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Mo Y, Jin F, Li D, Zou W, Zhong J, Tong Z, Wang W, Qian F. Prevalence and molecular characteristics of occult hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors in Huzhou City, eastern China. Gene 2024; 927:148718. [PMID: 38914243 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is a significant challenge for HBV prevention and control. We investigated the prevalence and surface (S) gene mutations of OBI among blood donors in Huzhou City, eastern China. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was routinely screened among 44,256 blood donors. HBV-DNA was detected using the Roche cobas®system. Serum samples that were HBsAg negative and HBV-DNA positive were selected, and the HBV S gene was amplified and sequenced. HBV genotype and S gene mutations were analyzed. The OBI rate in these blood donors was 0.070 % (31/44,256). Among the blood donors with OBI, only two cases (2/31, 6.5 %) were anti-HBc negative. The S gene sequences of 28 samples were successfully obtained, and we found that HBV genotype C (21/28, 70 %) was predominant among blood donors with OBI. Most S gene mutations were associated with OBI, and the high frequency mutations included N40S, G44E, Q51R/P, T113A/S,T118K/M, P120Q/S/T, and Y161F/S. Notably, amino acid substitutions at some sites differed from those reported previously, such as Y72F, G102V, P127L, Q129P, and S143T. Additionally, six novel mutations (S31I/N/R, P46L, S58C, C76Y, Y200F/C, and I208T) that may be associated with OBI were found. OBI was detected in a certain proportion of blood donors in Huzhou City. S gene mutations play an important role in OBI development. Further research is required to explore the functions of novel S gene mutants in OBI pathogenesis. The findings of this study may provide important insights to prevent HBV transmission through blood transfusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Mo
- Huzhou Center Blood Station, 577 Fenghuang Road, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Fang Jin
- Departmentof Precision Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China; Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Dongli Li
- Departmentof Precision Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China; Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Weihua Zou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Jianfeng Zhong
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Zhaowei Tong
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Weihong Wang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China
| | - Fuchu Qian
- Departmentof Precision Medicine, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital, Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China; Huzhou Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine Research and Translation for Infectious Diseases, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, China.
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Pondé RADA, Amorim GDSP. Exchanges in the 'a' determinant of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen revisited. Virology 2024; 599:110184. [PMID: 39127000 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus surface antigen's (HBsAg) 'a' determinant comprises a sequence of amino acid residues located in the major hydrophilic region of the S protein, whose exchanges are closely associated with compromising the antigenicity and immunogenicity of that antigen. The HBsAg is generally present in the bloodstream of individuals with acute or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is classically known as the HBV infection marker, and is therefore the first marker to be investigated in the laboratory in the clinical hypothesis of infection by this agent. One of the factors that compromises the HBsAg detection in the bloodstream by the assays adopted in serological screening in both clinical contexts is the loss of S protein antigenicity. This can occur due to mutations that emerge in the HBV genome regions that encode the S protein, especially for its immunodominant region - the 'a' determinant. These mutations can induce exchanges of amino acid residues in the S protein's primary structure, altering its tertiary structure and the antigenic conformation, which may not be recognized by anti-HBs antibodies, compromising the infection diagnosis. In addition, these exchanges can render ineffective the anti-HBs antibodies action acquired by vaccination, compromise the effectiveness of the chronically HBV infected patient's treatment, and also the HBsAg immunogenicity, by promoting its retention within the cell. In this review, the residues exchange that alter the S protein's structure is revisited, as well as the mechanisms that lead to the HBsAg antigenicity loss, and the clinical, laboratory and epidemiological consequences of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robério Amorim de Almeida Pondé
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde -SES/Superintendência de Vigilância Em Saúde-SUVISA/GO, Gerência de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Doenças Transmissíveis-GVEDT/Coordenação de Análises e Pesquisas-CAP, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Laboratory of Human Virology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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Phinius BB, Choga WT, Anderson M, Mokomane M, Gobe I, Ratsoma T, Phakedi B, Mpebe G, Bhebhe L, Gaolathe T, Mosepele M, Makhema J, Shapiro R, Lockman S, Musonda R, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S. Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in People Living with HIV in Rural and Peri-Urban Communities in Botswana. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1561. [PMID: 39062134 PMCID: PMC11275055 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV sequences from participants with HBV surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) serology and occult hepatitis B infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: We utilized archived plasma samples from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Botswana. HBV DNA was sequenced, genotyped and analyzed for mutations. We compared mutations from study sequences to those from previously generated HBV sequences in Botswana. The impact of OBI-associated mutations on protein function was assessed using the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer. (3) Results: Sequencing success was higher in HBsAg+ than in OBI+ samples [86/128 (67.2%) vs. 21/71 (29.2%)]. Overall, 93.5% (100/107) of sequences were genotype A1, 2.8% (3/107) were D3 and 3.7% (4/107) were E. We identified 13 escape mutations in 18/90 (20%) sequences with HBsAg coverage, with K122R having the highest frequency. The mutational profile of current sequences differed from previous Botswana HBV sequences, suggesting possible mutational changes over time. Mutations deemed to have an impact on protein function were tpQ6H, surfaceV194A and preCW28L. (4) Conclusions: We characterized HBV sequences from PLWH in Botswana. Escape mutations were prevalent and were not associated with OBI. Longitudinal HBV studies are needed to investigate HBV natural evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonolo B. Phinius
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana; (M.M.); (I.G.)
