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Niu AX, Liu J, Zhu CW. Progress in research of ubiquitination modification of hepatitis B surface antigen. WORLD CHINESE JOURNAL OF DIGESTOLOGY 2024; 32:333-338. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v32.i5.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
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2
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Hu X, Luo H, Tan G, Li Y, Qin B. The expression of interleukin-1β in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with pegylated-interferon-alpha combined with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and monotherapy. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:163. [PMID: 37208599 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02812-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment uses tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) along with Pegylated-interferon-alpha (Peg-IFN-α), which is more effective than TDF/Peg-IFN-α monotherapy. We have previously shown that interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is related to the effectiveness of IFN-α treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The aim was to investigate the expression of IL-1β in CHB patients treated with Peg-IFN-α combination with TDF and TDF/Peg-IFN-α monotherapy. METHODS Huh7 cells infected with HBV were stimulated by Peg-IFN-α and/or Tenofovir (TFV) for 24h. A single-center cohort study of prospective recruitment of CHB patients: untreated CHB (Group A), TDF combined with Peg-IFN-α therapy (Group B), Peg-IFN-α monotherapy (Group C), TDF monotherapy (Group D). Normal donors served as controls. The clinical datas and blood of patients were collected at 0, 12, and 24 weeks. According to the early response criteria, Group B and C were divided into two subgroups: the early response group (ERG) and the non-early response group (NERG). Stimulation of HBV-infected hepatoma cells with IL-1β to validate the antiviral activity of IL-1β. To test the blood sample, cell culture supernatant, and cell lysates and to assess the expression of IL-1β and HBV replication levels in various treatment protocols, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used. SPSS 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 software were used for statistical analysis. P values < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS In vitro experiments, Peg-IFN-α plus TFV treatment group expressed higher IL-1β and inhibited HBV more effectively than monotherapy. Finally, 162 cases were enrolled for observation (Group A (n = 45), Group B (n = 46), Group C (n = 39), and Group D (n = 32)), and normal donors (n = 20) were enrolled for control. The early virological response rates of Group B, C, and D were 58.7%, 51.3%, and 31.2%. At 24 weeks, IL-1β in Group B(P = 0.007) and C(P = 0.034) showed higher than at 0 week. In Group B, the IL-1β showed an upward trend at 12w and 24w in the ERG. IL-1β significantly reduced HBV replication levels in hepatoma cells. CONCLUSION The increased expression of IL-1β may enhance the efficacy of TDF combined with Peg-IFN-α therapy in achieving an early response for CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Haiying Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guili Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yadi Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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3
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Jiang W, Wu D, Zeng Q, Liu C, Chen E, Bai L, Tang H. USP18 attenuates the anti-hepatitis B virus effect of IFN by down-regulating JAK-STAT pathway. Future Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: USP18 is a type of IFN-stimulated gene, which is associated with virological responses to IFN therapy in HBV (hepatitis B virus). However, its detailed molecular mechanism needs to be explored. Materials & methods: With HBV replication cells and mouse models, the USP18 was overexpressed or inhibited, followed by treatment with IFN or Poly (I:C). The expressions of HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg and protein factors in the samples were detected. Results: Overexpression of USP18 attenuates anti-HBV effect of IFN in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting JAK-STAT pathway and reducing the expression of MX1 and OAS. While, the inhibition of USP18 can promote to activate JAK-STAT pathway to enhance the antiviral effect of IFN. Conclusion: USP18 negatively regulates the anti-HBV effect of IFN by regulating JAK-STAT pathway. It may provide new insights into innate immunity mechanisms in CHB patients receiving IFN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Dongbo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Qingmin Zeng
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Enqiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lang Bai
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
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Li N, Yu K, Dong M, Wang J, Yang F, Zhu H, Yu J, Yang J, Xie W, Mitra B, Mao R, Wu F, Guo H, Zhang J. Intrahepatic transcriptomics reveals gene signatures in chronic hepatitis B patients responded to interferon therapy. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1876-1889. [PMID: 35815389 PMCID: PMC9336496 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a substantial public health burden worldwide. Alpha-interferon (IFNα) is one of the two currently approved therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), to explore the mechanisms underlying IFNα treatment response, we investigated baseline and 24-week on-treatment intrahepatic gene expression profiles in 21 CHB patients by mRNA-seq. The data analyses demonstrated that PegIFNα treatment significantly induced antiviral responses. Responders who achieved HBV DNA loss and HBeAg or HBsAg seroconversion displayed higher fold change and larger number of up-regulated interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Interestingly, lower expression levels of certain ISGs were observed in responders in their baseline biopsy samples. In HBeAg+ patients, non-responders had relative higher baseline HBeAg levels than responders. More importantly, HBeAg− patients showed higher HBsAg loss rate than HBeAg+ patients. Although a greater fold change of ISGs was observed in HBeAg− patients than HBeAg+ patients, upregulation of ISGs in HBeAg+ responders exceeded HBeAg− responders. Notably, PegIFNα treatment increased monocyte and mast cell infiltration, but decreased CD8 T cell and M1 macrophage infiltration in both responders and non-responders, while B cell infiltration was increased only in responders. Moreover, co-expression analysis identified ribosomal proteins as critical players in antiviral response. The data also indicate that IFNα may influence the production of viral antigens associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Collectively, the intrahepatic transcriptome analyses in this study enriched our understanding of IFN-mediated antiviral effects in CHB patients and provided novel insights into the development of potential strategies to improve IFNα therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kangkang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhui Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoxiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingshu Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bidisha Mitra
