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Hou L, Zhao J, Cai L, Jin L, Liu B, Li S, Yang J, Ji T, Li S, Shi L, Shen B, Yu H, Wang Y, Cai X. HBV PreC interacts with SUV39H1 to induce viral replication by blocking the proteasomal degradation of viral polymerase. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29607. [PMID: 38628076 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29607] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seropositivity during the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is known to coincide with significant increases in serum and intrahepatic HBV DNA levels. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that PreC (HBeAg precursor) genetic ablation leads to reduced viral replication both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PreC impedes the proteasomal degradation of HBV polymerase, promoting viral replication. We discovered that PreC interacts with SUV39H1, a histone methyltransferase, resulting in a reduction in the expression of Cdt2, an adaptor protein of CRL4 E3 ligase targeting HBV polymerase. SUV39H1 induces H3K9 trimethylation of the Cdt2 promoter in a PreC-induced manner. CRISPR-mediated knockout of endogenous SUV39H1 or pharmaceutical inhibition of SUV39H1 decreases HBV loads in the mouse liver. Additionally, genetic depletion of Cdt2 in the mouse liver abrogates PreC-related HBV replication. Interestingly, a negative correlation of intrahepatic Cdt2 with serum HBeAg and HBV DNA load was observed in CHB patient samples. Our study thus sheds light on the mechanistic role of PreC in inducing HBV replication and identifies potential therapeutic targets for HBV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liuxin Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songyi Li
- Animal Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
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Padarath K, Deroubaix A, Kramvis A. The Complex Role of HBeAg and Its Precursors in the Pathway to Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040857. [PMID: 37112837 PMCID: PMC10144019 DOI: 10.3390/v15040857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the seven known human oncogenic viruses and has adapted to coexist with a single host for prolonged periods, requiring continuous manipulation of immunity and cell fate decisions. The persistence of HBV infection is associated with the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and various HBV proteins have been implicated in promoting this persistence. The precursor of hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg), is translated from the precore/core region and is post-translationally modified to yield HBeAg, which is secreted in the serum. HBeAg is a non-particulate protein of HBV and can act as both a tolerogen and an immunogen. HBeAg can protect hepatocytes from apoptosis by interfering with host signalling pathways and acting as a decoy to the immune response. By evading the immune response and interfering with apoptosis, HBeAg has the potential to contribute to the hepatocarcinogenic potential of HBV. In particular, this review summarises the various signalling pathways through which HBeAg and its precursors can promote hepatocarcinogenesis via the various hallmarks of cancer.
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Hall SAL, Burns GS, Mooney BJ, Millen R, Morris R, Vogrin S, Sundararajan V, Ratnam D, Levy MT, Lubel JS, Nicoll AJ, Strasser SI, Sievert W, Desmond PV, Ngu MC, Angus P, Sinclair M, Meredith C, Matthews G, Revill PA, Jackson K, Littlejohn M, Bowden S, Locarnini SA, Thompson AJ, Visvanathan K. Hepatitis B Virus Flares After Nucleot(s)ide Analogue Cessation Are Associated With Activation of Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Pathways. J Infect Dis 2022; 227:123-132. [PMID: 36108079 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the patterns of peripheral Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling activity and the expression of TLRs and natural killer (NK) cell activation in a cohort of patients experiencing severe hepatitis flares after stopping nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) therapy. METHODS Samples were collected longitudinally from patients with chronic hepatitis B who were enrolled in a prospective study of NA discontinuation. Patients experiencing hepatitis flares were compared with patients with normal alanine aminotransferase. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with TLR ligands and cytokine secretion in the cell culture supernatant measured. Expression of TLR2/4, NKG2D, NKp46, and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) on monocytes, NK, and NK-T cells was measured. RESULTS Seventeen patients with severe reactivation hepatitis flares were compared to 12 nonflare patients. Hepatitis flares were associated with increased activity of TLR2-8 and TLR9 signaling in PBMCs at the time of peak flare compared to baseline. Hepatitis flares were also associated with (1) upregulation of TLR2 and (2) TREM-1 receptor expression on NK. There were no differences at baseline between flare patients and nonflare patients. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis flares off NA therapy have a significant innate inflammatory response with upregulation of TLR signaling on peripheral monocytes and TLR2 and TREM-1 expression on NK cells. This implicates the innate immune system in the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B flares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A L Hall
- Gastroenterology Department of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gareth S Burns
- Gastroenterology Department of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Mooney
- Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rosemary Millen
- Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Morris
- Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sara Vogrin
- Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Dilip Ratnam
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Miriam T Levy
- Gastroenterology Department of Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - John S Lubel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amanda J Nicoll
- Gastroenterology Department of Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Sievert
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul V Desmond
- Gastroenterology Department of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meng C Ngu
- Gastroenterology Department of Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Angus
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marie Sinclair
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Gail Matthews
- Department of infectious Disease, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, SydneyAustralia
| | - Peter A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kathy Jackson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Littlejohn
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Bowden
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen A Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- Gastroenterology Department of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kumar Visvanathan
- Gastroenterology Department of St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Ohlendorf V, Wübbolding M, Gineste P, Höner Zu Siederdissen C, Bremer B, Wedemeyer H, Cornberg M, Maasoumy B. Low anti-HBc levels are associated with lower risk of virological relapse after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in HBe antigen-negative patients. Liver Int 2022; 42:2674-2682. [PMID: 36152268 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Low anti-HBc serum levels at the time of therapy cessation were linked to a higher relapse risk in predominantly HBeAg-positive cohorts. We investigated the association of anti-HBc levels with relapse in HBeAg-negative patients. METHODS Serum levels of anti-HBc, HBsAg and HBcrAg were determined in 136 HBeAg-negative patients, participating in a vaccination trial (ABX-203, NCT02249988), before treatment cessation or vaccination. Importantly, vaccination showed no impact on relapse. The correlation between the biomarkers and their predictive value for relapse (HBV DNA >2000 IU/ml ± ALT >2xULN) was investigated. RESULTS After therapy cessation 50% (N = 68) of patients relapsed. Median anti-HBc prior to treatment stop was significantly higher among relapsers compared to off-treatment responders (520 IU/ml vs. 330 IU/mL, p = .0098). The optimal anti-HBc cut-off to predict relapse was 325 IU/ml according to the Youden-Index. About 35% of patients with anti-HBc level < 325 IU/ml versus 60% of those with values ≥325 IU/mL relapsed (p = .0103; sensitivity 50%, specificity 75%). Combining the optimal cut-offs of HBsAg (>3008 IU/mL) or HBcrAg (≥1790 U/ml) with anti-HBc increased the proportion of patients with relapse to 80% (p < .0001) and 74% (p = .0006), respectively. CONCLUSION In contrast to predominantly HBeAg-positive cohorts, in our cohort of HBeAg-negative patients lower anti-HBc levels are associated with a significantly lower relapse risk after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation. The vast majority of included patients were either genotype B or C and the applicability to other genotypes has to be further evaluated. However, anti-HBc level as an indicator of the host response might be prospectively further explored for prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Ohlendorf
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian Wübbolding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture of Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner-Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Birgit Bremer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner-Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture of Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner-Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine (CiiM), a joint venture of Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner-Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany
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5
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He Y, Zhou Y, Wang H, Peng X, Chang Y, Hu P, Ren H, Xu H. The efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a and entecavir in HBeAg-positive children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis B. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:426. [PMID: 35854256 PMCID: PMC9297582 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03482-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Pegylated interferon alpha-2a (peg-IFN α-2a) and entecavir (ETV) are both recommended as the first-line antiviral drugs for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) at present. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between peg-IFN α-2a and ETV initial therapy in children and adolescents with CHB and investigate the potential factors affecting the treatment response during the first 48 weeks. Methods We retrospectively selected 70 treatment-naïve children and adolescents with CHB who received peg-IFN α-2a(n = 26) or ETV(n = 44) as initial therapy and completed 48-week follow-up for data analysis. Blood samples before treatment were collected from 26 patients of the cohort to assess the cytokine profiles. Results We found that initial peg-IFN therapy results in higher rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) serological response (SR) but lower rates of virological and biochemical response rates compared to ETV at week 48. As for achieving hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) SR, peg-IFN was comparable to ETV in the univariate analysis and turned out to be better than ETV after adjustment for important baseline factors. We also found that elevated pre-treatment IL-18 level was significantly associated with HBeAg SR, and remained as the only independent factor of predicting HBeAg SR after adjustment for other important factors. No serious adverse effects of the 2 drugs were reported during the 48-week follow-up. Conclusions comparing to ETV, peg-IFN was superior in achieving HBsAg and HBeAg SR; higher baseline IL-18 levels were independently associated with HBeAg SR in this study of children and adolescents with CHB. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03482-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Department of Infection, 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 Medical University, 136, Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingzhi Zhou
- Department of Infection, 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 Medical University, 136, Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Department of Infection, 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 Medical University, 136, Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Peng
- Department of Infection, 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 Medical University, 136, Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunan Chang
- Department of Infection, 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 Medical University, 136, Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Xu
- Department of Infection, 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 Medical University, 136, Zhongshan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014, People's Republic of China.