| | - Wonderful T. Choga
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana; (M.M.); (I.G.)
| | - Motswedi Anderson
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Private Bag X7, Congella, Durban 4013, South Africa
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Margaret Mokomane
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana; (M.M.); (I.G.)
| | - Irene Gobe
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana; (M.M.); (I.G.)
| | - Tsholofelo Ratsoma
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Basetsana Phakedi
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Gorata Mpebe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Lynnette Bhebhe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Tendani Gaolathe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana
| | - Mosepele Mosepele
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rosemary Musonda
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone Private Bag UB0022, Botswana; (M.M.); (I.G.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Cape Town 7602, South Africa
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone Private Bag BO320, Botswana; (B.B.P.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Anderson M, Mangogola T, Phinius BB, Mpebe G, Aimakhu CO, Choga WT, Phakedi B, Bhebhe LN, Ditshwanelo D, Baruti K, Mpofu-Dobo L, Othusitse L, Ratsoma T, Gaolathe T, Makhema J, Shapiro R, Lockman S, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S. Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence among HIV-Uninfected People Living in Rural and Peri-Urban Areas in Botswana. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1207. [PMID: 38930589 PMCID: PMC11205512 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: we determined the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) amongst people without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in rural and peri-urban areas in Botswana. (2) Methods: We screened for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from archived plasma samples of people without HIV (n = 2135) randomly selected from the Botswana Combination Prevention Program (BCPP) (2013-2018). We sequenced 415 bp of the surface region using BigDye sequencing chemistry. (3) Results: The median age of participants was 31 (IQR: 24-46) and 64% (1360/2135) were female. HBV prevalence was 4.0% (86/2135) [95% CI: 3.3-4.9]) and ranged between 0-9.2%. Older participants (>35 years) had increased odds of HBV positivity (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: [1.32-2.86]; p = 0.001). Thirteen samples were sequenced and seven (53.8%) were genotype A, three (23.1%) were genotype D and genotype E each. Clinically significant mutations were identified in the surface region, but no classic drug resistance mutations were identified. (4) Conclusions: We report an HBV prevalence of 4.0% (95% CI 3.3-4.9) among people without HIV in rural and peri-urban communities in Botswana with varying rates in different communities. A comprehensive national HBV program is required in Botswana to guide HBV prevention, testing and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motswedi Anderson
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban 4013, South Africa
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Thabo Mangogola
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Pan-African University (Life and Earth Sciences Institute), University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria;
| | - Bonolo B. Phinius
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Gorata Mpebe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Christopher O. Aimakhu
- Pan-African University (Life and Earth Sciences Institute), University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria;
| | - Wonderful T. Choga
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Basetsana Phakedi
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Lynnette N. Bhebhe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Doreen Ditshwanelo
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Kabo Baruti
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Linda Mpofu-Dobo
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Lebogang Othusitse
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Tsholofelo Ratsoma
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tendani Gaolathe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Private Bag UB 0022, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana; (M.A.); (T.M.); (B.B.P.); (G.M.); (W.T.C.); (B.P.); (L.N.B.); (D.D.); (K.B.); (L.M.-D.); (L.O.); (T.R.); (T.G.); (J.M.); (R.S.); (S.L.); (S.M.)