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feizhen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Wang J, Du L, Tang H. Suppression of Interferon-α Treatment Response by Host Negative Factors in Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:784172. [PMID: 34901094 PMCID: PMC8651562 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.784172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection remains a major global public health issue for which there is still lacking effective curative treatment. Interferon-α (IFN-α) and its pegylated form have been approved as an anti-HBV drug with the advantage of antiviral activity and host immunity against HBV infection enhancement, however, IFN-α treatment failure in CHB patients is a challenging obstacle with 70% of CHB patients respond poorly to exogenous IFN-α treatment. The IFN-α treatment response is negatively regulated by both viral and host factors, and the role of viral factors has been extensively illustrated, while much less attention has been paid to host negative factors. Here, we summarized evidence of host negative regulators and parameters involved in IFN-α therapy failure, review the mechanisms responsible for these effects, and discuss the possible improvement of IFN-based therapy and the rationale of combining the inhibitors of negative regulators in achieving an HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Stadler D, Kächele M, Jones AN, Hess J, Urban C, Schneider J, Xia Y, Oswald A, Nebioglu F, Bester R, Lasitschka F, Ringelhan M, Ko C, Chou W, Geerlof A, van de Klundert MA, Wettengel JM, Schirmacher P, Heikenwälder M, Schreiner S, Bartenschlager R, Pichlmair A, Sattler M, Unger K, Protzer U. Interferon-induced degradation of the persistent hepatitis B virus cccDNA form depends on ISG20. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e49568. [PMID: 33969602 PMCID: PMC8183418 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persists by depositing a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected cells that cannot be targeted by available antivirals. Interferons can diminish HBV cccDNA via APOBEC3-mediated deamination. Here, we show that overexpression of APOBEC3A alone is not sufficient to reduce HBV cccDNA that requires additional treatment of cells with interferon indicating involvement of an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) in cccDNA degradation. Transcriptome analyses identify ISG20 as the only type I and II interferon-induced, nuclear protein with annotated nuclease activity. ISG20 localizes to nucleoli of interferon-stimulated hepatocytes and is enriched on deoxyuridine-containing single-stranded DNA that mimics transcriptionally active, APOBEC3A-deaminated HBV DNA. ISG20 expression is detected in human livers in acute, self-limiting but not in chronic hepatitis B. ISG20 depletion mitigates the interferon-induced loss of cccDNA, and co-expression with APOBEC3A is sufficient to diminish cccDNA. In conclusion, non-cytolytic HBV cccDNA decline requires the concerted action of a deaminase and a nuclease. Our findings highlight that ISGs may cooperate in their antiviral activity that may be explored for therapeutic targeting.
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7
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He Y, Zhou Y, Wang H, Yin J, Chang Y, Hu P, Ren H, Xu H. Identifying potential biomarkers in hepatitis B virus infection and its response to the antiviral therapy by integrated bioinformatic analysis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6558-6572. [PMID: 34041839 PMCID: PMC8278120 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The antiviral treatment efficacy varies among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and the underlying mechanism is unclear. An integrated bioinformatics analysis was performed to investigate the host factors that affect the therapeutic responsiveness in CHB patients. Four GEO data sets (GSE54747, GSE27555, GSE66698 and GSE66699) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analysed to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs). Enrichment analyses of the DEGs were conducted using the DAVID database. Immune cell infiltration characteristics were analysed by CIBERSORT. Upstream miRNAs and lncRNAs of hub DEGs were identified by miRWalk 3.0 and miRNet in combination with the MNDR platform. As a result, seventy‐seven overlapping DEGs and 15 hub genes were identified including CCL5, CXCL9, MYH2, CXCR4, CD74, CCL4, HLA‐DRB1, ACTA1, CD69, CXCL10, HLA‐DRB5, HLA‐DQB1, CXCL13, STAT1 and CKM. The enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in immune response and chemokine signalling pathways. Investigation of immune cell infiltration in liver samples suggested significantly different infiltration between responders and non‐responders, mainly characterized by higher proportions of CD8+ T cells and activated NK cells in non‐responders. The prediction of upstream miRNAs and lncRNAs led to the identification of a potential mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA regulatory network composed of 2 lncRNAs (H19 and GAS5) and 5 miRNAs (hsa‐mir‐106b‐5p, hsa‐mir‐17‐5p, hsa‐mir‐20a‐5p, hsa‐mir‐6720‐5p and hsa‐mir‐93‐5p) targeting CCL5 mRNA. In conclusion, our study suggested that host genetic factors could affect therapeutic responsiveness in CHB patients. The antiviral process might be associated with the chemokine‐mediated immune response and immune cell infiltration in the liver microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Department of infection, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yingzhi Zhou
- Department of infection, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Department of infection, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyang Yin
- Chongqing People's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yunan Chang
- Department of infection, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of infection, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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8
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Ye H, Duan X, Yao M, Kang L, Li Y, Li S, Li B, Chen L. USP18 Mediates Interferon Resistance of Dengue Virus Infection. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:682380. [PMID: 34017322 PMCID: PMC8130619 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.682380] [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: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that dengue virus (DENV) infection developed resistance to type-I interferons (IFNα/β). The underlying mechanism remains unclear. USP18 is a negative regulator of IFNα/β signaling, and its expression level is significantly increased following DENV infection in cell lines and patients’ blood. Our previous study revealed that increased USP18 expression contributed to the IFN-α resistance of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). However, the role of USP18 in DENV replication and resistance to IFN-α is elusive. In this current study, we aimed to explore the role of USP18 in DENV-2 replication and resistance to IFN-α. The level of USP18 was up-regulated by plasmid transfection and down-regulated by siRNA transfection in Hela cells. USP18, IFN-α, IFN-β expression, and DENV-2 replication were monitored by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The activation of the Jak/STAT signaling pathway was assessed at three levels: p-STAT1/p-STAT2 (Western blot), interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) activity (Dual-luciferase assay), and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) expression (qRT-PCR). Our data showed that DENV-2 infection increased USP18 expression in Hela cells. USP18 overexpression promoted DENV-2 replication, while USP18 silence inhibited DENV-2 replication. Silence of USP18 potentiated the anti-DENV-2 activity of IFN-α through activation of the IFN-α-mediated Jak/STAT signaling pathway as shown by increased expression of p-STAT1/p-STAT2, enhanced ISRE activity, and elevated expression of some ISGs. Our data indicated that USP18 induced by DENV-2 infection is a critical host factor utilized by DENV-2 to confer antagonism on IFN-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Ye