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You H, Qin S, Zhang F, Hu W, Li X, Liu D, Kong F, Pan X, Zheng K, Tang R. Regulation of Pattern-Recognition Receptor Signaling by HBX During Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:829923. [PMID: 35251017 PMCID: PMC8891514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.829923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a small DNA virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) plays a pivotal role in the development of various liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Among the molecules encoded by this virus, the HBV X protein (HBX) is a viral transactivator that plays a vital role in HBV replication and virus-associated diseases. Accumulating evidence so far indicates that pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are at the front-line of the host defense responses to restrict the virus by inducing the expression of interferons and various inflammatory factors. However, depending on HBX, the virus can control PRR signaling by modulating the expression and activity of essential molecules involved in the toll-like receptor (TLR), retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR), and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathways, to not only facilitate HBV replication, but also promote the development of viral diseases. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that are linked to the regulation of PRR signaling mediated by HBX to inhibit innate immunity, regulation of viral propagation, virus-induced inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis. Given the importance of PRRs in the control of HBV replication, we propose that a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of cellular factors involved in PRR signaling induced by the viral protein may open new avenues for the treatment of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Suping Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliate Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Xiaocui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group Suqian Hospital, The Affiliate Suqian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Suqian, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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7
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Li M, Sun F, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Lu Y, Zhang L, Wan G, Yi W, Zhao L, Xie Y. Consolidation treatment needed for sustained HBsAg-negative response induced by interferon-alpha in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Virol Sin 2022; 37:390-397. [PMID: 35257963 PMCID: PMC9243604 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is considered as functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to assess the durability of HBsAg clearance achieved by interferon-based therapies in patients with CHB who were originally positive for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg). In this prospective study, HBeAg-positive CHB patients with confirmed HBsAg loss under interferon-based therapies were enrolled within 12 weeks from end of treatment and followed up for 48 weeks. Virological markers, biochemical indicators, and liver imaging examinations were observed every 3–6 months. Sustained functional cure was analysed as primary outcome. Factor associated with sustained HBsAg loss or reversion was also investigated. The rate of HBsAg loss sustainability was 91.8% (212/231). Patients receiving consolidation treatment for 12–24 weeks or ≥ 24 weeks had higher rates of sustained HBsAg negativity than those receiving consolidation treatment for < 12 weeks (98.3% and 91.2% vs. 86.7%, P = 0.068), and the former groups had significantly higher anti-HBs levels than the later (P < 0.05). The cumulative incidence of HBsAg reversion and HBV DNA reversion was 8.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Consolidation treatment of ≥ 12 weeks [odd ratio (OR) 3.318, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.077–10.224, P = 0.037) was a predictor of sustained functional cure, and HBeAg-positivity at cessation of treatment (OR 12.271, 95% CI 1.076–139.919, P = 0.043) was a predictor of HBsAg reversion. Interferon-alpha induced functional cure was durable and a consolidation treatment of ≥ 12–24 weeks was needed after HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. It is a large prospective study of clinical cure in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. It showed the functional cure induced by interferon-alpha was durable. The extended IFN therapy is critical for HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Therapy of IFN consolidation ≥12–24 weeks is necessary in the clinical cure of CHB.
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8
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Taverniti V, Ligat G, Debing Y, Kum DB, Baumert TF, Verrier ER. Capsid Assembly Modulators as Antiviral Agents against HBV: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051349. [PMID: 35268440 PMCID: PMC8911156 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a preventive vaccine being available, more than 250 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a major cause of liver disease and HCC. HBV infects human hepatocytes where it establishes its genome, the cccDNA with chromosomal features. Therapies controlling HBV replication exist; however, they are not sufficient to eradicate HBV cccDNA, the main cause for HBV persistence in patients. Core protein is the building block of HBV nucleocapsid. This viral protein modulates almost every step of the HBV life cycle; hence, it represents an attractive target for the development of new antiviral therapies. Capsid assembly modulators (CAM) bind to core dimers and perturb the proper nucleocapsid assembly. The potent antiviral activity of CAM has been demonstrated in cell-based and in vivo models. Moreover, several CAMs have entered clinical development. The aim of this review is to summarize the mechanism of action (MoA) and the advancements in the clinical development of CAMs and in the characterization of their mod of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Taverniti
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
| | - Gaëtan Ligat
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
| | - Yannick Debing
- Aligos Belgium BV, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; (Y.D.); (D.B.K.)
| | | | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-Digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Eloi R. Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMR_S1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (V.T.); (G.L.); (T.F.B.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Xu C, Chen J, Chen X. Host Innate Immunity Against Hepatitis Viruses and Viral Immune Evasion. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:740464. [PMID: 34803956 PMCID: PMC8598044 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.740464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis viruses are primary causative agents of hepatitis and represent a major source of public health problems in the world. The host innate immune system forms the first line of defense against hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis viruses are sensed by specific pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) that subsequently trigger the innate immune response and interferon (IFN) production. However, hepatitis viruses evade host immune surveillance via multiple strategies, which help compromise the innate immune response and create a favorable environment for viral replication. Therefore, this article reviews published findings regarding host innate immune sensing and response against hepatitis viruses. Furthermore, we also focus on how hepatitis viruses abrogate the antiviral effects of the host innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chonghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jizheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Zhao F, Xie X, Tan X, Yu H, Tian M, Lv H, Qin C, Qi J, Zhu Q. The Functions of Hepatitis B Virus Encoding Proteins: Viral Persistence and Liver Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:691766. [PMID: 34456908 PMCID: PMC8387624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.691766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with Hepatitis B virus (HBV), contributing to a large burden on public health. Despite the existence of vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent infection and suppress viral replication respectively, chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cure remains a remote treatment goal. The viral persistence caused by HBV is account for the chronic infection which increases the risk for developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV virion utilizes various strategies to escape surveillance of host immune system therefore enhancing its replication, while the precise mechanisms involved remain elusive. Accumulating evidence suggests that the proteins encoded by HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, hepatitis B envelope antigen, HBx and polymerase) play an important role in viral persistence and liver pathogenesis. This review summarizes the major findings in functions of HBV encoding proteins, illustrating how these proteins affect hepatocytes and the immune system, which may open new venues for CHB therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglin Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongli Yu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China
| | - Miaomiao Tian
- Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Huanran Lv
- Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengyong Qin
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianni Qi
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Qiang Zhu
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering and Technological Research Center for Liver Diseases Prevention and Control, Jinan, China.,Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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11
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Wijaya RS, Read SA, Schibeci S, Han S, Azardaryany MK, van der Poorten D, Lin R, Yuen L, Lam V, Douglas MW, George J, Ahlenstiel G. Expansion of dysfunctional CD56-CD16+ NK cells in chronic hepatitis B patients. Liver Int 2021; 41:969-981. [PMID: 33411395 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are primary innate effector cells that play an important role in the control of human viral infections. During chronic viral infection, NK cells undergo significant changes in phenotype, function and subset distribution, including the appearance of CD56-CD16+ (CD56-) NK cells, previously identified in chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus infection. However, the presence of CD56- NK cells in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains unknown. METHODS Phenotype and function of CD56- NK cells from patients with CHB (n = 28) were assessed using flow cytometry and in vitro stimulation with HBV antigen. RESULTS CHB patients had a higher frequency of CD56- NK cells compared to healthy controls in peripheral blood (6.2% vs 1.4%, P < .0001). Compared to CD56+ NK cells, CD56- NK cells had increased expression of inhibitory receptors, and reduced expression of activating receptors, as measured by MFI and qPCR. CD56- NK cells were less responsive to target cell and cytokine stimulation compared to their CD56+ counterparts. In addition, CD56- NK cells demonstrated defective dendritic cells (DCs) interactions resulting in reduced DCs maturation, lower expression of NK CD69 and impaired capacity of NK cells to eliminate immature DCs in co-culture studies. Finally, frequency of CD56- NK cells was positively correlated with serum HBV DNA levels. CONCLUSION Chronic HBV infection induces the expansion of highly dysfunctional of CD56- NK cells that likely contribute to inefficient innate and adaptive antiviral immune response in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna S Wijaya
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University, Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Scott A Read
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Schibeci
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Shuanglin Han
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mahmoud K Azardaryany
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rita Lin
- Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Lawrence Yuen
- Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Vincent Lam
- Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Golo Ahlenstiel
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Clinical School, Western Sydney University, Blacktown, NSW, Australia.,Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
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12
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Lei Q, Li T, Kong L, Li L, Ding X, Wang X, Zhang X, Qin B. HBV-Pol is crucial for HBV-mediated inhibition of inflammasome activation and IL-1β production. Liver Int 2019; 39:2273-2284. [PMID: 31419377 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most critical factor underlying liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. IL-1β and IL-18, generated by activation of the inflammasome/caspase-1 signaling pathway, play important roles in the control and clearance of HBV. However, the specific relationship between the inflammasome response and IFN-α resistance or viral persistence is yet to be established. METHODS Blood samples of patients and supernatant fractions of HBV cell lines were collected for analysis and the effects on inflammasome activation and IL-1β production evaluated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS IL-1β and IL-18 levels produced in sera of IFN-α non-responders were significantly lower than those of responders and normal donors. Additionally, expression of IL-1β and inflammasome components was decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of non-responders, compared with those of responders. In vitro experiments on HepG2, HepG2.2.15 and HepAD38 cell lines showed that HBV induces a significant decrease in IL-1β production through inhibiting activation of the NF-κB signaling and inflammasome/caspase-1 pathways. And hepatitis B virus polymerase (HBV-Pol) appeared crucial for these inhibitory effects of HBV. CONCLUSION IL-1β production is suppressed in HBV carriers and IFN-α non-responders. HBV induces a significant decrease in IL-1β production through inhibiting the NF-κB signaling and inflammasome pathways, for which HBV-Pol is a crucial requirement. Trial approval number: 20 173 402.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsong Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Oncology Radiotherapy Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianju Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Ninth Peoples Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingna Kong
- School of Nursing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of hepatic diseases, Chongqing Tranditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Parasitic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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13
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Yan Z, Wu D, Hu H, Zeng J, Yu X, Xu Z, Zhou Z, Zhou X, Yang G, Young JA, Gao L. Direct Inhibition of Hepatitis B e Antigen by Core Protein Allosteric Modulator. Hepatology 2019; 70:11-24. [PMID: 30664279 PMCID: PMC6618080 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is an important immunomodulator for promoting host immune tolerance during chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. In patients with CHB, HBeAg loss and seroconversion represent partial immune control of CHB infection and are regarded as valuable endpoints. However, the current approved treatments have only a limited efficacy in achieving HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive patients. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein has been recognized as an attractive antiviral target, and two classes of core protein allosteric modulator (CpAM) have been discovered: the phenylpropenamides (PPAs) and the heteroaryldihydropyrimidines (HAPs). However, their differentiation and potential therapeutic benefit beyond HBV DNA inhibition remain to be seen. Here, we show that in contrast to PPA series compound AT-130, a HAP CpAM, HAP_R01, reduced HBeAg levels in multiple in vitro and in vivo HBV experimental models. Mechanistically, we found that HAP_R01 treatment caused the misassembly of capsids formed by purified HBeAg in vitro. In addition, HAP_R01 directly reduces HBeAg levels by inducing intracellular precore protein misassembly and aggregation. Using a HAP_R01-resistant mutant, we found that HAP_R01-mediated HBeAg and core protein reductions were mediated through the same mechanism. Furthermore, HAP_R01 treatment substantially reduced serum HBeAg levels in an HBV mouse model. Conclusion: Unlike PPA series compound AT-130, HAP_R01 not only inhibits HBV DNA levels but also directly reduces HBeAg through induction of its misassembly. HAP_R01, as well as other similar CpAMs, has the potential to achieve higher anti-HBeAg seroconversion rates than currently approved therapies for patients with CHB. Our findings also provide guidance for dose selection when designing clinical trials with molecules from HAP series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Yan
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Daitze Wu
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Hu
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Zeng
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Yu
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Zheng Zhou
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Xue Zhou
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | - Guang Yang
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
| | | | - Lu Gao
- Roche Innovation Center ShanghaiShanghaiChina
