1
|
Grzegorzewska AE, Mostowska A, Świderska MK, Marcinkowski W, Stolarek I, Figlerowicz M, Jagodziński PP. Polymorphism rs368234815 of interferon lambda 4 gene and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in haemodialysis patients: a case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:102. [PMID: 33482747 PMCID: PMC7821534 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05777-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In non-uremic subjects, IFNL4 rs368234815 predicts HCV clearance. We investigated whether rs368234815 is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in haemodialysis patients and whether it is a stronger predictor of HCV resolution than the IFNL polymorphisms already associated with HCV clearance in dialysis subjects. We also evaluated an association of rs368234815 with patients` survival and alterations in transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) caused by IFNL polymorphisms. METHODS Among 161 haemodialysis patients with positive anti-HCV antibodies, 68 (42.2%) spontaneously resolved HCV infection, whereas 93 remained HCV RNA positive. Patients were tested for near IFNL3 rs12980275, IFNL3 rs4803217, IFNL4 rs12979860, IFNL4 rs368234815, and near IFNL4 rs8099917. IFNL4 rs368234815 polymorphism (TT/TT, ΔG/TT, ΔG/ΔG) was genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis; other IFNL polymorphisms - by high resolution melting curve analysis. We used the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test for survival analysis. In silico analysis included the use of ENCODE TFBS ChIP-seq data, HOCOMOCO, JASPAR CORE, and CIS-BP databases, and FIMO software. RESULTS The probability (OR, 95%CI, P) of spontaneous HCV clearance for rs368234815 TT/TT patients was higher than for the ΔG allele carriers (2.63, 1.38-5.04, 0.003). This probability for other major homozygotes varied between 2.80, 1.45-5.43, 0.002 for rs12980275 and 2.44, 1.27-4.69, 0.007 for rs12979860. In the additive model, rs368234815 TT/TT was the strongest predictor of HCV clearance (6.38, 1.69-24.2, 0.003). Survival analysis suggested an association of the ΔG allele with mortality due to neoplasms (log-rank P = 0.005). The rs368234815 ∆G allele caused TFBS removal for PLAGL1. CONCLUSIONS In haemodialysis patients, the association of rs368234815 with the spontaneous HCV clearance is better than that documented for other IFNL3/IFNL4 polymorphisms only in the additive mode of inheritance. However, identifying the homozygosity in the variant ∆G allele of rs368234815 means a more potent prediction of persistent HCV infection in haemodialysis subjects that we observe in the case of the variant homozygosity of other tested IFNL3/IFNL4 polymorphisms. Removal of PLAGL1 TFBS in subjects harbouring the rs368234815 ∆G allele may contribute to cancer susceptibility. The association of rs368234815 with cancer-related mortality needs further studies in HCV-exposed subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja E. Grzegorzewska
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Adrianna Mostowska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Święcickiego 6, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika K. Świderska
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Ireneusz Stolarek
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Figlerowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł P. Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Święcickiego 6, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rujescu D, Herrling M, Hartmann AM, Maul S, Giegling I, Konte B, Strupp M. High-risk Allele for Herpes Labialis Severity at the IFNL3/4 Locus is Associated With Vestibular Neuritis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:570638. [PMID: 33133009 PMCID: PMC7579408 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.570638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Vestibular neuritis (VN) is a peripheral vestibular disorder leading to a sudden loss of unilateral vestibular function. Although the underlying etiological mechanisms for disease development are not yet known, there is evidence that a latent infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) might be involved. The polymorphism rs12979860 has been associated with the severity of recurrent herpes labialis and hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance and treatment outcome and is located within the first intron of the IFNL4 gene on chromosome 19.q13.2. This case control study was conducted to evaluate the association of rs12979860 with VN occurrence. Methods: DNA was extracted from EDTA blood of 151 VN patients and 1,775 healthy controls. Genotyping of rs12979860 was performed using iPLEX and MassARRAY Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization—Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. For association analyses, an additive, dominant and recessive logistic regression model was calculated, using age and sex as covariates. Results: A significant association of rs12979860 with VN was obtained for the additive [OR = 1.51 (1.18–1.92); p = 9.23 × 10−4] and dominant models [OR = 2.15 (1.48–3.13); p = 5.86 × 10−5], with the T allele being more frequent in the VN group. Conclusion: By detecting a significant association of the rs12979860-T risk allele for herpes labialis severity with susceptibility to VN, this study gives further indirect evidence for an involvement of HSV-1 in VN pathology, thereby strengthening the virus hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marko Herrling
