT3, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- pgRNA, pregenomic RNA
- siRNA, small interfering RNA
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Li Y, Wu Y, Zheng X, Cong J, Liu Y, Li J, Sun R, Tian ZG, Wei HM. Cytoplasm-Translocated Ku70/80 Complex Sensing of HBV DNA Induces Hepatitis-Associated Chemokine Secretion. Front Immunol 2016; 7:569. [PMID: 27994596 PMCID: PMC5136554 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious disease, mainly due to its severe pathological consequences, which are difficult to cure using current therapies. When the immune system responds to hepatocytes experiencing rapid HBV replication, effector cells (such as HBV-specific CD8+ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and other subtypes of immune cells) infiltrate the liver and cause hepatitis. However, the precise recruitment of these cells remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the cytoplasm-translocated Ku70/80 complex in liver-derived cells sensed cytosolic HBV DNA and promoted hepatitis-associated chemokine secretion. Upon sensing HBV DNA, DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit and PARP1 were assembled. Then, IRF1 was activated and translocated into the nucleus, which upregulated CCL3 and CCL5 expression. Because CCR5, a major chemokine receptor for CCL3 and CCL5, is known to be critical in hepatitis B, Ku70/80 sensing of HBV DNA likely plays a critical role in immune cell recruitment in response to HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Li
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Wu
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jingjing Cong
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Jiabin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University , Hefei , China
| | - Rui Sun
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang G Tian
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming M Wei
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Institute of Immunology, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China; Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, China
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Thomsen MK, Nandakumar R, Stadler D, Malo A, Valls RM, Wang F, Reinert LS, Dagnaes-Hansen F, Hollensen AK, Mikkelsen JG, Protzer U, Paludan SR. Lack of immunological DNA sensing in hepatocytes facilitates hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatology 2016; 64:746-59. [PMID: 27312012 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major human pathogen, and about one third of the global population will be exposed to the virus in their lifetime. HBV infects hepatocytes, where it replicates its DNA and infection can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis with a high risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite this, there is limited understanding of how HBV establishes chronic infections. In recent years it has emerged that foreign DNA potently stimulates the innate immune response, particularly type 1 interferon (IFN) production; and this occurs through a pathway dependent on the DNA sensor cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase and the downstream adaptor protein stimulator of IFN genes (STING). In this work we describe that human and murine hepatocytes do not express STING. Consequently, hepatocytes do not produce type 1 IFN in response to foreign DNA or HBV infection and mice lacking STING or cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase exhibit unaltered ability to control infection in an adenovirus-HBV model. Stimulation of IFN production in the murine liver by administration of synthetic RNA decreases virus infection, thus demonstrating that IFN possesses anti-HBV activity in the liver. Importantly, introduction of STING expression specifically in hepatocytes reconstitutes the DNA sensing pathway, which leads to improved control of HBV in vivo. CONCLUSION The lack of a functional innate DNA-sensing pathway in hepatocytes hampers efficient innate control of HBV infection; this may explain why HBV has adapted to specifically replicate in hepatocytes and could contribute to the weak capacity of this cell type to clear HBV infection. (Hepatology 2016;64:746-759).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin K Thomsen
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Research Center for Innate Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ramya Nandakumar
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Research Center for Innate Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Daniela Stadler
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Roser Marin Valls
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Line S Reinert
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Research Center for Innate Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Jacob Giehm Mikkelsen
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Research Center for Innate Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Søren R Paludan
- Department of Biomedicine and, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Research Center for Innate Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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Experimental in vitro and in vivo models for the study of human hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S17-S31. [PMID: 27084033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimate of 240 million people worldwide despite the availability of a preventive vaccine. Medication to repress viral replication is available but a cure is rarely achieved. The narrow species and tissue tropism of the virus and the lack of reliable in vitro models and laboratory animals susceptible to HBV infection, have limited research progress in the past. As a result, several aspects of the HBV life cycle as well as the network of virus host interactions occurring during the infection are not yet understood. Only recently, the identification of the functional cellular receptor enabling HBV entry has opened new possibilities to establish innovative infection systems. Regarding the in vivo models of HBV infection, the classical reference was the chimpanzee. However, because of the strongly restricted use of great apes for HBV research, major efforts have focused on the development of mouse models of HBV replication and infection such as the generation of humanized mice. This review summarizes the animal and cell culture based models currently available for the study of HBV biology. We will discuss the benefits and caveats of each model and present a selection of the most important findings that have been retrieved from the respective systems.