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14
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Mitra B, Wang J, Kim ES, Mao R, Dong M, Liu Y, Zhang J, Guo H. Hepatitis B Virus Precore Protein p22 Inhibits Alpha Interferon Signaling by Blocking STAT Nuclear Translocation. J Virol 2019; 93:e00196-19. [PMID: 31019054 PMCID: PMC6580977 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00196-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antagonism of host immune defenses against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by the viral proteins is speculated to cause HBV persistence and the development of chronic hepatitis. The circulating hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg, p17) is known to manipulate host immune responses to assist in the establishment of persistent viral infection, and HBeAg-positive (HBeAg+) patients respond less effectively to IFN-α therapy than do HBeAg-negative (HBeAg-) patients in clinical practice. However, the function(s) of the intracellular form of HBeAg, previously reported as the precore protein intermediate (p22) without the N-terminal signal peptide, remains elusive. Here, we report that the cytosolic p22 protein, but not the secreted HBeAg, significantly reduces interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) activity and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) upon alpha interferon (IFN-α) stimulation in cell cultures. In line with this, HBeAg+ patients exhibit weaker induction of ISGs in their livers than do HBeAg- patients upon IFN-α therapy. Mechanistically, while p22 does not alter the total STAT1 or pSTAT1 levels in cells treated with IFN-α, it blocks the nuclear translocation of pSTAT1 by interacting with the nuclear transport factor karyopherin α1 through its C-terminal arginine-rich domain. In summary, our study suggests that HBV precore protein, specifically the p22 form, impedes JAK-STAT signaling to help the virus evade the host innate immune response and, thus, causes resistance to IFN therapy.IMPORTANCE Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major global health concern, and patients who fail to mount an efficient immune response to clear the virus will develop a life-long chronic infection that can progress to chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no definite cure for chronic hepatitis B, and alpha interferon (IFN-α) is the only available immunomodulatory drug, to which only a minority of chronic patients are responsive, with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients responding better than HBeAg-positive patients. We herein report that the intracellular HBeAg, also known as precore or p22, inhibits the antiviral signaling of IFN-α, which sheds light on the enigmatic function of precore protein in shaping HBV chronicity and provides a perspective toward areas that need to be further studied to make the current therapy better until a cure is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Elena S Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhui Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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15
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Amirpour-Rostami S, Kazemi Arababadi M. IL-18 and IL-1β Gene Polymorphisms: The Plausible Risk Factors for Chronic Hepatitis B. Viral Immunol 2019; 32:208-213. [PMID: 31084469 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2018.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the main risk factor for induction of liver cirrhosis and also hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Although our knowledge is growing regarding molecular mechanisms of immune responses against viruses, the main mechanisms that lead to the progression of chronic inflammation and then CHB are yet to be clarified. IL-18 and IL-1β are the members of the IL-1 family and produced in the cytoplasm of a wide range of immune and nonimmune cells and activated by inflammasome pathways. The cytokines play key roles in the pathologies of CHB. IL-18 and IL-1β productions are altered in CHB patients. It has been hypothesized that the polymorphisms within IL-18 and IL-1β genes may be the main reasons for the induction of chronic inflammation in CHB patients. This review article discusses the related investigations regarding the main correlation between the polymorphisms within IL-18 and IL-1β genes and CHB pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Amirpour-Rostami
- 1 Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- 2 Immunology of Infectious Diseases Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.,3 Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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16
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Milich DR. Is the function of the HBeAg really unknown? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2019; 15:2187-2191. [PMID: 31063442 PMCID: PMC6773382 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1607132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine in newborns of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive or HBeAg-negative mothers is the subject of Huang et al. The authors report no correlation between the HBeAg status of the mothers/cord blood and the newborns immune response to the vaccine, but, unfortunately, draw unfounded conclusions regarding the tolerogenic potential of in utero exposure to HBeAg. In this reply, I address the possible influence of in utero exposure to the HBeAg, and briefly review other characteristics of the HBeAg, that may promote HBV chronicity. I argue that the function of HBeAg should no longer be considered "unknown" and that immunotolerance/immunomodulation represent the dominant functions of the HBeAg in viral-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Milich
- Department of Immunology, Vaccine Research Institute of San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- VLP Biotech, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA
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17
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Hepatitis B e Antigen Inhibits NF-κB Activity by Interrupting K63-Linked Ubiquitination of NEMO. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00667-18. [PMID: 30404796 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00667-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses have adopted diverse strategies to suppress antiviral responses. Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a virus that is prevalent worldwide, manipulates the host's innate immune system to evade scavenging. It is reported that the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) can interfere with NF-κB activity, which then leads to high viral loads, while HBV with the G1896A mutation remains infectious without the production of HBeAg but can induce more severe proinflammatory response and liver damage. The aim of current work was to study the molecular mechanism by which HBeAg suppresses interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated NF-κB activity, which leads to the suppression of the innate immune responses to HBV infection. Our study revealed that HBeAg could interact with NEMO, a regulatory subunit associated with IκB kinase, which regulates the activation of NF-κB. HBeAg suppressed the IL-1β-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-associated factor 6 (TRAF6)-dependent K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO, thereby downregulating NF-κB activity and promoting virus replication. We further demonstrated the inhibitory effect of HBeAg on the NF-κB signaling pathway using primary human hepatocytes, HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, and clinical liver samples. Our study reveals a molecular mechanism whereby HBeAg suppresses IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation by decreasing the TRAF6-dependent K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO, which may thereby enhance HBV replication and promote a persistent infection.IMPORTANCE The role of HBeAg in inflammatory responses during the infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not fully understood, and several previous reports with regard to the NF-κB pathway are controversial. In this study, we showed that HBeAg could suppress both Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)- and IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB in cells and clinical samples, and we further revealed novel molecular mechanisms. We found that HBeAg can associate with NEMO, the regulatory subunit for IκB kinase (IKK) that controls the NF-κB signaling pathway, and thereby inhibits TRAF6-mediated K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO, resulting in downregulation of NF-κB activity and promotion of virus replication. In contrast, the HBeAg-negative HBV mutant can induce higher levels of NF-κB activity. These results are important for understanding the HBV-induced pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis and indicate that different clinical measures should be considered to treat HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative infections. Our findings represent a conceptual advance in HBV-related suppression of NF-κB signaling.
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18
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Zang M, Li Y, He H, Ding H, Chen K, Du J, Chen T, Wu Z, Liu H, Wang D, Cai J, Qu C. IL-23 production of liver inflammatory macrophages to damaged hepatocytes promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development after chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3759-3770. [PMID: 30292634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Liver inflammation after chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. We did a nested case-control study based on QBC chronic HBV infection cohort to identify HCC-related inflammatory cytokines. Serum levels of distinct Th-cell representative cytokines at varied periods before HCC diagnosis were determined in 50 HCC cases and 150 age- and gender-matched controls who did not develop HCC in 8-10 years. The individuals with HCC outcome had statistically higher serum levels of IL-23 than controls (P < 0.01). Further analysis in HCC tissues showed that CD14+ inflammatory macrophages were the major IL-23 producers. Monocytes-derived macrophages generated more amount of IL-23 after being stimulated with cell-associated HBV core antigen from damaged HBV-infected hepatocytes than the cells being stimulated with HBV-S and HBV e antigen, which are secreted from infected hepatocytes. IL-23 upregulated IL-23 receptor expressions on macrophages, enhanced macrophage-mediated angiogenesis. In HBV-transgenic (Alb1HBV) mice, administration of diethylnitrosamine induced more liver tumors than in wild-type mice. The livers of Alb1HBV mice had higher concentrations of IL-23 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) than the wild-type mice. Neutralizing IL-23 activity, diethylnitrosamine-treated Alb1HBV mice developed significantly less tumors and produced less VEGF, tumor angiogenesis was inhibited with dramatically decreased CD31+ cells within tumor mass (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Persistent IL-23 generation of liver inflammatory macrophages responding to damaged hepatocytes after chronic HBV infection altered macrophage function for HCC promotion. Blocking IL-23 activity might be helpful for the intervention in chronic hepatitis B patients who had high risk to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengya Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Huan He