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Yao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Kang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Shilin Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Li
- Joint - Laboratory of Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases Between Institute of Blood Transfusion and Nanning Blood Center, Nanning Blood Center, Nanning, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, China.,Joint - Laboratory of Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases Between Institute of Blood Transfusion and Nanning Blood Center, Nanning Blood Center, Nanning, China.,Toronto General Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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9
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Goh ZY, Ren EC, Ko HL. Intracellular interferon signalling pathways as potential regulators of covalently closed circular DNA in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1369-1391. [PMID: 33911462 PMCID: PMC8047536 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i14.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a major global health threat as 250 million people worldwide continue to be chronically infected with the virus. While patients may be treated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, this only suppresses HBV titre to sub-detection levels without eliminating the persistent HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) genome. As a result, HBV infection cannot be cured, and the virus reactivates when conditions are favorable. Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines known to induce powerful antiviral mechanisms that clear viruses from infected cells. They have been shown to induce cccDNA clearance, but their use in the treatment of HBV infection is limited as HBV-targeting immune cells are exhausted and HBV has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade and suppress IFN signalling. Thus, to fully utilize IFN-mediated intracellular mechanisms to effectively eliminate HBV, instead of direct IFN administration, novel strategies to sustain IFN-mediated anti-cccDNA and antiviral mechanisms need to be developed. This review will consolidate what is known about how IFNs act to achieve its intracellular antiviral effects and highlight the critical interferon-stimulated gene targets and effector mechanisms with potent anti-cccDNA functions. These include cccDNA degradation by APOBECs and cccDNA silencing and transcription repression by epigenetic modifications. In addition, the mechanisms that HBV employs to disrupt IFN signalling will be discussed. Drugs that have been developed or are in the pipeline for components of the IFN signalling pathway and HBV targets that detract IFN signalling mechanisms will also be identified and discussed for utility in the treatment of HBV infections. Together, these will provide useful insights into design strategies that specifically target cccDNA for the eradication of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yi Goh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Ee Chee Ren
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Hui Ling Ko
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
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10
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Kang JA, Jeon YJ. Emerging Roles of USP18: From Biology to Pathophysiology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186825. [PMID: 32957626 PMCID: PMC7555095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic proteomes are enormously sophisticated through versatile post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. A large variety of code generated via PTMs of proteins by ubiquitin (ubiquitination) and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls), such as interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) and neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8), not only provides distinct signals but also orchestrates a plethora of biological processes, thereby underscoring the necessity for sophisticated and fine-tuned mechanisms of code regulation. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) play a pivotal role in the disassembly of the complex code and removal of the signal. Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18), originally referred to as UBP43, is a major DUB that reverses the PTM of target proteins by ISG15 (ISGylation). Intriguingly, USP18 is a multifaceted protein that not only removes ISG15 or ubiquitin from conjugated proteins in a deconjugating activity-dependent manner but also acts as a negative modulator of type I IFN signaling, irrespective of its catalytic activity. The function of USP18 has become gradually clear, but not yet been completely addressed. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the multifaceted roles of USP18. We also highlight new insights into how USP18 is implicated not only in physiology but also in pathogenesis of various human diseases, involving infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and cancers. Eventually, we integrate a discussion of the potential of therapeutic interventions for targeting USP18 for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji An Kang
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea;
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
| | - Young Joo Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea;
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon 35015, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-280-6766; Fax: +82-42-280-6769
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11