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette M Hartmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Stephan Maul
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ina Giegling
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bettina Konte
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Strupp
- German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grzegorzewska AE. Genetic Polymorphisms within Interferon-λ Region and Interferon-λ3 in the Human Pathophysiology: Their Contribution to Outcome, Treatment, and Prevention of Infections with Hepatotropic Viruses. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:4832-4851. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180719121142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
:
Genetic polymorphisms within the interferon λ (IFN-λ) chromosomal region,
mainly rs12979860 of IFN-λ4 gene (IFNL4), are known as associated with spontaneous hepatitis
C virus (HCV) resolution and sustained viral response to therapy with pegylated interferon-
α and ribavirin. Strong linkage disequilibrium of IFNL4 rs12979860 with IFNL4
rs368234815, which is casually associated with HCV spontaneous and therapeutical eradication,
at least partially explains favorable HCV outcomes attributed to major homozygosity in
rs12979860. Effects of IFN-based antiviral treatment are associated with pretreatment expression
of the IFN-λ1 receptor, expression of hepatic IFN-stimulated genes, production of IFN-
λ4, and preactivation of the JAK-STAT signaling. Nowadays direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)
became a potent tool in the treatment of hepatitis C, but IFN-λs are still under investigation as
potential antivirals and might be an option in HCV infection (DAA resistance, recurrent viremia,
adverse effects).
:
Patients with altered immunocompetence are especially prone to infections. In uremic subjects,
polymorphisms within the IFN-λ chromosomal region associate with spontaneous HCV
clearance, similarly like in the non-uremic population. Circulating IFN-λ3 shows a positive
correlation with plasma titers of antibodies to surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (anti-HBs),
which are crucial for protection against hepatitis B virus. More efficient anti-HBs production
in the presence of higher IFN-λ3 levels might occur due to IFN-λ3-induced regulation of indoleamine
2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression. IFN-stimulated response element is a part of
IDO gene promoter. It is worth further investigation whether IDO gene, circulating IDO, genetic
polymorphisms within the IFN-λ region, and circulating IFN-λ3 act in concordance in
immunological response to hepatotropic viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicja E. Grzegorzewska
- Chair and Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Inoue-Shinomiya E, Murakawa M, Asahina Y, Nakagawa M, Tsuchiya J, Sato A, Tsunoda T, Miyoshi M, Nitta S, Kawai-Kitahata F, Itsui Y, Azuma S, Kakinuma S, Murata K, Mizokami M, Watanabe M. Association of serum interferon-λ3 levels with hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:500-511. [PMID: 30623518 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13307] [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: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Although the efficacy of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is improved dramatically by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains important. Interferon lambda 3 (IFN-λ3) is associated with liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, but its impact on carcinogenesis remains controversial and little is known about its effects after viral clearance. To determine the contribution of IFN-λ3 to hepatocarcinogenesis after HCV clearance, we analyzed IFNL3 genotypes and serial serum IFN-λ3 levels in CHC patients who achieved sustained virologic responses (SVR). METHODS This study comprised 201 CHC patients treated with DAAs. Serum samples were collected sequentially and IFN-λ3 levels were quantified by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. The IFNL3 polymorphism (rs8099917) was genotyped in 195 patients. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-five patients were rs8099917 T/T and 70 were non-T/T. Serum IFN-λ3 levels did not differ significantly with IFNL3 genotype, dropped markedly by 1 week and remained low up to 24 weeks after the end of treatment. Interferon-λ3 levels were significantly higher after viral clearance in patients who developed HCC and were associated with a higher potential for hepatocarcinogenesis, such as a higher frequency of non-hypervascular hypointensive nodules (P = 0.046), higher stages of liver fibrosis (P < 0.001), and higher post-treatment levels of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac-2 binding protein (P < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serum IFN-λ3 levels after HCV clearance are associated with the potential for HCC development. Interferon-λ3 could be helpful for elucidating the relationships among immunologic status, liver fibrosis, liver inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis, after achieving SVR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emi Inoue-Shinomiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyako Murakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Hospital of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Asahina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mina Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nitta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fukiko Kawai-Kitahata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Itsui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seishin Azuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sei Kakinuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumoto Murata