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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He C, Liu Y, Jiang X, Xu Z, Xiang Z, Lu Z. Frequency of HBsAg variants in occult hepatitis B virus infected patients and detection by ARCHITECT HBsAg quantitative. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1368473. [PMID: 38766475 PMCID: PMC11099262 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1368473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the amino acid substitution caused by mutations in the major hydrophilic region (MHR) of the S-region genes in the serum samples of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), and to explore the reasons for the missed detection of HBsAg. Method The full-length gene of the S-region in hepatitis B virus(HBV) in the chronic hepatitis B virus(CHB)(10 samples) and OBI groups(42 samples) was amplified using a lab-developed, two-round PCR amplification technology. The PCR amplification products were sequenced/clone sequenced, and the nucleotide sequences of the S-region gene in HBV were compared to the respective genotype consensus sequence. Results Only 20 of the 42 samples in the OBI group had the S-region genes successfully amplified, with the lowest HBV DNA load of 20.1IU/ml. As S-region genes in HBV, 68 cloned strains were sequenced. In the OBI and CHB groups MHR region, with a mutation rate of 3.21% (155/4828) and 0.70% (5/710). The genetic mutation rate was significantly higher in the OBI group than in the CHB group (P<0.05). The common mutation types in the MHR region were: I126T, L162R, K122E, C124R, and C147Y.Mutations at s122, s126, and s162 were associated with subgenotypes, most of which being C genotypes. The high-frequency mutation sites L162R and K122E found in this study have not been reported in previous literature. Conclusion The results of this study confirmed that MHR mutations can cause the missed detection of HBsAg, giving rise to OBI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhicheng Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wu J, He J, Xu H. Global prevalence of occult HBV infection in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101158. [PMID: 37748752 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Occult HBV infection (OBI) is a specific form of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and has the possibility of developing into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in adults. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of occult HBV infection in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for relevant studies on the prevalence of OBI in children and adolescents. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA 16 software. RESULTS Fifty studies were included. The overall prevalence of OBI in children and adolescents was 7.5% (95% CI: 0.050-0.103). In different risk populations, OBI prevalence was remarkably high in the HIV-infected population (24.2%, 95% CI: 0.000-0.788). The OBI prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI:0.000-0.029) in the healthy population, 3.8% (95% CI:0.012-0.074) in the general population, and 6.4% (95% CI: 0.021-0.124) in children born to HBsAg-positive mothers. Based on different serological profiles, the prevalence of OBI in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-positive patients was 6.6% (95% CI: 0.016-0.136), 3.0% (95% CI: 0.009-0.059) in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBc-negative patients, 4.6% (95% CI: 0.015-0.088) in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBs-positive patients, and 3.7% (95% CI: 0.001-0.102) in HBsAg-negative and anti-HBs-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS Despite HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), OBI is common in children and adolescents in high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China; The First batch of key Disciplines On Public Health in Chongqing, Health Commission of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayao He
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity, Chongqing, China; The First batch of key Disciplines On Public Health in Chongqing, Health Commission of Chongqing, Chongqing, China.
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7
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Liao F, Xie J, Du R, Gao W, Lan L, Wang M, Rong X, Fu Y, Wang H. Replication and Expression of the Consensus Genome of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C from the Chinese Population. Viruses 2023; 15:2302. [PMID: 38140543 PMCID: PMC10747539 DOI: 10.3390/v15122302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C is a prevalent HBV genotype in the Chinese population. Although genotype C shows higher sequence heterogeneity and more severe liver disease than other genotypes, its pathogenesis and immunological traits are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we first established and chemically synthesized the consensus sequence based on representative 138 full-length HBV genotype C genomes from the Chinese population. The pHBV1.3C plasmid system, containing a 1.3-fold full-length HBV genotype C consensus sequence, was constructed for subsequent validation. Next, we performed functional assays to investigate the replicative competence of pHBV1.3C in vitro through the transient transfection of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and validated the in vivo function via a hydrodynamic injection to BALB/c recipient mice. The in vitro investigation revealed that the extracellular HBV DNA and intracellular replicative intermediate (i.e., pregenomic RNA, pgRNA) were apparently measurable at 48 h, and the HBsAg and HBcAg were still positive in hepatoma cells at 96 h. We also found that HBsAg and HBeAg accumulated at the extracellular and intracellular levels in a time-dependent manner. The in vivo validation demonstrated that pHBV1.3C plasmids induced HBV viremia, triggered morphological changes and HBsAg- or HBcAg- positivity of hepatocytes, and ultimately caused inflammatory infiltration and focal or piecemeal necrosis in the livers of the murine recipients. HBV protein (HBsAg) colocalized with CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cells in the liver. F4/80+ Kupffer cells were abundantly recruited around the altered murine hepatocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that the synthetic consensus sequence of HBV genotype C is replication-competent in vitro and in vivo. This genotype C consensus genome supports the full HBV life cycle, which is conducive to studying its pathogenesis and immune response, screening novel antiviral agents, and further optimizing testing and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfang Liao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Junmou Xie