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Park YK, Lee SY, Lee AR, Kim K, Kim K, Kim K, Choi B. Antiviral activity of interferon-stimulated gene 20, as a putative repressor binding to hepatitis B virus enhancer II and core promoter. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:1426-1436. [PMID: 31951295 PMCID: PMC7497004 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Interferon-stimulated gene 20 (ISG20) is an interferon-inducible exonuclease that inhibits the replication of several RNA viruses. In patients with chronic hepatitis B, ISG20 expression is related to the interferon-α treatment response. However, the molecular mechanism of ISG20-mediated anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity is unclear. METHODS We have investigated the effect of ISG20 on antiviral activity to address that. The life cycle of HBV was analyzed by the ectopic expression of ISG20 in HepG2 and HepG2-NTCP cells. Finally, to provide physiological relevance of our study, the expression of ISG20 from chronic hepatitis B patients was examined. RESULTS Interferon-stimulated gene 20 was mainly induced by interferon-β and dramatically inhibited HBV replication. In addition, ISG20 decreased HBV gene expression and transcription. Although ISG20 inhibited HBV replication by reducing viral enhancer activity, the expression of transcription factors that bind the HBV enhancer was not affected. Particularly, ISG20 suppressed HBV enhancer activity by binding to the enhancer II and core promoter (EnhII/Cp) region. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that ISG20 exerts the anti-HBV activity by acting as a putative repressor binding to the HBV EnhII/Cp region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Kwang Park
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Sun Young Lee
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Ah Ram Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of MedicineKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Kyung‐Chang Kim
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Kisoon Kim
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
| | - Kyun‐Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of MedicineKonkuk UniversitySeoulKorea
| | - Byeong‐Sun Choi
- Division of Viral Disease Research, Center for Infectious Disease ResearchKorea National Institute of HealthCheongju‐siChungbukKorea
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12
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Gan CJ, Li WF, Li CN, Li LL, Zhou WY, Peng XM. EGF receptor inhibitors comprehensively suppress hepatitis B virus by downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation. Biochem Biophys Rep 2020; 22:100763. [PMID: 32322693 PMCID: PMC7170955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Current antiviral therapy can not cure chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or eliminate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The licensed epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors have found to inhibit hepatitis C virus replication via downregulation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Since STAT3 is also involved in HBV replication, we further studied the anti-HBV efficacy of the EGFR inhibitors in this study. HBV-transfected HepG2.2.15 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells were used as cell models, and HBV replication, the syntheses of viral antigens and the magnitude of the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir were used as indictors to test the anti-HBV effects of EGFR inhibitors erlotinib and gefitinib. Erlotinib inhibited HBV replication with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 1.05 μM. It also reduced the syntheses of viral antigens at concentrations of 2.5 μM or higher. The underlying mechanism was possibly correlated with its inhibition on STAT3 phosphorylation via up-regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. Gefitinib also inhibited HBV replication and antigen syntheses. Compared with the commonest antiviral drug entecavir, these EGFR inhibitors additionally reduced hepatitis B e antigen and erlotinib also marginally affected the cccDNA reservoir in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells. Interestingly, these promising anti-HBV effects were significantly enhanced by extension of treatment duration. In conclusion, EGFR inhibitors demonstrated a comprehensive anti-HBV potential, highlighting a new strategy to cure HBV infection and suggesting animal model-related studies or clinical try in the future.
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Key Words
- Antiviral therapy
- Covalently closed circular DNA
- EGF, epidermal growth factor
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor inhibitor
- Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor
- GEq, genome equivalent
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen
- HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HNF3, hepatocyte nuclear factor 3
- Hepatitis B virus
- IFN, interferon
- MTT, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide
- NAs, nucleotide/nucleoside analogues
- NTCP, sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- SOCS3, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3
- STAT3
- STAT3, signal transduction and activators of transcription 3
- cccDNA, covalently closed circular DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong J. Gan
- Center of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Wen F. Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Chun N. Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Ling L. Li
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Wen Y. Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Xiao M. Peng
- Center of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
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13
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Li Y, Yao M, Duan X, Ye H, Li S, Chen L, Yang C, Chen Y. The USP18 cysteine protease promotes HBV production independent of its protease activity. Virol J 2020; 17:47. [PMID: 32248821 PMCID: PMC7133002 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains as one of the major public health problems in the world. Type I interferon (IFN) plays an essential role in antiviral defense by induced expression of a few hundred interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), including ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18). The expression level of USP18 was elevated in the pretreatment liver tissues of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients who did not respond to IFN treatment. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the effects of USP18 on HBV replication/production. Methods The levels of wild type USP18(WT-USP18) and USP18 catalytically inactive form C64S were up-regulated by plasmids transfection in HepAD38 cells, respectively. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to quantify HBV replication. Type I IFN signaling pathway was monitored at three levels: p-STAT1 (western Blot), interferon stimulated response element (ISRE) activity (dual luciferase assay) and ISGs expression (real time PCR). Results Our data demonstrated that overexpression of either WT-USP18 or USP18-C64S inactive mutant increased the intracellular viral pgRNA, total DNA, cccDNA, as well as HBV DNA levels in the culture supernatant, while silencing USP18 led to opposite effect on HBV production. In addition, upregulated WT-USP18 or USP18-C64S suppressed ISRE activity and the expression levels of p-STAT1 and ISGs. Conclusion USP18 promoted HBV replication via inhibiting type I IFN signaling pathway, which was independent of its protease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Yao
- The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiyan Ye
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Shilin Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5G1L6, Canada
| | - Chunhui Yang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, 610052, Sichuan, China.