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Nasushiobara, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Annibali O, Piccioni L, Tomarchio V, Circhetta E, Sarlo C, Franceschini L, Cantonetti M, Rizzo E, Angeletti S, Tirindelli MC, Scagnolari C, Statzu M, Avvisati G, Riva E. Impact of IFN lambda 3/4 single nucleotide polymorphisms on the cytomegalovirus reactivation in autologous stem cell transplant patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200221. [PMID: 30036376 PMCID: PMC6056038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection represents one of the main cause mortality after Stem Cell Transplantation. Recently, a protective effect of the T allele of rs12979860 IL28B Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) against CMV infection in the allogenic stem cell transplantation was suggested. We investigate whether the rs12979860 IL28B SNP and the relative rs368234815 (IFNλ4) genotype may affect the incidence of active CMV infection in Autologous stem cell transplantation (Auto-SCT) setting. The study included 99 patients who underwent to Auto-SCT. IL28 and IFNΔ4 SNPs were correlated with CMV reactivation along with other clinical and treatment parameters. CMV reactivation by CMV DNAemia was evaluated once a week until day 100 from Auto-SCT. CMV reactivation was documented in 50% (TT-ΔG/ΔG), 35% (CC-TT/TT) and 29.2% (CT-TT/ΔG) of the patients respectively. No differences in CMV copies number were recorded at reactivation between different IL28/IFNλ4 genotypes. The analysis of patients older than 60 years showed a significantly higher incidence of active CMV infection in the TT-ΔG/ΔG (83%) population with respect to CC-TT/TT (21%) and CT-TT/ΔG (40%) patients. Our data suggest a negative role of TT-ΔG/ΔG genotype in the CMV reactivation in Auto-SCT. The exposure to rituximab and the pre-infusion presence of anti CMV IgG also significantly influenced CMV reactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Annibali
- Unit of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Piccioni
- Laboratory of Virology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Tomarchio
- Unit of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Erika Circhetta
- Unit of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Sarlo
- Unit of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Franceschini
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cantonetti
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rizzo
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Laboratory of Pathology and Microbiology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maura Statzu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Avvisati
- Unit of Hematology, Stem Cell Transplantation, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Riva
- Laboratory of Virology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tai D, Jeng W, Lin C. A global perspective on hepatitis B-related single nucleotide polymorphisms and evolution during human migration. Hepatol Commun 2017; 1:1005-1013. [PMID: 29404438 PMCID: PMC5721408 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have indicated that human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DP and HLA-DQ play roles in persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Asia. To understand the evolution of HBV-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and to correlate these SNPs with chronic HBV infection among different populations, we conducted a global perspective study on hepatitis-related SNPs. We selected 12 HBV-related SNPs on the HLA locus and two HBV and three hepatitis C virus immune-related SNPs for analysis. Five nasopharyngeal carcinoma-related SNPs served as controls. All SNP data worldwide from 26 populations were downloaded from 1,000 genomes. We found a dramatic difference in the allele frequency in most of the HBV- and HLA-related SNPs in East Asia compared to the other continents. A sharp change in allele frequency in 8 of 12 SNPs was found between Bengali populations in Bangladesh and Chinese Dai populations in Xishuangbanna, China (P < 0.001); these areas represent the junction of South and East Asia. For the immune-related SNPs, significant changes were found after leaving Africa. Most of these genes shifted from higher expression genotypes in Africa to lower expression genotypes in either Europe or South Asia (P < 0.001). During this two-stage adaptation, immunity adjusted toward a weak immune response, which could have been a survival strategy during human migration to East Asia. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in Africa is as high as in Asia; however, the HBV-related SNP genotypes are not present in Africa, and so the genetic mechanism of chronic HBV infection in Africa needs further exploration. Conclusion: Two stages of genetic changes toward a weak immune response occurred when humans migrated out of Africa. These changes could be a survival strategy for avoiding cytokine storms and surviving in new environments. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:1005-1013).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dar‐In Tai