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19
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Dietze KK, Schimmer S, Kretzmer F, Wang J, Lin Y, Huang X, Wu W, Wang B, Lu M, Dittmer U, Yang D, Liu J. Characterization of the Treg Response in the Hepatitis B Virus Hydrodynamic Injection Mouse Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151717. [PMID: 26986976 PMCID: PMC4795771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an important role in counter-regulating effector T cell responses in many infectious diseases. However, they can also contribute to the development of T cell dysfunction and pathogen persistence in chronic infections. Tregs have been reported to suppress virus-specific T cell responses in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of human patients as well as in HBV animal models. However, the phenotype and expansion of Tregs has so far only been investigated in other infections, but not in HBV. We therefore performed hydrodynamic injections of HBV plasmids into mice and analyzed the Treg response in the spleen and liver. Absolute Treg numbers significantly increased in the liver but not the spleen after HBV injection. The cells were natural Tregs that surprisingly did not show any activation or proliferation in response to the infection. However, they were able to suppress effector T cell responses, as selective depletion of Tregs significantly increased HBV-specific CD8+ T cell responses and accelerated viral antigen clearance. The data implies that natural Tregs infiltrate the liver in HBV infection without further activation or expansion but are still able to interfere with T cell mediated viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten K. Dietze
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simone Schimmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Freya Kretzmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Junzhong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xuan Huang
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Weimin Wu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail:
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20
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Cheng L, Li F, Bility MT, Murphy CM, Su L. Modeling hepatitis B virus infection, immunopathology and therapy in mice. Antiviral Res 2015; 121:1-8. [PMID: 26099683 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite the availability of a preventive vaccine, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-induced liver diseases continue to be a major global public health problem. HBV naturally infects only humans and chimpanzees. This narrow host range has hindered our ability to study the characteristics of the virus and how it interacts with its host. It is thus important to establish small animal models to study HBV infection, persistence, clearance and the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B. In this review, we briefly summarize currently available animal models for HBV research, then focus on mouse models, especially the recently developed humanized mice that can support HBV infection and immunopathogenesis in vivo. This article is part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "From the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis B: an unfinished story."
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Moses T Bility
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher M Murphy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lishan Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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Peng XH, Ren XN, Chen LX, Shi BS, Xu CH, Fang Z, Liu X, Chen JL, Zhang XN, Hu YW, Zhou XH. High persistence rate of hepatitis B virus in a hydrodynamic injection-based transfection model in C3H/HeN mice. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:3527-3536. [PMID: 25834317 PMCID: PMC4375574 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i12.3527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To optimize the viral persistence rate in a hydrodynamic injection (HI) based hepatitis B virus (HBV) transfection mouse model.
METHODS: (1) 5-6-wk-old male C3H/HeN and C57BL/6 mice were hydrodynamically injected with 10 μg endotoxin-free pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid DNA via the tail vein. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA, both in the serum and liver, were detected at different time points post HI by ELISA, immunohistochemical staining or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR); (2) male C3H/HeN and C57BL/6 mice, either hydrodynamically injected mice at 10 wk post HI or naïve mice, were all immunized subcutaneously with 5 μg HBsAg formulated in complete Freund’s adjuvant three times at a 2-wk interval. Two weeks after the final immunization, splenocytes were isolated for T cell function analysis by ELISPOT assay; and (3) five weeks post HI, C3H/HeN mice were intragastrically administered 0.1 mg/kg entecavir once a day for 14 d, or were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg interferon (IFN)-α twice a week for 2 wk, or were treated with PBS as controls. The sera were collected and assayed for HBV DNA on days 0, 7 and 14 after drug treatment.