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Rongsong Du
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Wenbo Gao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Lanyin Lan
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Min Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xia Rong
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
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8
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Yi L, Wu J, Yang Z, Li Y, Lian J, Yao T, Feng S, Wang B, Feng Y, Wang S. Maternal A90V mutation in the PreS1 gene of sub-genotype C2 hepatitis B virus is associated with intrauterine transmission. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2023; 65:e46. [PMID: 37703117 PMCID: PMC10495115 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202365046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PreS/S gene mutations could impact virus secretion, infection and immune evasion. However, the relationship between PreS/S mutations and intrauterine transmission has not yet been clarified. Thus, we aimed to explore the associations between PreS/S gene mutations of HBV isolated from mothers and intrauterine transmission. We analyzed the mutations of PreS/S regions of the HBV genome in mothers with HBV DNA levels ≥ 106 IU/mL whose neonates experienced HBV intrauterine transmission (transmission group, GT) and those whose neonates did not experience intrauterine transmission (control group, GC) analyzed using clone-based sequencing. In total, 206 sequences were successfully amplified, including 98 sequences (from 21 mothers) from GT and 108 sequences (from 20 mothers) from GC of genotype C for mutational analysis. Among the 1203 nucleotides of PreS/S regions, there were 219 (18.20%) base substitutions, of which 103 (47.03%) base mutations caused amino acid changes. F80S, A90V and I68T were mutation hotspots. Mothers in GT had a higher mutation rate of A90V in the PreS1 gene than mothers in GC. The A90V mutation increased the risk of HBV intrauterine transmission after adjusting the maternal age and the mode of delivery (OR = 6.23, 95% CI: 1.18-32.97). Moreover, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for intrauterine transmission due to A90V and a combination of A90V with the mode of delivery were 0.723 (95% CI: 0.575 to 0.891, P = 0.011) and 0.848 (95% CI: 0.723 to 0.972, P < 0.001), respectively. Mothers with the A90V mutation in the PreS1 gene may be a potential risk factor for HBV intrauterine transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzhu Yi
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- Shanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiqing Yang
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yandi Li
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Jia Lian
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Tian Yao
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Shuying Feng
- Third People’s Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Third People’s Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yongliang Feng
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Suping Wang
- Shanxi Medical University, Department of Epidemiology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Medical University, Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence Based Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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9
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Han JJ, Hu YA, Nan Y, Chen Y, Yang YL. Decreased expression of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) with sK122R and sV96A co-mutation is associated with an ineffective antibody response in a chronic hepatitis B patient. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 111:105431. [PMID: 37015318 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2023.105431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergence and predominance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants carrying S gene mutations frequently occur in HBV-infected individuals. Here, coexistent serum anti-HBsAg antibody (HBsAb) and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected in a chronic HBV patient. The patient's HBsAg proteins possessed amino acid substitutions sK122R and sV96A. We reported this case and conducted relevant studies to investigate differences in expression levels and antibody neutralization of HBsAg proteins bearing sK122R and sV96A amino acid substitutions to explore causes of antigen-antibody coexistence in a chronic hepatitis B patient. STUDY DESIGN We first sequenced the S gene from HBV present within the patient's serum. Based on the S gene sequence, we cloned wild-type and mutated S gene sequences via site-directed mutagenesis to construct expression plasmids pJW4303-WT (wild-type), pJW4303-sV96A, pJW4303-sK122R, and pJW4303-sV96A-sK122R. Plasmids were transfected into HEK 293 T cells then culture supernatants and cells were collected. Collected cells and supernatants were next subjected to a series of quantitative and functional tests to assess expression and neutralization characteristics of wild-type and mutant HBsAg proteins. RESULTS Based on quantification of HBsAg expression in cells transfected with the four plasmids, HBsAg-sK122R-sV96A was more intracellularly retained and less secreted than HBsAg-sV96A single-mutant protein and WT. Neutralization ability of serum from chronic HBV patient against culture supernatants containing recombinant HBsAg proteins were ranked from highest to lowest as HBsAg-sV96A, HBsAg-sV96A-sK122R, and HBsAg-sK122R. However, no significant differences of neutralization efficiency by high-potency antibodies from HBV-vaccinees against these three mutant proteins were observed. CONCLUSIONS The levels of HBsAg proteins with amino acid substitutions sV96A-sK122R were greatly reduced in culture supernatants but were apparently increased in the intracellular fraction. This may account for the higher levels of HBV replication in patients. HBsAg neutralization by HBsAb in this patient may have been compromised by the HBsAg sK122R amino acid substitution, suggesting that antibodies produced by the patient had lost their HBV-neutralizing effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-An Hu
- Basic Medical Laboratory, Institute of Clinical Laboratory Science, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong-Lin Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu Province, China.