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14
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Lei Q, Li T, Kong L, Li L, Ding X, Wang X, Zhang X, Qin B. HBV-Pol is crucial for HBV-mediated inhibition of inflammasome activation and IL-1β production. Liver Int 2019; 39:2273-2284. [PMID: 31419377 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most critical factor underlying liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. IL-1β and IL-18, generated by activation of the inflammasome/caspase-1 signaling pathway, play important roles in the control and clearance of HBV. However, the specific relationship between the inflammasome response and IFN-α resistance or viral persistence is yet to be established. METHODS Blood samples of patients and supernatant fractions of HBV cell lines were collected for analysis and the effects on inflammasome activation and IL-1β production evaluated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS IL-1β and IL-18 levels produced in sera of IFN-α non-responders were significantly lower than those of responders and normal donors. Additionally, expression of IL-1β and inflammasome components was decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of non-responders, compared with those of responders. In vitro experiments on HepG2, HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38 cell lines showed that HBV induces a significant decrease in IL-1β production through inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling and inflammasome/caspase-1 pathways. And hepatitis B virus polymerase (HBV-Pol) appeared crucial for these inhibitory effects of HBV. CONCLUSION IL-1β production is suppressed in HBV carriers and IFN-α non-responders. HBV induces a significant decrease in IL-1β production through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling and inflammasome pathways, for which HBV-Pol is a crucial requirement. Trial approval number: 20 173 402.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Oncology Radiotherapy Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianju Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Ninth Peoples Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingna Kong
- School of Nursing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of hepatic diseases, Chongqing Tranditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Liu W, Liang H, Wang S, Wu C, Liu Y, Liu Y, Zhang M, Xiong L, Zhong Z, Chen Y, Mao Q, Ge S, Xia N. Transcriptional response of USP18 predicts treatment outcomes of interferon-alpha in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patientsefere. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1050-1058. [PMID: 31074081 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) is an important inhibitor of interferon (IFN) antiviral activity, and the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the USP18 mRNA level change in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when stimulated with IFN in vitro before initiating treatment and the treatment outcomes in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with IFN. A total of 44 patients who received standard IFN-based anti-HBV therapy and follow-up were enrolled in the study. The in vitro IFN-induced USP18 mRNA change (USP18IFN-N ) was measured via comparison of quantitative PCR-determined USP18 transcription levels of BPMCs cultured with and without IFN stimulation. Either for virological (VR) or serological response (SR), the baseline USP18IFN-N was significantly higher (P = 0.018 for VR, P = 0.008 for SR) among nonresponders (n = 23 for VR, n = 33 for SR) than that of responders (n = 21 for VR, n = 11 for SR). Multivariate analyses revealed baseline USP18IFN-N was a novel independent predictor for either VR (OR = 0.292, 95% CI = 0.102-0.835, P = 0.022) or SR (OR = 0.173, 95% CI = 0.035-0.849, P = 0.031) in our cohort. In addition, baseline USP18IFN-N in combination with HBV DNA loads or HBeAg levels showed improved accuracy of pretreatment prediction for VR or SR responders, respectively. Baseline USP18IFN-N levels are associated with both virological and serological response, and have the potential to become a clinical predictor for treatment outcomes in HBeAg-positive CHB patients before initiating IFN-α therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huiqing Liang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaojuan Wang
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chuncheng Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yongliang Liu
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Manying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Lixia Xiong
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhouyue Zhong
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Qianguo Mao
- Department of Infectious Disease, Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Shengxiang Ge
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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16
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Van Tong H, Hoan NX, Binh MT, Quyen DT, Meyer CG, Song LH, Toan NL, Velavan TP. Interferon-stimulated gene 20 kDa protein serum levels and clinical outcome of hepatitis B virus-related liver diseases. Oncotarget 2018; 9:27858-27871. [PMID: 29963243 PMCID: PMC6021248 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon-stimulated gene 20 kDa protein (ISG20) with 3' to 5' exonuclease activity mainly targeting single-stranded RNA plays an important role in immune responses against various infectious pathogens, including hepatitis viruses. ISG20 levels were measured by ELISA assays in sera of 339 hepatitis B-virus (HBV) infected patients and 71 healthy individuals and were correlated with clinical and laboratory parameters. ISG20 mRNA was quantified by qRT-PCR in 30 pairs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumour and adjacent non-tumour liver tissues. ISG20 levels were significantly elevated in HBV patients compared to healthy controls (P<0.0001). In the patient group, varying ISG20 levels were associated with different forms of HBV-related liver diseases. ISG20 levels were higher in patients with HCC compared to those without HCC (P<0.0001), and increased according to the stages of HCC (P<0.0001). ISG20 mRNA expression was up-regulated in tumour tissues compared to the expression in adjacent non-tumour tissues (P=0.017). Importantly, ISG20 levels were strongly correlated with the levels of AST, ALT, total and direct bilirubin among HCC patients (Pearson's r = 0.43, 0.35, 0.34, 0.3; P<0.0001, respectively). Although differences between liver cirrhosis (LC) and non-LC patients were not observed, ISG20 levels were elevated according to the progression of cirrhosis in patients with LC plus HCC (P=0.005). In conclusions, ISG20 levels are induced by HBV infection and significantly associated with progression and clinical outcome of HBV-related liver diseases, especially in patients with HCC. ISG20 might be a potential indicator for liver injury and the clinical outcome in HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Thanh Binh
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dao Thanh Quyen
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Christian G. Meyer
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Song
- 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Vietnamese-German Center of Excellence in Medical Research, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