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Kun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jun Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Taoyang Chen
- Qidong Liver Cancer Institute & Qidong People's Hospital, Qidong, Jiangsu Province 226200, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jianqiang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chunfeng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology/Department of Immunology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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19
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Tang J, Wu ZY, Dai RJ, Ma J, Gong GZ. Hepatitis B virus-persistent infection and innate immunity defect: Cell-related or virus-related? World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:233-241. [PMID: 30211203 PMCID: PMC6134278 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i9.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are closely related to the age at which infection was acquired. Infection acquired in adult life tends to be self-limited, in contrast to perinatal acquirement, for which chronic persistence of the HBV is a general outcome. Innate immunity plays an indispensable role in early virus infection, facilitating virus clearance. However, it has been reported that HBV is under-recognized and poorly eliminated by the innate immune system in the early stages of infection, possibly explaining the long-lasting persistence of viremia afterwards. Furthermore, due to the existence of covalently closed circular DNA, chronic HBV clearance is very difficult, even when patients are given interferon-α and nucleotide/nucleoside analogs for antiviral therapy. The mechanism by which HBV evades innate immune recognition and establishes persistent infection remains a subject of debate. Besides, some researchers are becoming more interested in how to eradicate chronic HBV infection by restoring or boosting innate immunity. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on how intrahepatocyte signaling pathways and innate immune cells act after the onset of HBV infection and how these actions are related to the persistence of HBV. We anticipate the insights presented herein to be helpful for future development of novel immune therapeutic strategies to fight HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tang
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Rong-Juan Dai
- Department of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guo-Zhong Gong
- Department of Infectious Disease, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
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20
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Liu N, Liu B, Zhang L, Li H, Chen Z, Luo A, Chen M, Peng M, Yin W, Ren H, Hu P. Recovery of circulating CD56 dim NK cells and the balance of Th17/Treg after nucleoside analog therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and low levels of HBsAg. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 62:59-66. [PMID: 29990695 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Much evidence indicates that the soluble antigens secreted by hepatitis B virus (HBV) inhibit the function of the immune system. The aim of this study is to investigate, after treatment with nucleoside (acid) analogs (NAs) and the inhibition of viral replication, whether the immune systems of patients with a peripheral blood HBV-DNA level <1000 IU/mL, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) disappearance, and a decrease in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels could be reconstructed. METHODS The frequency and phenotype of circulating natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), T-helper (Th) cells, regulatory T (Treg) cells, CD4+, CD8+ T cells, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and B cells subtypes were tested by flow cytometry in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and healthy controls (HCs). The levels of HBV-related serum HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV-DNA load, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. RESULTS Regarding the innate immune system, an increased frequency of CD56dim NK cells was found in the therapeutic response (TR) group compared with that in the immune-active phase (IA) group. Additionally, regarding the adaptive immune system, the Th17/CD4+CD25+CD127dimTreg ratio was reduced in the TR group. Additionally, the frequency of CD40L+CXCR5+CD4+T cells and CD40+CD19+CD27+CD38+B cells was significantly higher than that of HCs, while that of PDL1+CD19+ B cells was lower. Furthermore, the frequencies of CTLA4+CD4+T cells and CTLA4+CD8+T cells in patients with CHB were significantly higher than those in HCs. CONCLUSION After NA treatment and the inhibition of viral replication, circulating CD56dim NK cells and the balance of Th17/Treg can be recovered. Restoring circulating CD56dim NK cells and the Th17/Treg balance may help reduce HBsAg levels in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianqiu Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Aoran Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingli Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenwei Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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21
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Serum Levels of Interleukin-4, Interleukin-10 and Interferon-γ in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.60377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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22
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Elizalde MM, Sevic I, González López Ledesma MM, Campos RH, Barbini L, Flichman DM. Human hepatocytes apoptosis induced by replication of hepatitis B virus subgenotypes F1b and F4: Role of basal core promoter and preCore mutations. Virology 2018; 513:160-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Kanak MA, Shindo Y, SaiKumar P, Naziruddin B. Role of Inflammasomes in the Development of Gastrointestinal Diseases. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2018; 108:235-268. [PMID: 30536174 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-89390-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract have been attributed to chronic inflammation, and a few have identified the role of inflammasomes in their pathogenesis. Inflammasomes are a group of protein complexes comprising of several intracellular proteins that link the sensing of microbial products and metabolic stress to the proteolytic activation of the proinflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have implicated activation of several families of NOD-like receptors (NLRs) which are major components of inflammasomes in the development and exacerbation of many diseases of human systems. In this chapter, we discuss the role of inflammasomes in some of the most prevalent diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and highlight potential targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazhar A Kanak
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Yoshitaro Shindo
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Bashoo Naziruddin
- Sammons Cancer Center, Baylor Simmons Transplant Institute, Dallas, TX, USA.
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24
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Romani S, Hosseini SM, Mohebbi SR, Boonstra A, Sharifian A. Differential expression of innate immune response genes in clinical phases of chronic hepatitis B infection. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:776-788. [PMID: 28218976 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We investigated innate immune gene expression in clinical phases of chronic hepatitis B infection, including immune tolerant (IT), immune active (IA), inactive carrier (IC) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative phases, as well as healthy controls. Expression levels of interferon types I, II and III, their receptor subunits, IRFs, TLRs and other IFN-induced genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared. Forty HBsAg-positive treatment-naïve subjects without co-infection with HIV, HCV or HDV were enrolled. To complement the viral load, the expression levels of 37 innate immune genes were measured by qPCR. The highest response of the innate immune system was observed in the IT and HBeAg-negative phases, and the IC phase had the lowest response; 31 of the 37 studied genes reached their maximum mRNA expression levels in the IT and HBeAg-negative phases, and the minimum expression levels of 23 genes were found in the IC phase. The highest mRNA expression levels of IFNs, IFN receptor subunits, IRFs and TLRs genes in all clinical phases were IFN-λ2 and 3, IFN-γR2, IRF7 and TLR7, and the lowest levels of mRNA expression were observed for IFN-α, IFN-λR1, IRF8 and TLR2. We conclude that innate immune response genes are expressed differentially among chronic HBV phases, and this difference may help to develop new precise and noninvasive methods to determine the progression of disease in chronic HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Romani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S M Hosseini
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S R Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Sharifian
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Li L, Wang Y, An L, Kong X, Huang T. A network-based method using a random walk with restart algorithm and screening tests to identify novel genes associated with Menière's disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182592. [PMID: 28787010 PMCID: PMC5546581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As a chronic illness derived from hair cells of the inner ear, Menière’s disease (MD) negatively influences the quality of life of individuals and leads to a number of symptoms, such as dizziness, temporary hearing loss, and tinnitus. The complete identification of novel genes related to MD would help elucidate its underlying pathological mechanisms and improve its diagnosis and treatment. In this study, a network-based method was developed to identify novel MD-related genes based on known MD-related genes. A human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the PPI information reported in the STRING database. A classic ranking algorithm, the random walk with restart (RWR) algorithm, was employed to search for novel genes using known genes as seed nodes. To make the identified genes more reliable, a series of screening tests, including a permutation test, an interaction test and an enrichment test, were designed to select essential genes from those obtained by the RWR algorithm. As a result, several inferred genes, such as CD4, NOTCH2 and IL6, were discovered. Finally, a detailed biological analysis was performed on fifteen of the important inferred genes, which indicated their strong associations with MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - YanShu Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lifeng An
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- * E-mail:
| | - XiangYin Kong
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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26