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou Medical CenterTaoyuan CityTaiwan
| | - Wen‐Juei Jeng
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou Medical CenterTaoyuan CityTaiwan
| | - Chun‐Yen Lin
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial HospitalLinkou Medical CenterTaoyuan CityTaiwan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Syedbasha M, Egli A. Interferon Lambda: Modulating Immunity in Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2017; 8:119. [PMID: 28293236 PMCID: PMC5328987 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambdas (IFN-λs; IFNL1-4) modulate immunity in the context of infections and autoimmune diseases, through a network of induced genes. IFN-λs act by binding to the heterodimeric IFN-λ receptor (IFNLR), activating a STAT phosphorylation-dependent signaling cascade. Thereby hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes are induced, which modulate various immune functions via complex forward and feedback loops. When compared to the well-characterized IFN-α signaling cascade, three important differences have been discovered. First, the IFNLR is not ubiquitously expressed: in particular, immune cells show significant variation in the expression levels of and susceptibilities to IFN-λs. Second, the binding affinities of individual IFN-λs to the IFNLR varies greatly and are generally lower compared to the binding affinities of IFN-α to its receptor. Finally, genetic variation in the form of a series of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to genes involved in the IFN-λ signaling cascade has been described and associated with the clinical course and treatment outcomes of hepatitis B and C virus infection. The clinical impact of IFN-λ signaling and the SNP variations may, however, reach far beyond viral hepatitis. Recent publications show important roles for IFN-λs in a broad range of viral infections such as human T-cell leukemia type-1 virus, rotaviruses, and influenza virus. IFN-λ also potentially modulates the course of bacterial colonization and infections as shown for Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although the immunological processes involved in controlling viral and bacterial infections are distinct, IFN-λs may interfere at various levels: as an innate immune cytokine with direct antiviral effects; or as a modulator of IFN-α-induced signaling via the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 inhibitory feedback loops. In addition, the modulation of adaptive immune functions via macrophage and dendritic cell polarization, and subsequent priming, activation, and proliferation of pathogen-specific T- and B-cells may also be important elements associated with infectious disease outcomes. This review summarizes the emerging details of the IFN-λ immunobiology in the context of the host immune response and viral and bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammedyaseen Syedbasha
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Adrian Egli
- Applied Microbiology Research, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Murakawa M, Asahina Y, Kawai-Kitahata F, Nakagawa M, Nitta S, Otani S, Nagata H, Kaneko S, Asano Y, Tsunoda T, Miyoshi M, Itsui Y, Azuma S, Kakinuma S, Tanaka Y, Iijima S, Tsuchiya K, Izumi N, Tohda S, Watanabe M. Hepatic IFNL4 expression is associated with non-response to interferon-based therapy through the regulation of basal interferon-stimulated gene expression in chronic hepatitis C patients. J Med Virol 2017; 89:1241-1247. [PMID: 28036111 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene located upstream of IFNL3 are associated with response to anti-HCV therapy both in interferon (IFN)-based and IFN-free regimens. IFNL4 encodes IFNλ4, a newly discovered type III IFN, and its expression is controlled by rs368234815-TT/ΔG, which is in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with other tag SNPs within or near IFNL4 such as rs12979860 and rs8099917. Intrahepatic expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) affect the responsiveness to IFNα and are also associated with IFNL4 genotype. However, IFNL4 expressions and its role in intrinsic antiviral innate immunity remain unclear. This study evaluated the effect of IFNL4 on intrahepatic ISG expression and investigated its relationship with treatment outcomes in liver samples obtained from 49 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated (PEG)-IFN/ribavirin therapy. IFNL4 mRNA was detected in 11 of 22 patients with IFNL4-unfavorable SNPs but not in patients with favorable genotypes. IFNL4 expression was associated with non-response to PEG-IFN/ribavirin therapy. Intrahepatic expression of antiviral ISGs (ISG15 and MX1) was significantly higher in IFNL4-unfavorable patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA than in patients with undetectable IFNL4 mRNA, whereas the expression of suppressive ISGs (RNF125, SOCS1, SOCS3, and RNF11) was lower in patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA. In summary, intrahepatic expression of IFNL4 was associated with increased antiviral ISG expression and decreased suppressive ISG expression at baseline, resulting in poor responsiveness to IFNα-based therapy in HCV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miyako Murakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Asahina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fukiko Kawai-Kitahata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mina Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nitta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nagata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Asano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Tsunoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Itsui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seishin Azuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sei Kakinuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Medical Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sayuki Iijima