RESULTS: (1) Approximately 90% (22/25) of the injected C3H/HeN mice were still HBsAg-positive at 46 wk post HI, whereas HBsAg in C57BL/6 mice were completely cleared at 24 wk. Serum levels of HBeAg in C3H/HeN mice were higher than those in C57BL/6 mice from 4 wk to 46 wk. HBV DNA levels in the hydrodynamically injected C3H/HeN mice were higher than those in the C57BL/6 mice, both in the serum (from 4 wk to 46 wk) and in the liver (detected at 8 wk and 46 wk post HI). Histology showed that hepatitis B core antigen and HBsAg were expressed longer in the liver of C3H/HeN mice than in C57BL/6; (2) HBsAg specific T cell responses after HBsAg vaccination in hydrodynamically injected C3H/HeN and C57BL/6 mice, or naive control mice were detected by ELISPOT assay. After stimulation with HBsAg, the frequencies of IFN-γ producing splenocytes in the hydrodynamically injected C3H/HeN mice were significantly lower than those in hydrodynamically injected C57BL/6 mice, control C3H/HeN and control C57BL/6 mice, which were 0, 17 ± 7, 18 ± 10, and 41 ± 10 SFCs/106 splenocytes, respectively, and the mean spot sizes showed the same pattern. Even just stimulated with PMA and ionomysin, T-cell responses elicited in the vaccinated control C3H/HeN were much higher than those in hydrodynamically injected C3H/HeN mice; and (3) For drug treatment experiments on the hydrodynamically injected C3H/HeN mice, serum HBV DNA levels in the entecavir treatment group declined (131.2 folds, P < 0.01) on day 7 after treatment and kept going down. In the group of IFN-α treatment, serum HBV DNA levels declined to a lowest point (6.42 folds, P < 0.05) on 7 d after treatment and then rebounded.
CONCLUSION: We have developed a novel HI-based HBV transfection model using C3H/HeN mice, which had a higher HBV persistence rate than the classic C57BL/6 mouse model.
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Upregulation of microRNA-146a by hepatitis B virus X protein contributes to hepatitis development by downregulating complement factor H. mBio 2015; 6:mBio.02459-14. [PMID: 25805734 PMCID: PMC4453536 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02459-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic injuries in hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients are caused by immune responses of the host. In our previous study, microRNA-146a (miR-146a), an innate immunity-related miRNA, and complement factor H (CFH), an important negative regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation, were differentially expressed in HBV-expressing and HBV-free hepatocytes. Here, the roles of these factors in HBV-related liver inflammation were analyzed in detail. The expression levels of miR-146a and CFH in HBV-expressing hepatocytes were assessed via analyses of hepatocyte cell lines, transgenic mice, adenovirus-infected mice, and HBV-positive human liver samples. The expression level of miR-146a was upregulated in HBV-expressing Huh-7 hepatocytes, HBV-expressing mice, and patients with HBV infection. Further results demonstrated that the HBV X protein (HBx) was responsible for its effects on miR-146a expression through NF-κB-mediated enhancement of miR-146a promoter activity. HBV/HBx also downregulated the expression of CFH mRNA in hepatocyte cell lines and the livers of humans and transgenic mice. Furthermore, overexpression and inhibition of miR-146a in Huh-7 cells downregulated and upregulated CFH mRNA levels, respectively. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-146a downregulated CFH mRNA expression in hepatocytes via 3′-untranslated-region (UTR) pairing. The overall effect of this process in vivo is to promote liver inflammation. These results demonstrate that the HBx–miR-146a–CFH–complement activation regulation pathway might play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infection. These findings have important implications for understanding the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B and developing effective therapeutic interventions. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains an important pathogen and can cause severe liver diseases, including hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although HBV was found in 1966, the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis are still poorly understood. In the present study, we found that the HBV X protein (HBx) promoted the expression of miR-146a, an innate immunity-related miRNA, through the NF-κB signal pathway and that increasingly expressed miR-146a downregulated its target complement factor H (CFH), an important negative regulator of the complement alternative pathway, leading to the promotion of liver inflammation. We demonstrated that the HBx–miR-146a–CFH–complement activation regulation pathway is potentially an important mechanism of immunopathogenesis caused by chronic HBV infection. Our data provide a novel molecular mechanism of HBV pathogenesis and thus help to understand the correlations between the complement system, an important part of innate immunity, and HBV-associated disease. These findings will also be important to identify potential therapeutic targets for HBV infection.