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Koller A, Bianchini R, Schlager S, Münz C, Kofler B, Wiesmayr S. The neuropeptide galanin modulates natural killer cell function. Neuropeptides 2017; 64:109-115. [PMID: 27837916 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and combat pathogens and tumors by secreting pro-inflammatory cytokines like interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and by their cytotoxic action. Galanin is a neuropeptide also expressed in peripheral tissue where it impacts several physiological functions, including inflammation. The effects of galanin are mediated via three receptors, GAL1-3. Since other neuropeptides have been shown to regulate NK cell activity, we investigated the potential of galanin to modulate human NK cell function. NK cells were isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. mRNA expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The dynamic mass redistribution of NK cells upon regulatory peptide stimulation was determined by label-free biochip technology. IFN-γ producing NK cells were identified by flow cytometry analysis and IFN-γ secretion was measured by ELISA. NK cell cytotoxicity was analyzed by flow cytometry via CD107a mobilization. NK cells were found to express the receptor GAL2 but not GAL1, GAL3 or galanin. Galanin per se did not affect the dynamic mass redistribution of NK cells, but significantly enhanced the response of NK cells to IL-18. Galanin significantly modulated the IFN-γ production of the CD56bright NK cell population upon IL-12 and IL-18 stimulation. Furthermore, galanin significantly modulated the IL-12 and IL-18 stimulated IFN-γ secretion. NK cell cytotoxicity was not modulated by galanin treatment. Galanin can be classified as an immunomodulatory peptide as it is able to sensitize NK cells toward specific cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Koller
- Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise THERAPEP, Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Rodolfo Bianchini
- Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise THERAPEP, Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sandra Schlager
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Rämistraße 71, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Kofler
- Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise THERAPEP, Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Silke Wiesmayr
- Department of Neonatology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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27
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Li X, Gu Y, Guo X, Gu L, Zhou L, Wu X, Wang X, Stamataki Z, Huang Y. A Practical Model Evaluating Antiviral Cytokines by Natural Killer Cells in Treatment Naïve Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5866. [PMID: 28725030 PMCID: PMC5517634 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a major role in anti-viral immunity as first line defense during hepatitis B infection, particularly in untreated patients whose T cells functions are profoundly impaired. Cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α produced by NK cells are important anti-viral factors. However, there is lack of a quantifiable model to evaluate cytokine responses by NK cells. In this study, almost half of the patients (47.9%) beyond treatment criteria had high cytokine activity, although it was lower than those recommended for antiviral therapy (78.2%). Moreover, we developed a model that low levels of HBsAg, HBcAb, and albumin and high fibrosis values predicted strong antiviral cytokine production by NK cells. Based on the cut-off score (0.361) obtained from the multivariable model, patients with 67%, 8%, 92%, and 74% in immune-active (IA), immune-tolerant (IT), immune-inactive (IC), and grey zone (GZ), respectively, showed active antiviral cytokines produced by NK cells. These results suggest that those who possess activated cytokine responses beyond the current treatment criteria may have potential implications for the timing of antiviral therapy to achieve better virus control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yurong Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobo Guo
- Department of Statistical Science, School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Southern China Center for Statistical Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lin Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqin Wang
- Department of Statistical Science, School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Southern China Center for Statistical Science, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zania Stamataki
- Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yuehua Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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28
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Yu Y, Wan P, Cao Y, Zhang W, Chen J, Tan L, Wang Y, Sun Z, Zhang Q, Wan Y, Zhu Y, Liu F, Wu K, Liu Y, Wu J. Hepatitis B Virus e Antigen Activates the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 2 to Repress Interferon Action. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1729. [PMID: 28496097 PMCID: PMC5431827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01773-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute hepatitis B (AHB), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the serum generally indicates ongoing viral replication and disease progression. However, the mechanism by which HBeAg regulates HBV infection remains unclear. Interferons (IFNs) are pleiotropic cytokines that participate in host innate immunity. After binding to receptors, IFNs activate the JAK/STAT pathway to stimulate expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), leading to induction of antiviral responses. Here, we revealed that HBeAg represses IFN/JAK/STAT signaling to facilitate HBV replication. Initially, HBeAg stimulates the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2). Subsequently, SOCS2 impairs IFN/JAK/STAT signaling through reducing the stability of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), downregulating the expression of type I and III IFN receptors, attenuating the phosphorylation and nucleus translocation of STAT1. Finally, SOCS2 inhibits the expression of ISGs, which leads to the repression of IFN action and facilitation of viral replication. These results demonstrate an important role of HBeAg in the regulation of IFN action, and provide a possible molecular mechanism by which HBV resists the IFN therapy and maintains persistent infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.,Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pin Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yanhua Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Junbo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Li Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhichen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yushun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Kailang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Yingle Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Jianguo Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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29
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NK cell phenotypic and functional shifts coincide with specific clinical phases in the natural history of chronic HBV infection. Antiviral Res 2017; 140:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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30
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Li Y, Xie J, Wang H, Han Y, Wang N, Thio CL, Li T. Elevated pre-treatment IL-18 level is associated with HBeAg seroconversion in HIV-HBV coinfection. Antivir Ther 2017; 22:523-527. [PMID: 28195558 DOI: 10.3851/imp3136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In HBV-infected patients, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion is associated with better outcomes. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) controls hepatitis B replication in a mouse model. However, its role in treatment response in HIV-HBV-coinfected patients is unknown. METHODS We enrolled 35 treatment-naive, HBeAg-positive, HIV-HBV-coinfected patients. HBV DNA, HIV RNA, CD4+ T-cell count, HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification (qHBsAg), HBeAg quantification (qHBeAg) and IL-18 levels were measured prior to, at 24 and 48 weeks of HBV-active combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Multivariate Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to determine factors associated with HBeAg seroconversion. RESULTS Twenty-one patients received tenofovir (TDF) + lamivudine (3TC) based cART while 14 patients received 3TC-based cART. After 48 weeks of treatment, 10 patients experienced HBeAg seroconversion. Compared with non-seroconverters, seroconverters had higher median HIV RNA (5.22 versus 4.58 log copies/ml; P=0.030), lower median qHBsAg (3.97 versus 4.76 log IU/ml; P=0.011), lower median qHBeAg (1.61 versus 3.01 log PEIU/ml; P=0.004) and marginally higher median IL-18 (2.70 versus 2.53 log pg/ml; P=0.068) prior to ART. In the multivariate regression, higher baseline IL-18 (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 2.99 per 1 log pg/ml increase; P=0.035), high HIV RNA (aRR 1.84 per 1 log copies/ml; P=0.029) and low qHBeAg (aRR 0.71 per 1 log PEIU/ml; P=0.029) were significantly associated with HBeAg seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS In HIV-HBV-coinfected patients with HBeAg positivity, higher IL-18 levels, HIV RNA load, as well as low qHBeAg prior to cART were associated with HBeAg seroconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Present address: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huanling Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nidan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chloe L Thio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taisheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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31
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Tout I, Marotel M, Chemin I, Hasan U. HBV and the importance of TLR9 on B cell responses. AIMS ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/allergy.2017.3.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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32
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem, with approximately one third of populations have been infected, among which 3-5% of adults and more than 90% of children developed to chronic HBV infection. Host immune factors play essential roles in the outcome of HBV infection. Thus, ineffective immune response against HBV may result in persistent virus replications and liver necroinflammations, then lead to chronic HBV infection, liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Cytokine balance was shown to be an important immune characteristic in the development and progression of hepatitis B, as well as in an effective antiviral immunity. Large numbers of cytokines are not only involved in the initiation and regulation of immune responses but also contributing directly or indirectly to the inhibition of virus replication. Besides, cytokines initiate downstream signaling pathway activities by binding to specific receptors expressed on the target cells and play important roles in the responses against viral infections and, therefore, might affect susceptibility to HBV and/or the natural course of the infection. Since cytokines are the primary causes of inflammation and mediates liver injury after HBV infection, we have discussed recent advances on the roles of various cytokines [including T helper type 1 cells (Th1), Th2, Th17, regulatory T cells (Treg)-related cytokines] in different phases of HBV infection and cytokine-related mechanisms for impaired viral control and liver damage during HBV infection. We then focus on experimental therapeutic applications of cytokines to gain a better understanding of this newly emerging aspect of disease pathogenesis.