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10
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Jiang L, Wang H, Huang Y, Liang H, Wang X, Fan J. Reactivation of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a renal transplant recipient. Virol J 2022; 19:216. [PMID: 36522738 PMCID: PMC9753329 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01946-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in a renal transplant recipient. Reactivation manifested as an occult infection with detectable HBV-DNA and negativity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The anti-HBs antibody titre was above the protective threshold and continued to rise, to 951.36 mIU/ml, after HBV reactivation. Sequencing revealed multiple vaccine- and diagnostic-escape mutations in the major hydrophilic region of HBsAg. This case demonstrates both reactivation of an HBV escape mutant in a vaccinated patient and host immunity after virus mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jiang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Huiqi Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Yaping Huang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Hanying Liang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Jun Fan
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XState Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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11
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Low Risk of Occult Hepatitis B Infection among Vietnamese Blood Donors. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11121524. [PMID: 36558858 PMCID: PMC9786887 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11121524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of low levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and undetectable HBsAg in the blood. The prevalence of OBI in blood donors in Asia ranges from 0.013% (China) to 10.9% (Laos), with no data available from Vietnam so far. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of OBI among Vietnamese blood donors. A total of 623 (114 women and 509 men) HBsAg-negative blood donors were screened for anti-HBc and anti-HBs by ELISA assays. In addition, DNA from sera was isolated and nested PCR was performed for the HBV surface gene (S); a fragment of the S gene was then sequenced in positive samples. The results revealed that 39% (n = 242) of blood donors were positive for anti-HBc, and 70% (n = 434) were positive for anti-HBs, with 36% (n = 223) being positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs. In addition, 3% of blood donors (n = 19) were positive for anti-HBc only, and 34% (n = 211) had only anti-HBs as serological marker. A total of 27% (n = 170) were seronegative for any marker. Two of the blood donors (0.3%) were OBI-positive and sequencing revealed that HBV sequences belonged to HBV genotype B, which is the predominant genotype in Vietnam.
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12
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Sun H, Chang L, Yan Y, Ji H, Jiang X, Song S, Xiao Y, Lu Z, Wang L. Naturally occurring pre-S mutations promote occult HBV infection by affecting pre-S2/S promoter activity. Antiviral Res 2022; 208:105448. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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13
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Yan Y, Sun H, Chang L, Ji H, Jiang X, Song S, Xiao Y, Feng K, Nuermaimaiti A, Lu Z, Wang L. Circulating immune complexes and mutations of HBsAg are associated with the undetectable HBsAg in anti-HBs and HBeAg positive occult hepatitis B virus infection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1063616. [DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1063616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionOccult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is an HBsAg negative state in HBV infection with usually inactive HBV replication. However, there were a minority of individuals with positive HBeAg and anti-HBs among OBI blood donors and few studies have focused on this unusual serological pattern.Methods2022 plasma of blood donors that preliminary screened reactive for HBV DNA and non-reactive for HBsAg were collected from 16 provinces in China from 2015 to 2018. HBV DNA and HBsAg in these samples were retested using the Cobas TaqScreen MPX test and ARCHITECT HBsAg Quantitative II assay. Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ assay and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-double precipitation following HCl and trypsin digestion were performed to detect HBsAg from HBsAg-anti-HBs circulating immune complexes (CICs).Results1487 of 2022 samples were positive for Cobas HBV DNA test and non-reactive for ARCHITECT HBsAg assay, while 404 of them were positive using Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ assay. 10 HBsAg-/anti-HBs+/HBeAg+ OBI blood donor samples were further dissociated and HBsAg-CICs were detected in 7 samples. Sequencing analysis showed that D44N, N98T, G73S, Del 56-116, and I161T occurred in the pre-S region, and immune escape mutations such as P127T, F134L, G145R, V168A, and I126T/S in the S region were found.DiscussionIn conclusion, there were a minority of HBsAg-/anti-HBs+/HBeAg+ individuals in OBI blood donors. The undetectable HBsAg in these individuals was mainly due to HBsAg-CICs. Immune escape-associated mutations also happened under the host’s selective pressure. HBsAg dissociation methods or Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ assay is recommended to distinguish these individuals.