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Mouse models for therapeutic vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Med Microbiol Immunol 2014; 204:95-102. [DOI: 10.1007/s00430-014-0378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Horiuchi Y, Takagi A, Kobayashi N, Moriya O, Nagai T, Moriya K, Tsutsumi T, Koike K, Akatsuka T. Effect of the infectious dose and the presence of hepatitis C virus core gene on mouse intrahepatic CD8 T cells. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:E240-E252. [PMID: 24224477 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AIM Chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections often result in ineffective CD8 T-cell responses due to functional exhaustion of HCV-specific T cells. However, how persisting HCV impacts CD8 T-cell effector functions remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the infectious dose and the presence of HCV core gene. METHODS We compared responses of intrahepatic CD8 T cells during infection of wild-type or HCV core transgenic (Tg) mice with various infectious doses of HCV-NS3-expressing recombinant adenovirus (Ad-HCV-NS3). RESULTS Using major histocompatibility complex class I tetramer and intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ staining method to track HCV-NS3-specific CD8 T cells, we found that a significant expansion of HCV-NS3-specific CD8 T cells was restricted to a very narrow dosage range. IFN-γ production by intrahepatic CD8 T cells in HCV core Tg mice was suppressed as compared with wild-type mice. Higher levels of expression of regulatory molecules, Tim-3 and PD-1, by intrahepatic CD8 T cells and PD-L1 by intrahepatic antigen-presenting cells were observed in HCV core Tg mice following Ad-HCV-NS3 infection, and the expression increased dependent on infectious dose. Furthermore, we found a significant inverse correlation between the percentages of IFN-γ-producing cells and expression of regulatory molecules in antigen-specific intrahepatic CD8 T cells. CONCLUSION High infectious dose and the presence of HCV core gene were strongly involved in ineffective CD8 T-cell responses. We consider that HCV core Tg mouse infected with high infectious dose of Ad-HCV-NS3 is useful as a chronic infection model in the development of immunotherapy for chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Horiuchi
- Department of Microbiology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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25
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Song J, Zhou Y, Li S, Wang B, Zheng X, Wu J, Gibbert K, Dittmer U, Lu M, Yang D. Susceptibility of different hepatitis B virus isolates to interferon-alpha in a mouse model based on hydrodynamic injection. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90977. [PMID: 24618716 PMCID: PMC3950299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Many factors including viral genetics may determine the outcome of IFN-α therapy. In this study, we tested whether the expression of IFN-α directly in the liver inhibits HBV gene expression and replication using a HBV hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model. Two replication-competent clones from different HBV isolates that belonging to HBV genotype A and B based on a pAAV vector (pAAV-HBV-A and pAAV-HBV-B) were compared for their susceptibility to IFN-α. HBV clones were injected into mice either alone or in combination with a murine (m) IFN-α expression plasmid (pmIFN-α). HBsAg and HBeAg concentrations and HBV DNA levels in mice differed after injection of these two HBV clones. Co-application of pmIFN-α together with the two distinct isolates resulted in markedly different kinetics of decline of HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBV DNA levels in the mice. Immunohistochemical staining of liver sections with anti-HBc showed that mIFN-α application completely inhibited the expression of HBcAg in mice inoculated with pAAV-HBV-B, whereas the expression of HBcAg was only reduced in mice with pAAV-HBV-A. Consistently, mice injected with pAAV-HBV-B and pmIFN-α showed higher expression levels of the IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) ISG15, OAS, PKR as well as proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the liver. In addition, expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was down-regulated significantly in liver of the mice injected with pAAV-HBV-B and pmIFN-α. Our data demonstrate that IFN-α exerts antiviral activity in HBV mouse model, but different HBV isolates may have diverse susceptibility to IFN-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjiao Song
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Kathrin Gibbert