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33
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Zou ZQ, Wang L, Wang K, Yu JG. Innate immune targets of hepatitis B virus infection. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:716-725. [PMID: 27330680 PMCID: PMC4911505 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i17.716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 400 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) globally despite the widespread immunization of HBV vaccine and the development of antiviral therapies. The immunopathogenesis of HBV infection is initiated and driven by complexed interactions between the host immune system and the virus. Host immune responses to viral particles and proteins are regarded as the main determinants of viral clearance or persistent infection and hepatocyte injury. Innate immune system is the first defending line of host preventing from virus invasion. It is acknowledged that HBV has developed active tactics to escape innate immune recognition or actively interfere with innate immune signaling pathways and induce immunosuppression, which favor their replication. HBV reduces the expression of pattern-recognition receptors in the innate immune cells in humans. Also, HBV may interrupt different parts of antiviral signaling pathways, leading to the reduced production of antiviral cytokines such as interferons that contribute to HBV immunopathogenesis. A full comprehension of the mechanisms as to how HBV inactivates various elements of the innate immune response to initiate and maintain a persistent infection can be helpful in designing new immunotherapeutic methods for preventing and eradicating the virus. In this review, we aimed to summarize different branches the innate immune targeted by HBV infection. The review paper provides evidence that multiple components of immune responses should be activated in combination with antiviral therapy to disrupt the tolerance to HBV for eliminating HBV infection.
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34
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Zannetti C, Roblot G, Charrier E, Ainouze M, Tout I, Briat F, Isorce N, Faure-Dupuy S, Michelet M, Marotel M, Kati S, Schulz TF, Rivoire M, Traverse-Glehen A, Luangsay S, Alatiff O, Henry T, Walzer T, Durantel D, Hasan U. Characterization of the Inflammasome in Human Kupffer Cells in Response to Synthetic Agonists and Pathogens. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:356-67. [PMID: 27226092 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1502301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the largest gland in the human body and functions as an innate immune organ. Liver macrophages called Kupffer cells (KC) constitute the largest group of macrophages in the human body. Innate immune responses involving KC represent the first line of defense against pathogens in the liver. Human monocyte-derived macrophages have been used to characterize inflammasome responses that lead to the release of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, but it has not yet been determined whether human KC contain functional inflammasomes. We show, to our knowledge for the first time, that KC express genes and proteins that make up several different inflammasome complexes. Moreover, activation of KC in response to the absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome led to the production of IL-1β and IL-18, which activated IL-8 transcription and hepatic NK cell activity, respectively. Other inflammasome responses were also activated in response to selected bacteria and viruses. However, hepatitis B virus inhibited the AIM2 inflammasome by reducing the mRNA stability of IFN regulatory factor 7, which regulated AIM2 transcription. These data demonstrate the production of IL-1β and IL-18 in KC, suggesting that KC contain functional inflammasomes that could be important players in the innate immune response following certain infections of the liver. We think our findings could potentially aid therapeutic approaches against chronic liver diseases that activate the inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zannetti
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Guillaume Roblot
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Emily Charrier
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Michelle Ainouze
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Issam Tout
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - François Briat
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Nathalie Isorce
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie-Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Suzanne Faure-Dupuy
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie-Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Maud Michelet
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie-Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Marie Marotel
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Semra Kati
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; and
| | - Thomas F Schulz
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany; and
| | - Michel Rivoire
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie-Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | | | - Souphalone Luangsay
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie-Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Omran Alatiff
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Thomas Henry
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Thierry Walzer
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - David Durantel
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie-Lyon, UMR INSERM 1052-CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon 69008, France
| | - Uzma Hasan
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure, Université de Lyon, CNRS-UMR5308, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France;
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35
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Lan S, Wu L, Wang X, Wu J, Lin X, Wu W, Huang Z. Impact of HBeAg on the maturation and function of dendritic cells. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 46:42-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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36
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Abstract
Chronic HBV infection results in >1 million deaths per year from cirrhosis and liver cancer. No known cure for chronic HBV exists, due in part to the continued presence of transcriptionally active DNA in the nucleus that is not directly targeted by current antiviral therapies. A coordinated approach is urgently needed to advance an HBV cure worldwide, such as those established in the HIV field. We propose the establishment of an International Coalition to Eliminate Hepatitis B Virus (ICE-HBV) to facilitate the formation of international working groups on HBV virology, immunology, innovative tools and clinical trials: to promote awareness and education as well as to drive changes in government policy and ensure funds are channelled to HBV cure research and drug development. With the ICE-HBV in place, it should be possible to enable a HBV cure within the next decade.
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37
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Tong S, Revill P. Overview of hepatitis B viral replication and genetic variability. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S4-S16. [PMID: 27084035 PMCID: PMC4834849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) greatly increases the risk for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV isolates worldwide can be divided into ten genotypes. Moreover, the immune clearance phase selects for mutations in different parts of the viral genome. The outcome of HBV infection is shaped by the complex interplay of the mode of transmission, host genetic factors, viral genotype and adaptive mutations, as well as environmental factors. Core promoter mutations and mutations abolishing hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) expression have been implicated in acute liver failure, while genotypes B, C, subgenotype A1, core promoter mutations, preS deletions, C-terminal truncation of envelope proteins, and spliced pregenomic RNA are associated with HCC development. Our efforts to treat and prevent HBV infection are hampered by the emergence of drug resistant mutants and vaccine escape mutants. This paper provides an overview of the HBV life cycle, followed by review of HBV genotypes and mutants in terms of their biological properties and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Tong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Alpert Warren School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Peter Revill
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia ()
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38
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Visvanathan K, Lang T, Ryan K, Wilson R, Skinner NA, Thompson AJV, Ahn SH, Weilert F, Abbott W, Gane E, Colledge D, Li K, Locarnini S, Mansell A, Revill PA. Toll-IL1 receptor-mediated innate immune responses vary across HBV genotype and predict treatment response to pegylated-IFN in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:170-9. [PMID: 26436722 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have suppressed TLR2 expression, function and cytokine production. The aim of this study was to explore the importance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in innate immune responses and investigate whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression/function has potential roles as predictive biomarkers of successful therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) therapy of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive patients. We showed that as early as 4 weeks after initiation of Peg-IFN, future HBeAg seroconverters had significantly elevated levels of TLR2 expression on monocytes. TLR2-associated IL-6 production at baseline and week 4 of therapy and TLR4 IL-6 production at week 4 were also markedly elevated in HBeAg seroconverters. HBV genotype also influenced treatment response, with genotypes A and B more likely to seroconvert than D. We were able to demonstrate that these differences were due in part to the interaction of the specific HBeAg proteins with TLR pathway adaptor molecules, and these interactions were genotype dependent. HBeAg-mediated modulation of TLR signalling was also observed in Huh7 cells, following stimulation with Pam3Cys. Importantly, the addition of IFN-α to TLR2-stimulated cells cotransfected with an HBeAg expression plasmid reversed HBeAg-mediated suppression of hepatocytes. These findings demonstrate that patients with an activated inflammatory response are much more likely to respond to IFN therapy, with TLR responses showing promise as potential biomarkers of HBeAg seroconversion in this setting. Furthermore, our findings suggest there is differential genotype-specific HBeAg suppression of innate signalling pathways which may account for some of the clinical differences observed across the CHB spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Visvanathan
- Department of Medicine, Monash University (MMC), Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - T Lang
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - K Ryan
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - R Wilson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - N A Skinner
- Department of Medicine, Monash University (MMC), Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - A J V Thompson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - S H Ahn
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - F Weilert
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - W Abbott
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - E Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D Colledge