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Jiao B, Shi X, Chen Y, Ye H, Yao M, Hong W, Li S, Duan X, Li Y, Wang Y, Chen L. Insulin receptor substrate-4 interacts with ubiquitin-specific protease 18 to activate the Jak/STAT signaling pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:105923-105935. [PMID: 29285303 PMCID: PMC5739690 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18) as a negative regulator of the Jak/STAT signaling pathway plays an important role in the host innate immune response. USP18 has been shown to bind to the type I interferon receptor subunit 2 (IFNAR2) to down-regulate the Jak/STAT signaling. In this study, we showed that insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-4 functioned as a novel USP18-binding protein. Co-precipitation assays revealed that two regions (amino acids 335–400 and 1094-1257) of IRS4 were related to bind to the C- terminal region of USP18. IRS4 binding to USP18 diminished the inhibitory effect of USP18 on Jak/STAT signaling. IRS4 over-expression enhanced while IRS4 knock-down suppressed the Jak/STAT signaling in the presence of IFN-a stimulation. As such, IRS4 increased IFN-a-mediated anti-HCV activity. Mechanistically, IRS4 promoted the IFN-a-induced Jak/STAT signaling by interact with USP18. These results suggested that IRS4 binds to USP18 to diminish the blunting effect of USP18 on IFN-a-induced Jak/STAT signaling. Our findings indicated that IRS4 is a novel USP18-binding protein that can be used to boost the host innate immunity to control HCV, and potentially other viruses that are sensitive to IFN-a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihai Jiao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Xuezhen Shi
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Yanzhao Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Haiyan Ye
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Min Yao
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Wenxu Hong
- Key Laboratory of Shenzhen for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, Shenzhen Blood Center, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Shilin Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Yancui Wang
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Provincial Key Laboratory for Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610052, China.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Network and University of Toronto, Toronto M5G 1L6, Canada
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18
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Li L, Lei QS, Kong LN, Zhang SJ, Qin B. Gene expression profile after knockdown of USP18 in Hepg2.2.15 cells. J Med Virol 2017; 89:1920-1930. [PMID: 28369997 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In our previous work, we found that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18), also known as UBP43, is associated with the efficiency of interferon alpha (IFN-α) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). To elucidate the influence of USP18 on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and the mechanism of this activity, we silenced USP18 by introducing short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into Hepg2.2.15 cells. To identify the changed genes and pathways in Hepg2.2.15-shRNA-USP18 cells, we performed a microarray gene expression analysis to compare the Hepg2.2.15 stably expressing USP18-shRNA cells versus control cells using the Affymetrix Human Transcriptome Array (HTA) 2.0 microarrays. Microarray analysis indicated that genes involved in regulation of thyroid hormone signaling pathway, complement, and coagulation cascades, PERK-mediated unfolded protein response, and insulin-like growth factor-activated receptor activity were significantly altered after USP18 knockdown for 72 h. Furthermore, genes involved in hepatocyte proliferation, liver fibrosis, such as cell cycle regulatory gene CCND1, were also altered after USP18 knockdown in Hepg2.2.15 cells. In conclusion, USP18 is critical for regulating the replication of HBV in Hepg2.2.15 cells, which suggest that USP18 may be a candidate target for HBV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Song Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling-Na Kong
- School of Nursing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Interferon-Stimulated Gene 15 Conjugation Stimulates Hepatitis B Virus Production Independent of Type I Interferon Signaling Pathway In Vitro. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:7417648. [PMID: 27867263 PMCID: PMC5102744 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7417648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important account of infectious hepatitis and interferon (IFN) remains one of the best treatment options. Activation of type I IFN signaling pathway leads to expressions of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) which play important roles in antiviral and immunomodulatory responses to HBV or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our previous studies indicated that ISG15 and its conjugation (ISGylation) were exploited by HCV to benefit its replication and persistent infection. This study was designed to assess the role of ISG15 and ISGylation in HBV infection in vitro. The levels of ISG15 and ISGylation were upregulated by ISG15 plasmid transfection into HepG2.2.15 cells. Decreased ISGylation was achieved by siRNA targeting UBE1L, the only E1 activating enzyme for ISGylation. Overexpression of ISG15 and subsequent ISGylation significantly increased the levels of HBV DNA in the culture supernatants although the intracellular viral replication remained unaffected. Silencing UBE1L, with decreased ISGylation achieved, abrogated this ISGylation-mediated promoting effect. Our data indicated that overexpression of ISG15 stimulated HBV production in an ISGylation-dependent manner. Identification of ISG15-conjugated proteins (either HBV viral or host proteins) may reveal promising candidates for further antiviral drug development.
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20
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Liver Gene Expression Profiles Correlate with Virus Infection and Response to Interferon Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31349. [PMID: 27546197 PMCID: PMC4992874 DOI: 10.1038/srep31349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection and treatment response are determined mainly by the genomic characteristics of the individual. We investigated liver gene expression profiles to reveal the molecular basis associated with chronic hepatitis B and IFN-alpha (IFNα) treatment response in CHB patients. Expression profiles were compared between seven paired liver biopsy samples taken before and 6 months after successful IFNα treatment or between pretreatment biopsy samples of 11 IFNα responders and 11 non-responders. A total of 132 differentially up-regulated and 39 down-regulated genes were identified in the pretreated livers of CHB patients. The up-regulated genes were mainly related to cell proliferation and immune response, with IFNγ and B cell signatures significantly enriched. Lower intrahepatic HBV pregenomic RNA levels and 25 predictive genes were identified in IFNα responders. The predictive gene set in responders significantly overlapped with the up-regulated genes associated with the pretreated livers of CHB patients. The mechanisms responsible for IFNα treatment responses are different between HBV and HCV patients. HBV infection evokes significant immune responses even in chronic infection. The up-regulated genes are predictive of responsiveness to IFNα therapy, as are lower intrahepatic levels of HBV pregenomic RNA and pre-activated host immune responses.