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Adenoviral delivery of recombinant hepatitis B virus expressing foreign antigenic epitopes for immunotherapy of persistent viral infection. J Virol 2013; 88:3004-15. [PMID: 24371056 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02756-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED We previously reported a proof-of-concept study for curing chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using a foreign-antigen recombinant HBV (rHBV) as a gene therapy vector. Targeted elimination of wild-type HBV (wtHBV)-infected cells could be achieved by functionally activating an in situ T-cell response against the foreign antigen. However, as chronic HBV infection spreads to all hepatocytes, specific targeting of virus-infected cells is thought to be less critical. It is also feared that rHBV may not induce active immunization in a setting resembling natural infection. For this immunotherapeutic approach to be practically viable, in the present study, we used a recombinant adenovirus (rAd) vector for rHBV delivery. The rAd vector allowed efficient transduction of wtHBV-producing HepG2 cells, with transferred rHBV undergoing dominant viral replication. Progeny rHBV virions proved to be infectious, as demonstrated in primary tupaia hepatocytes. These results greatly expanded the antiviral capacity of the replication-defective rAd/rHBV in wtHBV-infected liver tissue. With prior priming in the periphery, transduction with rAd/rHBV attracted a substantial influx of the foreign-antigen-specific T-effector cells into the liver. Despite the fully activated T-cell response, active expression of rHBV was observed for a prolonged time, which is essential for rHBV to achieve sustained expansion. In a mouse model of HBV persistence established by infection with a recombinant adeno-associated virus carrying the wtHBV genome, rAd/rHBV-based immunotherapy elicited a foreign-antigen-specific T-cell response that triggered effective viral clearance and subsequent seroconversion to HBV. It therefore represents an efficient strategy to overcome immune tolerance, thereby eliminating chronic HBV infection. IMPORTANCE Adenovirus-delivered rHBV activated a foreign-antigen-specific T-cell response that abrogated HBV persistence in a mouse model. Our study provides further evidence of the potential of foreign-antigen-based immunotherapy for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Chuai X, Wang W, Chen H, Deng Y, Wen B, Tan W. Lentiviral backbone-based hepatitis B virus replicon-mediated transfer favours the establishment of persistent hepatitis B virus infection in mice after hydrodynamic injection. Antiviral Res 2013; 101:68-74. [PMID: 24239872 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of a non-transgenic mouse model of persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is urgently needed. In this study, we constructed novel lentiviral-transfer plasmids containing HBV replicon DNA (pCS-HBV1.3, containing a 1.3-fold-overlength genome of HBV) and employed hydrodynamic injection (HDI) to develop an HBV-persistent mouse model. We explored the impact of host (different mouse strains, BALB/c and C57BL/6), gender, and the plasmid backbone on persistent HBV in mice. Our data showed that HBV antigenaemia (HBsAg, HBeAg) and HBV DNA persisted for >56days post-injection, while the appearance of anti-HBs antibody in the serum was only found among <30% of female C57BL/6 mice injected with pCS-HBV1.3. Moreover, HBcAg and HBV DNA were also detected in the liver of HDI mice. Compared with previous AAV-backbone based HBV replicon DNA transfer, we found that the HDI transfer with the lentiviral vector-based HBV replicon (pCS-HBV1.3) in this study resulted in a significantly higher level of HBV DNA transfer in the liver and longer persistence of HBV DNA and antigenaemia in the serum. Furthermore, we also showed that immunization of HBV replicon transfer mice with the novel HBSS1-based vaccines was able to overcome tolerance against HBV in mice and induces robust immunity (humoral as well as T-cell responses), followed by the clearance of the HBV viremia. We concluded that lentiviral backbone-based transfer vectors more readily establish persistent HBV infection in mouse models via HDI, providing a new tool useful for the study of HBV infection and immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Chuai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Ministry of Health, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China; Department of Microbiology, Hebei Medical University, PR China
| | - Wen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Ministry of Health, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Ministry of Health, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Yao Deng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Ministry of Health, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Bo Wen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Ministry of Health, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China
| | - Wenjie Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Ministry of Health, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, PR China.