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - K Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Centre, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - S Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - A Mansell
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - P A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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39
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Sobhy H. A Review of Functional Motifs Utilized by Viruses. Proteomes 2016; 4:proteomes4010003. [PMID: 28248213 PMCID: PMC5217368 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes4010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Short linear motifs (SLiM) are short peptides that facilitate protein function and protein-protein interactions. Viruses utilize these motifs to enter into the host, interact with cellular proteins, or egress from host cells. Studying functional motifs may help to predict protein characteristics, interactions, or the putative cellular role of a protein. In virology, it may reveal aspects of the virus tropism and help find antiviral therapeutics. This review highlights the recent understanding of functional motifs utilized by viruses. Special attention was paid to the function of proteins harboring these motifs, and viruses encoding these proteins. The review highlights motifs involved in (i) immune response and post-translational modifications (e.g., ubiquitylation, SUMOylation or ISGylation); (ii) virus-host cell interactions, including virus attachment, entry, fusion, egress and nuclear trafficking; (iii) virulence and antiviral activities; (iv) virion structure; and (v) low-complexity regions (LCRs) or motifs enriched with residues (Xaa-rich motifs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham Sobhy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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40
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Abstract
Hepatitis is damage and inflammation of the liver. It is triggered by both environmental and endogenous insults and is a platform for developing liver cirrhosis and cancer. Both innate and adaptive immune activation contribute to hepatic inflammation and disease. Viral hepatitis is the most common form of hepatitis and is typically associated with chronic viral infection. Alcohol-induced and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis are two rising hepatic problems. The innate immune inflammasome signaling cascade mediates the production of essential proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. These cytokines regulate hepatic cell interaction and crosstalk of the various inflammatory pathways and influence disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina A Negash
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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41
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Revill P, Locarnini S. The Basis for Antiviral Therapy: Drug Targets, Cross-Resistance, and Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors. MOLECULAR AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-22330-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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42
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Wang L, Wang K, Zou ZQ. Crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity in hepatitis B virus infection. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2980-2991. [PMID: 26730277 PMCID: PMC4691701 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i30.2980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. HBV is not directly cytotoxic to infected hepatocytes; the clinical outcome of infection results from complicated interactions between the virus and the host immune system. In acute HBV infection, initiation of a broad, vigorous immune response is responsible for viral clearance and self-limited inflammatory liver disease. Effective and coordinated innate and adaptive immune responses are critical for viral clearance and the development of long-lasting immunity. Chronic hepatitis B patients fail to mount efficient innate and adaptive immune responses to the virus. In particular, HBV-specific cytotoxic T cells, which are crucial for HBV clearance, are hyporesponsiveness to HBV infection. Accumulating experimental evidence obtained from the development of animal and cell line models has highlighted the importance of innate immunity in the early control of HBV spread. The virus has evolved immune escape strategies, with higher HBV loads and HBV protein concentrations associated with increasing impairment of immune function. Therefore, treatment of HBV infection requires inhibition of HBV replication and protein expression to restore the suppressed host immunity. Complicated interactions exist not only between innate and adaptive responses, but also among innate immune cells and different components of adaptive responses. Improved insight into these complex interactions are important in designing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment HBV infection. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the cross-talk between the innate and adaptive immune responses and among different immunocytes in HBV infection.
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43
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Interleukin-1 Family Cytokines in Liver Diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:630265. [PMID: 26549942 PMCID: PMC4624893 DOI: 10.1155/2015/630265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding IL-1 was sequenced more than 30 years ago, and many related cytokines, such as IL-18, IL-33, IL-36, IL-37, IL-38, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and IL-36Ra, have since been identified. IL-1 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine and is involved in various inflammatory diseases. Other IL-1 family ligands are critical for the development of diverse diseases, including inflammatory and allergic diseases. Only IL-1Ra possesses the leader peptide required for secretion from cells, and many ligands require posttranslational processing for activation. Some require inflammasome-mediated processing for activation and release, whereas others serve as alarmins and are released following cell membrane rupture, for example, by pyroptosis or necroptosis. Thus, each ligand has the proper molecular process to exert its own biological functions. In this review, we will give a brief introduction to the IL-1 family cytokines and discuss their pivotal roles in the development of various liver diseases in association with immune responses. For example, an excess of IL-33 causes liver fibrosis in mice via activation and expansion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells to produce type 2 cytokines, resulting in cell conversion into pro-fibrotic M2 macrophages. Finally, we will discuss the importance of IL-1 family cytokine-mediated molecular and cellular networks in the development of acute and chronic liver diseases.
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44
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Differential Expression of CX3CL1 in Hepatitis B Virus-Replicating Hepatoma Cells Can Affect the Migration Activity of CX3CR1+ Immune Cells. J Virol 2015; 89:7016-27. [PMID: 25926643 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00716-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED In addition to stellate cells and immune cells, inflamed hepatocytes and hepatoma cells express various kinds of chemokines that attract various kinds of immune cells. Previously, we reported that hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication can induce physiological stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chemokines produced by HBV-infected hepatocytes and hepatoma cells. A real-time PCR array targeting genes related to chemokines and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were carried out to detect the specific chemokines produced by Huh7 cells and HepG2 cells infected with various HBV genotypes. A migration assay, flow cytometry analysis, and immunohistochemistry were carried out to analyze the candidate immune cells that can affect the immunopathogenesis of HBV infection. The expressions of CX3CL1 mRNA and protein were significantly different among HBV genotypes A, B, and C and control cells (mock) (P < 0.05). CD56(+) NK cells and CD8(+) T cells migrated to the hepatoma cells with HBV replication. Moreover, the migration activity of both immune cells was partially cancelled after the treatment of CX3CL1 neutralizing antibody. The expression level of NKG2D on CX3CR1(+) NK cells in HCC with HBV infection was significantly lower than that in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with HCV infection and chronic hepatitis B and C patients (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the frequency of PD-1(high) CX3CR1(+) CD8(+) T cells in HCC with HBV infection was significantly higher than that in HCC with HCV infection and chronic hepatitis B and C (P < 0.05). The expression of CX3CL1 in HBV-replicating hepatocytes and hepatoma cells could contribute to the immunopathogenesis of HBV infection. IMPORTANCE The progressions of the disease are significantly different among HBV genotypes. However, it has not been clear that how different HBV genotypes could induce different inflammatory responses. Here, we first report that the levels of expression of CX3CL1 mRNA and protein were significantly different among HBV genotypes A, B, and C and mock. Not only the differential expression of CX3CL1 among the genotypes but also the phenotype of CX3CR1(+) NK cells and T cells were gradually changed during the progression of the disease status. In addition to in vitro study, the analysis of immunohistochemistry with human samples and NOG mice with human lymphocytes and hepatoma cells supports this phenomenon. The quantification of CX3CL1 could contribute to better understanding of the disease status of HBV infection. Moreover, modifying CX3CL1 might induce an immune response appropriate to the disease status of HBV infection.
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45
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Revill PA, Visvanathan K, Locarnini SA. Elucidating the role of the HBV e antigen in manipulating the innate immune response. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT HBV causes persistent infection in approximately 300 million people and is associated with up to 2 million deaths annually. While the mechanisms by which HBV establishes and maintains infection are yet to be fully elucidated, there is mounting evidence that HBV infection in humans upregulates a range of innate immune responses and HBV has in turn has evolved mechanisms to suppress these responses. One such mechanism may be the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), a soluble secreted protein which is also a major driver of adaptive immune responses. In this review, we review the literature on HBeAg-mediated regulation of innate immune responses and show that this regulation may extend beyond hepatocytes to other cell types such as NK cells which play an important role in viral clearance. Although further studies using new infection models are required, taken together these findings suggest that the HBeAg is an important regulator of the host response to infection and should not be overlooked in efforts to identify novel therapeutic targets against HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
| | - Kumar Visvanathan
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital The University of Melbourne 4th Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, St Vincents Hospital Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Stephen A Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Peter Doherty Institute, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, 3000, VIC, Australia
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