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Namiki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuji Tohda
- Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mehta M, Hetta HF, Abdel-Hameed EA, Rouster SD, Hossain M, Mekky MA, Khalil NK, Mohamed WA, El-Feky MA, Ahmed SH, Daef EA, El-Mokhtar MA, Abdelwahab SF, Medhat A, Sherman KE, Shata MTM. Association between IL28B rs12979860 single nucleotide polymorphism and the frequency of colonic Treg in chronically HCV-infected patients. Arch Virol 2016; 161:3161-9. [PMID: 27544760 PMCID: PMC5035222 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-3015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The IL28B gene is associated with spontaneous or treatment-induced HCV viral clearance. However, the mechanism by which the IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affects the extra-hepatic HCV immune responses and its relationship to HCV pathogenesis have not been thoroughly investigated. To examine the mechanism by which IL28B affects HCV clearance. Forty Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection receiving an Interferon/ribavirin treatment regimen were enrolled into this study. There were two groups: non-responders (NR; n = 20) and sustained virologic responders (SVR; n = 20). The initial plasma HCV viral loads prior to treatment and IL28B genotypes were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and sequencing, respectively. Liver biopsies were examined to determine the inflammatory score and the stage of fibrosis. Colonic regulatory T cell (Treg) frequency was estimated by immunohistochemistry. No significant association between IL28B genotypes and response to therapy was identified, despite an odds ratio of 3.4 to have the TT genotype in NR compared to SVR (95 % confidence interval 0.3-35.3, p = 0.3). Patients with the TT-IL28Brs12979860 genotype (unfavorable genotype) have significantly higher frequencies of colonic Treg compared to the CT (p = 0.04) and CC (p = 0.03) genotypes. The frequency of colonic Treg cells in HCV-infected patients had a strong association with the IL-28B genotype and may have a significant impact on HCV clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minesh Mehta
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | - Helal F Hetta
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Enass A Abdel-Hameed
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | - Susan D Rouster
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | - MdMonir Hossain
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mohamed A Mekky
- Department of Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Nasr K Khalil
- Assiut Liver Institute for Treatment of Hepatitis C, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Wegdan A Mohamed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Feky
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Shabaan H Ahmed
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Enas A Daef
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A El-Mokhtar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sayed F Abdelwahab
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minya, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Medhat
- Department of Gastroenterology and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Kenneth E Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | - Mohamed Tarek M Shata
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert B. Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Saint James School of Medicine, Saint Vincent, Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chinnaswamy S. Gene-disease association with human IFNL locus polymorphisms extends beyond hepatitis C virus infections. Genes Immun 2016; 17:265-75. [PMID: 27278127 PMCID: PMC7091887 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2016.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) lambda (IFN-λ or type III IFN) gene polymorphisms were discovered in the year 2009 to have a strong association with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human hosts. This landmark discovery also brought renewed interest in type III IFN biology. After more than half a decade since this discovery, we now have reports that show that genetic association of IFNL gene polymorphisms in humans is not limited only to HCV infections but extends beyond, to include varied diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, allergy and several other viral diseases including that caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. Notably, all these conditions have strong involvement of host innate immune responses. After the discovery of a deletion polymorphism that leads to the expression of a functional IFN-λ4 as the prime 'functional' variant, the relevance of other polymorphisms regulating the expression of IFN-λ3 is in doubt. Herein, I seek to critically address these issues and review the current literature to provide a framework to help further understanding of IFN-λ biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Chinnaswamy