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Tzeng HT, Hsu PN, Chen PJ. Immunocompetent nontransgenic mouse models for studying hepatitis B virus immune responses. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28 Suppl 1:116-9. [PMID: 23855306 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the chronicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the result of impaired HBV-specific immune responses that cannot eliminate or clear the infected hepatocytes efficiently, many issues remained unsettled. It is thus crucial to have a suitable laboratory animal to study the immunopathogenesis of HBV infection and the mechanisms of HBV persistence. To meet the requirement of a mouse model resembling natural chronic HBV infection in human, there are several approaches in the development of mouse animal model by using hydrodynamic-based transfection of HBV DNA, delivery of adenovirus or adeno-associated viral vectors containing HBV DNA for studying HBV immune responses. These immunocompetent nontransgenic mouse animal models will provide new approaches to investigate the mechanisms of immune pathogenesis in HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Horng-Tay Tzeng
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Krebs K, Böttinger N, Huang LR, Chmielewski M, Arzberger S, Gasteiger G, Jäger C, Schmitt E, Bohne F, Aichler M, Uckert W, Abken H, Heikenwalder M, Knolle P, Protzer U. T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor that binds hepatitis B virus envelope proteins control virus replication in mice. Gastroenterology 2013; 145:456-65. [PMID: 23639914 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Antiviral agents suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication but do not clear the infection. A strong effector T-cell response is required to eradicate HBV, but this does not occur in patients with chronic infection. T cells might be directed toward virus-infected cells by expressing HBV-specific receptors and thereby clear HBV and help to prevent development of liver cancer. In mice, we studied whether redirected T cells can engraft after adoptive transfer, without prior T-cell depletion, and whether the large amounts of circulating viral antigens inactivate the transferred T cells or lead to uncontrolled immune-mediated damage. METHODS CD8(+) T cells were isolated from mice and stimulated using an optimized protocol. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that bind HBV envelope proteins (S-CAR) and activate T cells were expressed on the surface of cells using retroviral vectors. S-CAR-expressing CD8(+) T cells, which carried the marker CD45.1, were injected into CD45.2(+) HBV transgenic mice. We compared these mice with mice that received CD8(+) T cells induced by vaccination, cells that express a CAR without a proper signaling domain, or cells that express a CAR that does not bind HBV proteins (controls). RESULTS CD8(+) T cells that expressed HBV-specific CARs recognized different HBV subtypes and were able to engraft and expand in immune-competent HBV transgenic mice. After adoptive transfer, the S-CAR-expressing T cells localized to and functioned in the liver and rapidly and efficiently controlled HBV replication compared with controls, causing only transient liver damage. The large amount of circulating viral antigen did not impair or overactivate the S-CAR-grafted T cells. CONCLUSIONS T cells with a CAR specific for HBV envelope proteins localize to the liver in mice to reduce HBV replication, causing only transient liver damage. This immune cell therapy might be developed for patients with chronic hepatitis B, regardless of their HLA type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Krebs
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
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Li L, Shen H, Li A, Zhang Z, Wang B, Wang J, Zheng X, Wu J, Yang D, Lu M, Song J. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression and replication by HBx gene silencing in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model with a new clone of HBV genotype B. Virol J 2013; 10:214. [PMID: 23805945 PMCID: PMC3751867 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been suggested that different hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes may have distinct virological characteristics that correlate with clinical outcomes during antiviral therapy and the natural course of infection. Hydrodynamic injection (HI) of HBV in the mouse model is a useful tool for study of HBV replication in vivo. However, only HBV genotype A has been used for studies with HI. Methods We constructed 3 replication-competent clones containing 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 fold overlength of a HBV genotype B genome and tested them both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, A HBV genotype B clone based on the pAAV-MCS vector was constructed with the 1.3 fold HBV genome, resulting in the plasmid pAAV-HBV1.3B and tested by HI in C57BL/6 mice. Application of siRNA against HBx gene was tested in HBV genotype B HI mouse model. Results The 1.3 fold HBV clone showed higher replication and gene expression than the 1.1 and 1.2 fold HBV clones. Compared with pAAV-HBV1.2 (genotype A), the mice HI with pAAV-HBV1.3B showed higher HBsAg and HBeAg