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14
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Jiang X, Chang L, Yan Y, Ji H, Sun H, Xiao Y, Song S, Feng K, Nuermaimaiti A, Wang L. Role of S Protein Transmembrane Domain Mutations in the Development of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:2184-2196. [PMID: 35976035 PMCID: PMC9518280 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2114849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Occult HBV infection (OBI) is a special infection status during Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The underlying mechanism of its occurrence remains unclear. This study conducted sequencing analysis on 104 OBI plasma samples and 524 HBsAg positive samples from 29 blood centres, and searched for high-frequency mutations in transmembrane domain (TMD) of S protein in the OBI population. Plasmids with TMD high-frequency mutations were constructed, in vivo and in vitro functional experiments were performed to investigate possible molecular mechanisms of OBI occurrence. We found 22 high-frequency TMD mutations in genotype B OBI strains. Among them, five mutations can lead to impairment of HBsAg secretion; seven mutations had accumulated intracellular HBsAg while extracellular HBsAg didn’t decrease compared to wildtype. This study chose C85R from TMD2, F220C, and F220Y from TMD4 for further exploration. Protein structure predication showed these three mutant HBsAg displayed changed hydrophilic properties and tended to accumulate in the phospholipid bilayer of cell membrane. Mutant HBsAg’s secretion disorder may induce OBI. On the other hand, V168A + V177A from TMD3 expressed increased HBsAg both in intracellular and extracellular levels. This mutation had most unstable natural conformation and may be inclined to transition into V177A or V168A + S174N + V177A. These three mutations were more prone to mixed infection, presenting a state of coexistence, thus approaching the impaired secretion pattern of OBI. This study demonstrated TMD mutations could contribute to the occurrence of OBI and provided a theoretical basis for OBI study and the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Le Chang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Ying Yan
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Huizhen Sun
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Yingzi Xiao
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Shi Song
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Kaihao Feng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology; Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, P.R. China.,Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China."
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15
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Research Progress on the Mechanism of Persistent Low-Level HBsAg Expression in the Serum of Patients with Chronic HBV Infection. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:1372705. [PMID: 35465353 PMCID: PMC9020929 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1372705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Among HBV-infected persons, there is a group of people with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) showing persistently low levels of expression. The production of low-level HBsAg does not mean a good outcome of chronic HBV infection. Patients still have virus replication and sustained liver damage, and they have the potential to transmit the infection. This risk poses a challenge to clinical diagnosis and blood transfusion safety and is a major concern of experts. However, the mechanism behind persistent low-level HBsAg expression in serum is not completely clear, and complete virus clearance by the host is vital. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the mechanism behind low-level expression of HBsAg in patients with chronic HBV infection in recent years.
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16
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Tan G, Fei Z, Wei R, Wu X, Xiao P. Development of a Novel Bioluminescence Pyrophosphate Assay for the High-Sensitivity Detection of Hepatitis B Virus. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 194:725-736. [PMID: 34519921 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03655-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of bloodborne viruses through transfusion remains a major blood supply-related safety concern, with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) being the most important pathogens in this context. Real-time bioluminescent pyrophosphate testing has been developed as a means of readily detecting bacterial cells within particular sample types without requiring the use of expensive or complex instrumentation. The sensitivity of this approach, however, is often limited such that it is not compatible with many potential applications. In this study, we sought to overcome the limitations of this pyrophosphate bioluminescent assay format by using 2-deoxyadenosine-5-(α-thio)-triphosphate (dATPαS) in place of dATP for PCR amplification, thereby dramatically reducing background signal levels. We leveraged this combination PCR and bioluminescent pyrophosphate assay approach to facilitate HBV detection. This assay yielded a limit of detection of 500 copies/mL, making it more sensitive than traditional bioluminescent assays, about 1000 times more sensitive than that of PCR product analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis, and roughly as sensitive as qPCR as a means of detecting viral DNA. We then used this assay to analyze 100 serum samples, with qPCR being used for result validation. The assay required 100 min to complete, and was able to detect as few as 500 copies/mL of viral DNA. Overall, our approach was rapid, sensitive, and simple, enabling users to readily detect HBV in a reliable and efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolei Tan
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Lu 1#, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Zhongjie Fei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Si Pai Lou 2#, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Rongbin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Si Pai Lou 2#, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Xuping Wu
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Lu 1#, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210003, China.
| | - Pengfeng Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Si Pai Lou 2#, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, 210096, China.