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21
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Li L, Lei QS, Zhang SJ, Kong LN, Qin B. Suppression of USP18 Potentiates the Anti-HBV Activity of Interferon Alpha in HepG2.2.15 Cells via JAK/STAT Signaling. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156496. [PMID: 27227879 PMCID: PMC4882066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 18 (USP18, also known as UBP43) has both interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) dependent and ISG15-independent functions. By silencing the expression of USP18 in HepG2.2.15 cells, we studied the effect of USP18 on the anti-HBV activity of IFN-F and demonstrated that knockdown of USP18 significantly Inhibited the HBV expression and increased the expression of ISGs. Levels of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg), HBV DNA and intracellular hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) were dramatically decreased with or without treatment of indicated dose of IFN-F. Suppression of USP18 activated the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as shown by the increased and prolonged expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1) in combination with enhanced expression of several interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). Our results indicated that USP18 modulates the anti-HBV activity of IFN-F via activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in Hepg2.2.15 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Qing-song Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Jun Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Ling-na Kong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
- The Nursing College of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, P.R. China
- * E-mail:
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22
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Jansen L, de Niet A, Makowska Z, Dill MT, van Dort KA, Terpstra V, Bart Takkenberg R, Janssen HLA, Heim MH, Kootstra NA, Reesink HW. An intrahepatic transcriptional signature of enhanced immune activity predicts response to peginterferon in chronic hepatitis B. Liver Int 2015; 35:1824-32. [PMID: 25533046 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Differences in intrahepatic gene expression patterns may be associated with therapy response in peginterferon-treated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS We employed gene expression profiling in baseline liver biopsies of 40 CHB patients (19 HBeAg-positive; 21 HBeAg-negative) treated with peginterferon and adefovir for 48 weeks, and compared expression patterns of combined responders (HBeAg loss, HBV-DNA <2000 IU/ml, alanine aminotransferase normalization after 1 year of treatment-free follow-up) with non-responders. Genes identified by transcriptome analysis in 15 biopsies were confirmed in 25 additional biopsies by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Transcriptome analysis demonstrated significant differences in expression of 41 genes between responders and non-responders. In responders, pathway analysis showed specific upregulation of genes related to the immune response, including chemotaxis and antigen processing and presentation. Genes upregulated in responders exhibited strongest similarity with a set of genes induced in livers of chimpanzees with acute Hepatitis B infection. Differential expression was confirmed for eight selected genes. A 2-gene subset (HLA-DPB1, SERPIN-E1) was found to predict response most accurately. Incorporation of these genes in a multivariable model with HBeAg status, HBV genotype and baseline HBsAg level correctly classified 90% of all patients, in which HLA-DPB1 and SERPIN-E1 were independent predictors of response. CONCLUSION We identified an intrahepatic transcriptional signature associated with enhanced immune activation which predicts therapy response. These novel associations could lead to better understanding of responsiveness to peginterferon in CHB patients, and may assist in selecting possible responders to interferon-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Jansen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annikki de Niet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zuzanna Makowska
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael T Dill
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karel A van Dort
- Department of Experimental Immunology, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Valeska Terpstra
- Department of Pathology, Bronovo Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - R Bart Takkenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Liver Clinic, Toronto Western and General Hospital University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Markus H Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Hendrik W Reesink
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Gong X, Qin B, Ma Q. Relationship between adhesion molecules and virological response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2a treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A pilot study. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:1172-8. [PMID: 24118968 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM We performed a clinical study to investigate potential association between serum levels of soluble adhesion molecules and virological response to pegylated interferon-alpha-2a (PEG IFN-α-2a) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS Thirty-two patients with chronic hepatitis B virus genotype B were recruited in this study, who were treated with PEG IFN-α-2a 180 μg every week and then followed up for 24 weeks. Thirty healthy control subjects were recruited from volunteer blood donors. Serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) in patients were investigated by enzyme-linked immunoassay before and after treatment. RESULTS Serum concentrations of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin in CHB patients were significantly higher compared to the control group before treatment (P < 0.00001, respectively). In CHB patients responding to the PEG IFN-α-2a treatment, serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin were higher than those in non-responders before treatment (PI = 0.001, PV = 0.002, PE = 0.02, PL = 0.004). The levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin decreased in virological responders of treatment at 12 and 24 weeks (PI = 0.0001, PV = 0.00004, PE = 0.002, PL = 0.0004; PI = 0.00007, PV = 0.00001, PE = 0.0003, PL = 0.00003), while no obvious changes were observed in non-responders (P > 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION Results obtained indicated increased levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sL-selectin could be related to virological response to PEG IFN-α-2a treatment in CHB patients, and have a prognostic effect on virological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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24
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Li Y, Li S, Duan X, Liu B, Yang C, Zeng P, McGilvray I, Chen L. Activation of endogenous type I IFN signaling contributes to persistent HCV infection. Rev Med Virol 2014; 24:332-42. [PMID: 24806972 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