expression as well as HBV DNA replication level but a higher clearance rate. Application of two plasmids pSB-HBxi285 and pSR-HBxi285 expressing a small/short interfering RNA (siRNA) to the HBx gene in HBV genotype B HI mouse model, leading to an inhibition of HBV gene expression and replication. However, HBV gene expression may resume in some mice despite an initial delay, suggesting that transient suppression of HBV replication by siRNA may be insufficient to prevent viral spread, particularly if the gene silencing is not highly effective. Conclusions Taken together, the HI mouse model with a HBV genotype B genome was successfully established and showed different characteristics in vivo compared with the genotype A genome. The effectiveness of gene silencing against HBx gene determines whether HBV replication may be sustainably inhibited by siRNA in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer leads to persistent hepatitis B virus replication in mice expressing HLA-A2 and HLA-DR1 molecules. J Virol 2013; 87:5554-63. [PMID: 23468504 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03134-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence may be due to impaired HBV-specific immune responses being unable to eliminate efficiently or cure infected hepatocytes. The immune mechanisms that lead to HBV persistence have not been completely identified, and no appropriate animal model is available for such studies. Therefore, we established a chronic HBV infection model in a mouse strain with human leukocyte antigen A2/DR1 (HLA-A2/DR1) transgenes and an H-2 class I/class II knockout. The liver of these mice was transduced with adeno-associated virus serotype 2/8 (AAV2/8) carrying a replication-competent HBV DNA genome. In all AAV2/8-transduced mice, hepatitis B virus surface antigen, hepatitis B virus e antigen, and HBV DNA persisted in serum for at least 1 year. Viral replication intermediates and transcripts were detected in the livers of the AAV-injected mice. The hepatitis B core antigen was expressed in 60% of hepatocytes. No significant inflammation was observed in the liver. This was linked to a higher number of regulatory T cells in liver than in controls and a defect in HBV-specific functional T-cell responses. Despite the substantial tolerance resulting from expression of HBV antigens in hepatocytes, we succeeded in priming functional HBV-specific T-cell responses in peripheral tissues, which subsequently reached the liver. This AAV2/8-HBV-transduced HLA-A2/DR1 murine model recapitulates virological and immunological characteristics of chronic HBV infection, and it could be useful for the development of new treatments and immune-based therapies or therapeutic vaccines for chronic HBV infections.
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Stross L, Günther J, Gasteiger G, Asen T, Graf S, Aichler M, Esposito I, Busch DH, Knolle P, Sparwasser T, Protzer U. Foxp3+ regulatory T cells protect the liver from immune damage and compromise virus control during acute experimental hepatitis B virus infection in mice. Hepatology 2012; 56:873-83. [PMID: 22487943 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The strength of antiviral T cell responses correlates with clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, but the immunological mechanisms mitigating or suppressing HBV-specific T cells are still poorly understood. In this study, we examined the role of CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs) in a mouse model of acute HBV infection. We initiated HBV infection via an adenoviral vector transferring a 1.3-fold overlength HBV genome (AdHBV) into transgenic DEREG mice, where Tregs can be transiently but selectively depleted by injection of diphtheria toxin. The effect of Treg depletion on the outcome of HBV infection was characterized by detailed virological, immunological, and histopathological analysis. Numbers of Tregs increase in the liver rapidly after initiation of HBV replication. Initial depletion of Tregs revealed their complex regulatory function during acute infection. Tregs mitigated immunomediated liver damage by down-regulating the antiviral activity of effector T cells by limiting cytokine production and cytotoxicity, but did not influence development of HBV-specific CD8 T cells or development of memory T cells. Furthermore, Tregs controlled the recruitment of innate immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells to the infected liver. As a consequence, Tregs significantly delayed clearance of HBV from blood and infected hepatocytes. CONCLUSION Tregs limit immunomediated liver damage early after an acute infection of the liver, thereby contributing to conservation of tissue integrity and organ function at the cost of prolonging virus clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonhard Stross
- Institutes of Virology, Immunology, and Hygiene, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
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33