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5' preS1 mutations to prevent large envelope protein expression from hepatitis B virus genotype A or genotype D markedly increase polymerase-envelope fusion protein. J Virol 2022; 96:e0172321. [PMID: 35019714 PMCID: PMC8906437 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01723-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) large (L) envelope protein is translated from 2.4-kb RNA. It contains preS1, preS2, and S domains and is detected in Western blot as p39 and gp42. The 3.5-kb pregenomic RNA produces core and polymerase (P) proteins. We generated L-minus mutants of a genotype A clone and a genotype D clone from 1.1mer or 1.3mer construct, with the former overproducing pregenomic RNA. Surprisingly, mutating preS1 ATG codon(s) or introducing a nonsense mutation soon afterwards switched secreted p39/gp42 into p41/p44 doublet, with its amount further increased by a nonsense mutation in the core gene. A more downstream preS1 nonsense mutation prevented p41/p44 production. Tunicamycin treatment confirmed p44 as glycosylated form of p41. In this regard splicing of 3.5-kb RNA to generate nt2447-nt2902 junction for genotype D enables translation of p43, with N-terminal 47 residues of P protein fused to C-terminal 371 residues of L protein. Indeed p41/p44 were detectable by an antibody against N-terminus of P protein, and eliminated by a nonsense mutation at 5' P gene or a point mutation to prevent that splicing. Therefore, lost L (and core) protein expression from 1.1mer or 1.3mer construct markedly increased p41/p44 (p43), the P-L fusion protein. Co-transfection with an expression construct for L/M proteins reversed high extracellular p41/p44 associated with L-minus mutants, suggesting that L protein retains p43 in wild-type HBV to promote its intracellular degradation. Considering that p43 lacks N-terminal preS1 sequence critical for receptor binding, its physiological significance during natural infection and therapeutic potential warrant further investigation. IMPORTANCE The large (L) envelope protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is translated from 2.4-kb RNA and detected in Western blot as p39 and gp42. Polymerase (P) protein is expressed at a low level from 3.5-kb RNA. The major spliced form of 3.5-kb RNA will produce a fusion protein between the first 47 residues of P protein and a short irrelevant sequence, although also at a low level. Another spliced form has the same P protein sequence fused to L protein missing its first 18 residues. We found that some point mutations to eliminate L and core protein expression from overlength HBV DNA constructs converted p39/gp42 into p41/gp44, which turned out to be that P-L fusion protein. Thus, the P-L fusion protein can be expressed at extremely high level when L protein expression is prevented. The underlying mechanism and functional significance of this variant form of L protein warrant further investigation.
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Wang H, Liao F, Xie J, Gao W, Wang M, Huang J, Xu R, Liao Q, Shan Z, Zheng Y, Rong X, Li C, Fu Y. E2 Site Mutations in S Protein Strongly Affect Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Detection in the Occult Hepatitis B Virus. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:664833. [PMID: 34867835 PMCID: PMC8635997 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.664833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) has not yet been fully clarified. Our previous research found that novel OBI-related mutation within S protein, E2G, could cause the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion impairment, which resulted in intracellular accumulation in OBI of genotype B. Here, to further explore the role of E2 site mutations in the occurrence of OBI, we analyzed these site mutations among 119 OBI strains identified from blood donors. Meanwhile, 109 wild-type HBV strains (HBsAg positive/HBV DNA positive) were used as control group. Furthermore, to verify the E2 site mutations, two conservative 1.3-fold full-gene expression vectors of HBV genotype B and C (pHBV1.3B and pHBV1.3C) were constructed. Then, the E2 mutant plasmids on the basis of pHBV1.3B or pHBV1.3C were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells, respectively. The extracellular and intracellular HBsAg were analyzed by electrochemical luminescence and cellular immunohistochemistry. The structural characteristics of S proteins with or without E2 mutations were analyzed using relevant bioinformatics software. E2 mutations (E2G/A/V/D) existed in 21.8% (26/119) of OBIs, while no E2 mutations were found in the control group. E2G/A/V/D mutations could strongly affect extracellular and intracellular level of HBsAg (p < 0.05). Notably, unlike E2G in genotype B that could cause HBsAg intracellular accumulation and secretion decrease (p < 0.05), E2G in genotype C could lead to a very significant HBsAg decrease both extracellularly (0.46% vs. pHBV1.3C) and intracellularly (11.2% vs. pHBV1.3C) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, for E2G/A mutations, the relative intracellular HBsAg (110.7-338.3% vs. extracellular) and its fluorescence intensity (1.5-2.4-fold vs. with genotype-matched pHBV1.3B/C) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Furthermore, N-terminal signal peptides, with a typical cleavage site for peptidase at positions 27 and 28, were exclusively detected in S proteins with secretion-defective mutants (E2G/A). Our findings suggest that: (1) E2G/A/V/D mutations were confirmed to significantly influence the detection of HBsAg, (2) the underlying mechanism of OBI caused by E2G mutation is quite different between genotype B and genotype C, and (3) E2G/A could produce a N-terminal truncated S protein, which might attribute to the HBsAg secretion impairment in the OBIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Junmo Xie