- National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Kalyani, West Bengal India
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wei L, Han T, Yang D, Heo J, Shang J, Cheng J, Chen X, Xie Q, Kim JH, Kalmeijer R, Ouwerkerk-Mahadevan S, Hoeben E, Lenz O, Verbinnen T, Sinha R, Li M, Scott J, Peeters M, Witek J. Simeprevir plus peginterferon/ribavirin for HCV genotype 1-infected treatment-naïve patients in China and South Korea. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 31:912-20. [PMID: 26777137 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Approximately one-third of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 1 infection live in East Asia. This study evaluated the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of simeprevir plus peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin (PR) in HCV GT1-infected, treatment-naïve, Asian patients with compensated liver disease. METHODS This phase III, randomized study (NCT01725529) was conducted in China and South Korea. Patients received simeprevir 150 mg once daily (QD), simeprevir 100 mg QD, or placebo, in combination with PR for 12 weeks. Patients in the simeprevir groups received PR alone for a further 12 or 36 weeks based on response-guided treatment criteria. Patients in the placebo group received a further 36 weeks of PR alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after planned end of treatment (SVR12). Secondary endpoints were safety, pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS Overall, 457 patients were treated; the majority had GT1b infection (452/457 [99%]) and IL28B CC GT (364/457 [80%]). Of the 454 patients who had liver biopsy, 26 had cirrhosis (6%). SVR12 rates were superior for both the simeprevir 100 mg (89%; P = 0.003) and 150 mg (91%; P < 0.001) groups versus placebo (76%). Adverse events were mainly grade 1/2 and occurred at a similar incidence across all treatment groups. Overall, eight patients (2%) discontinued simeprevir or placebo treatment because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Both simeprevir (100 mg and 150 mg QD) plus PR achieved superiority in SVR12 versus placebo plus PR in treatment-naïve, HCV GT1-infected, Asian patients and were well tolerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute and Peking Key Laboratory for Hepatitis C and Immune Therapy, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Han
- Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jeong Heo
- Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jia Shang
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Chen
- Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju-Hyun Kim
- Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Eva Hoeben
- Janssen Research & Development BVBA, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | - Rekha Sinha
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
| | - MengChun Li
- China R&D and Scientific Affairs, Xi'an Janssen Pharmaceutical Company, Beijing, China
| | - Jane Scott
- Janssen Global Services LLC, High Wycombe, UK
| | | | - James Witek
- Janssen Research & Development LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ferraris P, Chandra PK, Panigrahi R, Aboulnasr F, Chava S, Kurt R, Pawlotsky JM, Wilkens L, Osterlund P, Hartmann R, Balart LA, Wu T, Dash S. Cellular Mechanism for Impaired Hepatitis C Virus Clearance by Interferon Associated with IFNL3 Gene Polymorphisms Relates to Intrahepatic Interferon-λ Expression. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:938-51. [PMID: 26896692 PMCID: PMC5807932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The single nucleotide polymorphism located within the IFNL3 (also known as IL28B) promoter is one of the host factors associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance by interferon (IFN)-α therapy; however the mechanism remains unknown. We investigated how IL28B gene polymorphism influences HCV clearance with infected primary human hepatocytes, liver biopsies, and hepatoma cell lines. Our study confirms that the rs12979860-T/T genotype has a strong correlation with ss469415590-ΔG/ΔG single nucleotide polymorphism that produces IFN-λ4 protein. We found that IFN-α and IFN-λ1 antiviral activity against HCV was impaired in IL28B T/T infected hepatocytes compared with C/C genotype. Western blot analysis showed that IL28B TT genotype hepatocytes expressed higher levels of IFN-λ proteins (IL28B, IL-29), preactivated IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, and impaired Stat phosphorylation when stimulated with either IFN-α or IFN-λ1. Furthermore, we showed that silencing IFN-λ1 in T/T cell line reduced basal ISG expression and improved antiviral activity. Likewise, overexpression of IFN-λ (1 to 4) in C/C cells induced basal ISG expression and prevented IFN-α antiviral activity. We showed that IFN-λ4, produced at low level only in T/T cells induced expression of IL28B and IL-29 and prevented IFN-α antiviral activity in HCV cell culture. Our results suggest that IFN-λ4 protein expression associated with the IL28B-T/T variant preactivates the Janus kinase-Stat signaling, leading to impaired HCV clearance by both IFN-α and IFN-λ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Ferraris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Partha K Chandra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Rajesh Panigrahi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Fatma Aboulnasr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Srinivas Chava