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Zeissig S, Murata K, Sweet L, Publicover J, Hu Z, Kaser A, Bosse E, Iqbal J, Hussain MM, Balschun K, Röcken C, Arlt A, Günther R, Hampe J, Schreiber S, Baron JL, Moody DB, Liang TJ, Blumberg RS. Hepatitis B virus-induced lipid alterations contribute to natural killer T cell-dependent protective immunity. Nat Med 2012; 18:1060-8. [PMID: 22706385 PMCID: PMC3478098 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In most adult humans, hepatitis B is a self-limiting disease leading to life-long protective immunity, which is the consequence of a robust adaptive immune response occurring weeks after hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Notably, HBV-specific T cells can be detected shortly after infection, but the mechanisms underlying this early immune priming and its consequences for subsequent control of viral replication are poorly understood. Using primary human and mouse hepatocytes and mouse models of transgenic and adenoviral HBV expression, we show that HBV-expressing hepatocytes produce endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated endogenous antigenic lipids including lysophospholipids that are generated by HBV-induced secretory phospholipases and that lead to activation of natural killer T (NKT) cells. The absence of NKT cells or CD1d or a defect in ER-associated transfer of lipids onto CD1d results in diminished HBV-specific T and B cell responses and delayed viral control in mice. NKT cells may therefore contribute to control of HBV infection through sensing of HBV-induced modified self-lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Zeissig
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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34
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Huang LR, Gäbel YA, Graf S, Arzberger S, Kurts C, Heikenwalder M, Knolle PA, Protzer U. Transfer of HBV genomes using low doses of adenovirus vectors leads to persistent infection in immune competent mice. Gastroenterology 2012; 142:1447-50.e3. [PMID: 22426294 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies of mechanisms responsible for the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been hindered by a lack of appropriate animal models. HBV genomes can be delivered to livers of mice using hydrodynamic injection or high doses of an adenoviral vector; these lead to clearance of HBV. We found that infection of immunocompetent mice with low doses of an adenoviral vector resulted in persistent HBV infection; the mice neither underwent seroconversion to production of antibodies against HBV nor developed a strong HBV-specific effector T-cell response. As in patients with chronic HBV infection, DNA vaccination failed to generate T cells that cleared infection. This model of persistent HBV infection could be used to study the pathogenesis of chronic HBV infection and develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Rung Huang
- Institutes of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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35
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Chen SH, Wu HL, Kao JH, Hwang LH. Persistent hepatitis B viral replication in a FVB/N mouse model: impact of host and viral factors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36984. [PMID: 22615863 PMCID: PMC3353969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying the chronicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has long been an interesting question. However, this mechanism remains unclear largely due to the lack of an animal model that can support persistent HBV replication and allow for the investigation of the relevant immune responses. In this study, we used hydrodynamic injection to introduce HBV replicon DNA into the livers of three different mouse strains: BALB/c, C57BL/6, and FVB/N. Interestingly, we found that an HBV clone persistently replicated in the livers of FVB/N mice for up to 50 weeks but was rapidly cleared from the livers of BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Flow cytometric analysis and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis of the mouse livers indicated that after DNA injection, FVB/N mice had few intrahepatic activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and produced low levels of alanine aminotransferase, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and the CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokines. These findings were in sharp contrast with those observed in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, reflecting a strong correlation between the degree of liver inflammation and viral clearance. Mutational analysis further demonstrated that a change of Asn-214 to Ser-214 in the HBV surface antigen rendered the persistent HBV clone clearable in FVB/N mice, which was accompanied by increased levels of activated CTL and upregulated expression of IFN-γ, CXCL9, and CXCL10 in the livers. These results indicate that the heterogeneity of the host factors and viral sequences may influence the immune responses against HBV. An inadequate activation of immune or inflammatory responses can lead to persistent HBV replication in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hui Chen
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- VYM Genome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Lin Wu
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Hwa Hwang
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- VYM Genome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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