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Gao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Ru Xu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Liao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Xia Rong
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyao Li
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Molecular and Serological Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Positive Samples with Very Low or Undetectable Levels of HBV Surface Antigen. Viruses 2021; 13:v13102053. [PMID: 34696483 PMCID: PMC8537069 DOI: 10.3390/v13102053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gaps remain in the detection of nucleic acid test (NAT) yield and occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) by current HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) assays. The lack of detection may be due to HBsAg levels below current assay detection limits, mutations affecting HBsAg assays or HBsAg levels, or the masking of HBsAg by antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs). In this study, we evaluate the incremental detection of NAT yield and OBI from five diverse geographic areas by an improved sensitivity HBsAg assay and characterize the samples relative to the viral load, anti-HBs status, and PreS1-S2-S mutations. Included is a comparison population with HBV DNA levels comparable to OBI, but with readily detectable HBsAg (High Surface-Low DNA, HSLD). METHODS A total of 347 samples collected from the USA, South Africa, Spain, Cameroon, Vietnam, and Cote D'Ivoire representing NAT yield (HBsAg(-), antibody to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc)(-), HBV DNA(+), N = 131), OBI (HBsAg(-), anti-HBc(+), HBV DNA(+), N = 188), and HSLD (HBsAg(+), anti-HBc(+), HBV DNA(+), N = 28) were tested with ARCHITECT HBsAg NEXT (HBsAgNx) (sensitivity 0.005 IU/mL). The sequencing of the PreS1-S2-S genes from a subset of 177 samples was performed to determine the genotype and assess amino acid variability, particularly in anti-HBs(+) samples. RESULTS HBsAgNx detected 44/131 (33.6%) NAT yield and 42/188 (22.3%) OBI samples. Mean HBV DNA levels for NAT yield and OBI samples were lower in HBsAgNx(-) (50.3 and 25.9 IU/mL) than in HBsAgNx(+) samples (384.1 and 139.5 IU/mL). Anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL was present in 28.6% HBsAgNx(+) and 45.2% HBsAgNx(-) OBI, and in 3.6% HSLD samples. The genotypes were A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F, and H. There was no significant difference between HBsAgNx(-) and HBsAgNx(+) in the proportion of samples harboring substitutions or in the mean number of substitutions per sample in PreS1, PreS2, or S for the NAT yield or OBI (p range: 0.1231 to >0.9999). A total of 21/27 (77.8%) of HBsAgNx(+) OBI carried S escape mutations, insertions, or stop codons. HSLD had more PreS1 and fewer S substitutions compared to both HBsAgNx(-) and HBsAgNx(+) OBI. Mutations/deletions associated with impaired HBsAg secretion were observed in the OBI group. CONCLUSIONS HBsAgNx provides the improved detection of NAT yield and OBI samples. Samples that remain undetected by HBsAgNx have exceptionally low HBsAg levels below the assay detection limit, likely due to low viremia or the suppression of HBsAg expression by host and viral factors.
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Expression Level of Small Envelope Protein in Addition to Sequence Divergence inside Its Major Hydrophilic Region Contributes to More Efficient Surface Antigen Secretion by Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype D2 than Subgenotype A2. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090967. [PMID: 32882910 PMCID: PMC7552069 DOI: 10.3390/v12090967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) promotes persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It primarily corresponds to small (S) envelope protein secreted as subviral particles. We previously found that genotype D clones expressed less S protein than genotype A clones but showed higher extracellular/intracellular ratio of HBsAg suggesting more efficient secretion. The current study aimed to characterize the underlying mechanism(s) by comparing a subgenotype A2 clone (geno5.4) with a subgenotype D2 clone (geno1.2). Five types of full-length or subgenomic constructs were transfected to Huh7 cells at different dosage. HBsAg was quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay while envelope proteins were detected by Western blot. We found that ratio of extracellular/intracellular HBsAg decreased at increasing amounts of DNA transfected. Conflicting findings from two types of subgenomic construct confirmed stronger secretion inhibitory effect of the genotype D-derived large envelope protein. Chimeric constructs followed by site-directed mutagenesis revealed geno1.2 specific V118/T127 and F161/A168 in the S protein as promoting and inhibitory of HBsAg secretion, respectively. In conclusion, more efficient HBsAg secretion by subgenotype D2 than subgenotype A2 is attributed to lower level of S protein expression in addition to V118 and T127 in S protein, although its F161 and A168 sequences rather reduce HBsAg secretion.
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