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Ramazan Kurt
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- Department of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Mondor de la Recherche, Creteil, France
| | - Ludwig Wilkens
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pamela Osterlund
- Department of Vaccination and Immune Protection Viral Infections, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rune Hartmann
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Luis A Balart
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana; Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chinnaswamy S, Bhushan A, Behera AK, Ghosh S, Rampurkar V, Chandra V, Pandit B, Kundu TK. Roles for Transcription Factors Sp1, NF-κB, IRF3, and IRF7 in Expression of the Human IFNL4 Gene. Viral Immunol 2016; 29:49-63. [PMID: 26684959 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2015.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of a biologically active human IFNλ4 depends on the presence of a frameshift deletion polymorphism within the first exon of the interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene. In this report, we use the lung carcinoma-derived cell line, A549, which is genetically viable to express a functional IFNλ4, to address transcriptional requirements of the IFNL4 gene. We show that the GC-rich DNA-binding transcription factor (TF) specificity protein 1 (Sp1) is recruited to the IFNL4 promoter and has a role in induction of gene expression upon stimulation with viral RNA mimic poly(I:C). By using RNAi and overexpression strategies, we also show key roles in IFNL4 gene expression for the virus-inducible TFs, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and IRF7. Interestingly, we also observe that overexpression of IFNλ4 influences IFNL4 promoter activity, which may further be dependent on the retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptor pathway. Together, our work for the first time reports on the functional characterization of the human IFNL4 promoter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anand Bhushan
- 1 National Institute of Biomedical Genomics , Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Amit K Behera
- 2 Transcription and Disease Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Bangalore, India
| | - Sumona Ghosh
- 1 National Institute of Biomedical Genomics , Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Vijay Rampurkar
- 1 National Institute of Biomedical Genomics , Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Vikas Chandra
- 1 National Institute of Biomedical Genomics , Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Bhaswati Pandit
- 1 National Institute of Biomedical Genomics , Kalyani, West Bengal, India
| | - Tapas K Kundu
- 2 Transcription and Disease Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Onabajo OO, Porter-Gill P, Paquin A, Rao N, Liu L, Tang W, Brand N, Prokunina-Olsson L. Expression of Interferon Lambda 4 Is Associated with Reduced Proliferation and Increased Cell Death in Human Hepatic Cells. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2015; 35:888-900. [PMID: 26134097 PMCID: PMC4642834 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2014.0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) is a novel type-III interferon that can be generated only in individuals carrying a ΔG frame-shift allele of an exonic genetic variant (rs368234815-ΔG/TT). The rs368234815-ΔG allele is strongly associated with decreased clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Here, we further explored the biological function of IFN-λ4 expressed in human hepatic cells—a hepatoma cell line HepG2 and fresh primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). We performed live confocal imaging, cell death and proliferation assays, mRNA expression profiling, protein detection, and antibody blocking assays using transient and inducible stable in vitro systems. Not only did we observe significant intracellular retention of IFN-λ4 but also detected secreted IFN-λ4 in the culture media of expressing cells. Secreted IFN-λ4 induced strong activation of the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in IFN-λ4-expressing and surrounding cells in transwell assays. Specifically, in PHHs, secreted IFN-λ4 induced expression of the CXCL10 transcript and a corresponding pro-inflammatory chemokine, IP-10. In IFN-λ4-expressing HepG2 cells, we also observed decreased proliferation and increased cell death. All IFN-λ4-induced phenotypes—activation of ISGs, decreased proliferation, and increased cell death—could be inhibited by an anti-IFN-λ4-specific antibody. Our study offers new insights into biology of IFN-λ4 and its possible role in HCV clearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olusegun O Onabajo
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Patricia Porter-Gill
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ashley Paquin
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nina Rao
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Luyang Liu
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nathan Brand
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ludmila Prokunina-Olsson
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|