HCV infection is a major world health problem, leading to both end-stage liver disease and primary liver cancer. Great efforts have been made in developing new therapies for HCV infection; however, combination therapy with pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin (pegIFN-RBV) remains the first choice of treatment for chronic HCV infection in most countries. The treatment response to pegIFN-RBV remains relatively low. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of persistent HCV infection and pegIFN-RBV resistance will suggest ways of improving the current standard of care and offers new antiviral therapies for both HCV and other viral infections. Recent data suggest that increased expression of hepatic IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) before treatment is associated with treatment nonresponse in patients chronically infected with HCV. Although ISGs are generally antiviral in nature, in the case of HCV, the virus may exploit some of them to its benefit. This is not unique to HCV: Blockade of type I IFN signaling has been shown to control persistent LCMV infection. Thus, in certain viral infections, preactivation or overactivation of type I IFN signaling may contribute to viral persistence. In this review, we briefly summarize the findings from high-throughput gene expression profiling from patients chronically infected with HCV, then focus on a novel ubiquitin-like signaling pathway (ISG15/USP18) and its potential role in HCV persistence. Finally, the role of activation of endogenous type I IFN signaling in persistent HCV infection will be discussed in the context of recent studies indicating that blocking IFN signaling controls persistent LCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Li
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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25
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Chen L, Li S, Li Y, Duan X, Liu B, McGilvray I. Ubiquitin-like protein modifiers and their potential for antiviral and anti-HCV therapy. Expert Rev Proteomics 2014; 10:275-87. [PMID: 23777217 DOI: 10.1586/epr.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
All viral infections subvert the host immune response. Targeting the host mechanisms that are modulated by viral infection offers new avenues for antiviral drug development. Host ubiquitin and multiple ubiquitin-like modifiers (Ubls) are commonly altered by, or important for, viral infection. Protein modification by ubiquitin or Ubls contributes to numerous cellular processes, such as protein degradation, signal transduction, protein relocalization and pathogen-host interactions. This post-translational modification plays an essential role for viral life cycles and host antiviral mechanisms. Some Ubls, such as ISG15 and SUMO, have been shown to modulate virus infections and are potential targets for therapeutic manipulation. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a positive-stranded RNA virus that predominantly infects hepatocytes. Recent data suggest that ISG15 might be a potential drug target for anti-HCV therapy. Inhibition of ISG15 expression and/or ISG15 conjugation (ISGylation) provides a rationale for the design of new anti-HCV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Chen
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610052, China.
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26
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Lu X, Qin B, Ma Q, Yang C, Gong XY, Chen LM. Differential expression of ISG20 in chronic hepatitis B patients and relation to interferon-alpha therapy response. J Med Virol 2013; 85:1506-12. [PMID: 23794439 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The 20 kDa exonuclease encoded by the interferon-stimulated gene, ISG20, can inhibit the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV), and may represent a clinically useful prognostic marker for response to interferon-alpha (IFN-α) antiviral therapy. The present study was designed to investigate the differential expression patterns of ISG20 in liver biopsy samples from treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B and non-HBV infected controls and to determine the relation between the differential expression and IFN-α treatment outcome (responders vs. non-responders). HBV infection status was determined by measuring levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by chemoluminescence immunoassay and of HBV DNA by real-time quantitative (q)PCR. ISG20 protein and mRNA expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR, respectively. Chronic hepatitis B responders showed significantly higher levels of ISG20 protein and mRNA expressions than either the chronic hepatitis B non-responders or the controls. Moreover, increased expression of ISG20 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm was correlated with positive response to IFN-α treatment. Thus, active transcription and translation of ISG20 may represent a marker to identify chronic hepatitis B patients likely to respond to IFN-α therapy. Prognostic clinical strategies based upon this marker may include genomic screening methods and immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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27
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Cell-type specific interferon stimulated gene staining in liver underlies response to interferon therapy in chronic HBV infected patients. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:2355-61. [PMID: 22585383 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon-α is approved as one of the main therapeutic treatments for chronic hepatitis B virus infection, but only a small number of patients achieve sustained virological response. The molecular mechanisms underlying IFN-α resistance in those patients who do not respond remain elusive. Previous work in our laboratory identified the pre-activation of IFN signaling leading to increased expression of a subset of interferon stimulated genes in the pretreatment liver tissues of chronic HBV infected patients correlated with treatment non-response. AIMS We studied the cell-type specific gene expression of interferon stimulated genes in the liver of chronic HBV infected patients and the cellular basis of the phenotype through ISG15 and MxA protein expression. METHODS Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect the expression of ISG15 and MxA protein in the pretreatment liver tissues of chronic HBV infected patients and the expression patterns were correlated with treatment outcomes. RESULTS In the non-responders, ISG15 and MxA protein expression in the pretreatment liver tissues was more pronounced in hepatocytes while in the responders, ISG15 and MxA protein expression was more focused in macrophages. ISG15 and MxA proteins were occasionally expressed in hepatocytes in normal livers. CONCLUSION There were significant differences in the cell-type specific protein expression of ISG15 and MxA in the pretreatment liver tissues of chronic HBV infected patients between treatment responders and non-responders. An easy prediction method based on immunohistochemical stains of a subset of interferon stimulated genes may be developed to predict treatment outcomes of IFN therapy in chronic HBV infected patients.
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