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Mouzannar K, Schauer A, Liang TJ. The Post-Transcriptional Regulatory Element of Hepatitis B Virus: From Discovery to Therapy. Viruses 2024; 16:528. [PMID: 38675871 PMCID: PMC11055085 DOI: 10.3390/v16040528] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-transcriptional regulatory element (PRE) is present in all HBV mRNAs and plays a major role in their stability, nuclear export, and enhancement of viral gene expression. Understanding PRE's structure, function, and mode of action is essential to leverage its potential as a therapeutic target. A wide range of PRE-based reagents and tools have been developed and assessed in preclinical and clinical settings for therapeutic and biotechnology applications. This manuscript aims to provide a systematic review of the characteristics and mechanism of action of PRE, as well as elucidating its current applications in basic and clinical research. Finally, we discuss the promising opportunities that PRE may provide to antiviral development, viral biology, and potentially beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mouzannar
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | | | - T. Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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2
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Yin S, Wan Y, Issa R, Zhu Y, Xu X, Liu J, Mao M, Li M, Tong X, Tian C, Wang J, Huang R, Zhang Q, Wu C, Chen Y, Li J. The presence of baseline HBsAb-Specific B cells can predict HBsAg or HBeAg seroconversion of chronic hepatitis B on treatment. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2259003. [PMID: 37702202 PMCID: PMC10569346 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2259003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Indices for predicting HBsAg or HBeAg seroconversion in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during antiviral therapy remain elusive. We aimed to investigate if the presence of HBsAb-specific B cells at baseline can predict HBsAg or HBeAg seroconversion. In this study, 134 treatment-naive patients with chronic HBV were enrolled. A baseline HBsAb-specific B cell ELISpot assay was performed for all the patients that enrolled. Serum samples were collected at 12, 24, and 48 weeks for patients treated with Peg-IFN-α, or at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years for patients treated with NAs. Laboratory testing of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb, HBV DNA, ALT, and AST was done. We observed a significantly lower frequency of HBsAb-specific B cells in patients with chronic HBV than in healthy individuals . In the Peg-IFN-α-treated group, 41.2% of patients with baseline HBsAb-specific B cells achieved HBsAg seroconversion, while only 13.6% of patients without baseline HBsAb-specific B cells achieved HBsAg seroconversion (p = 0.006). By logistic regression analysis, patients with baseline HBsAb-specific B cells and HBsAg ≤ 1500 had higher HBsAg clearance at the end of treatment (p < 0.05). In the NA-treated group, 58.3% of patients with baseline HBsAb-specific B cells achieved HBeAg seroconversion, whereas only 30.0% of patients without baseline HBsAb-specific B cells achieved HBeAg seroconversion (p = 0.114). Our result revealed that baseline HBsAb-specific B cells by ELISpot assay might be a valuable predictive biomarker of HBsAg or HBeAg seroconversion in patients with chronic HBV on treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxia Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yawen Wan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rahma Issa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yijia Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minxin Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Tian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
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3
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Kumar S, Ansari S, Narayanan S, Ranjith-Kumar CT, Surjit M. Antiviral activity of zinc against hepatitis viruses: current status and future prospects. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1218654. [PMID: 37908540 PMCID: PMC10613677 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1218654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a major public health concern globally. World health organization aims at eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Among the hepatitis causing viruses, hepatitis B and C are primarily transmitted via contaminated blood. Hepatitis A and E, which gets transmitted primarily via the feco-oral route, are the leading cause of acute viral hepatitis. Although vaccines are available against some of these viruses, new cases continue to be reported. There is an urgent need to devise a potent yet economical antiviral strategy against the hepatitis-causing viruses (denoted as hepatitis viruses) for achieving global elimination of viral hepatitis. Although zinc was known to mankind for a long time (since before Christ era), it was identified as an element in 1746 and its importance for human health was discovered in 1963 by the pioneering work of Dr. Ananda S. Prasad. A series of follow up studies involving zinc supplementation as a therapy demonstrated zinc as an essential element for humans, leading to establishment of a recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 15 milligram zinc [United States RDA for zinc]. Being an essential component of many cellular enzymes and transcription factors, zinc is vital for growth and homeostasis of most living organisms, including human. Importantly, several studies indicate potent antiviral activity of zinc. Multiple studies have demonstrated antiviral activity of zinc against viruses that cause hepatitis. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the findings on antiviral activity of zinc against hepatitis viruses, discusses the mechanisms underlying the antiviral properties of zinc and summarizes the prospects of harnessing the therapeutic benefit of zinc supplementation therapy in reducing the disease burden due to viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Kumar
- Virology Laboratory, Centre for Virus Research, Therapeutics and Vaccines, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shabnam Ansari
- Virology Laboratory, Centre for Virus Research, Therapeutics and Vaccines, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Sriram Narayanan
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India
| | - C. T. Ranjith-Kumar
- University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India
| | - Milan Surjit
- Virology Laboratory, Centre for Virus Research, Therapeutics and Vaccines, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
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4
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Qin J, Xu J. Arginine methylation in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. FEBS J 2022; 289:7292-7303. [PMID: 34358413 PMCID: PMC10181118 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics during embryonic development, wound healing, fibrosis, and in cancer in a processed termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Regulatory networks of EMT are controlled by post-transcriptional, translational, and post-translational mechanisms, in which arginine methylation is critically involved. Here, we review arginine methylation-dependent mechanisms that regulate EMT in the aspects of signaling, transcriptional, and splicing regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Qin
- Central laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Norris Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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5
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Yang G, Wan P, Zhang Y, Tan Q, Qudus MS, Yue Z, Luo W, Zhang W, Ouyang J, Li Y, Wu J. Innate Immunity, Inflammation, and Intervention in HBV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:2275. [PMID: 36298831 PMCID: PMC9609328 DOI: 10.3390/v14102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still one of the most dangerous viral illnesses. HBV infects around 257 million individuals worldwide. Hepatitis B in many individuals ultimately develops hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The innate immunity acts as the first line of defense against HBV infection through activating antiviral genes. Along with the immune responses, pro-inflammatory cytokines are triggered to enhance the antiviral responses, but this may result in acute or chronic liver inflammation, especially when the clearance of virus is unsuccessful. To a degree, the host innate immune and inflammatory responses dominate the HBV infection and liver pathogenesis. Thus, it is crucial to figure out the signaling pathways involved in the activation of antiviral factors and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review the interplay between HBV and the signal pathways that mediates innate immune responses and inflammation. In addition, we summarize current therapeutic strategies for HBV infection via modulating innate immunity or inflammation. Characterizing the mechanisms that underlie these HBV-host interplays might provide new approaches for the cure of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Yang
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Pin Wan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qiaoru Tan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Muhammad Suhaib Qudus
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yue
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People’s Hospital, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Jianhua Ouyang
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Yongkui Li
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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6
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Abstract
The last few years have seen a resurgence of activity in the hepatitis B drug pipeline, with many compounds in various stages of development. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in therapeutics for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We will discuss the broad spectrum of direct-acting antivirals in clinical development, including capsids inhibitors, siRNA, HBsAg and polymerase inhibitors. In addition, host-targeted therapies (HTT) will be extensively reviewed, focusing on the latest progress in immunotherapeutics such as toll-like receptors and RIG-1 agonists, therapeutic vaccines and immune checkpoints modulators. A growing number of HTT in pre-clinical development directly target the key to HBV persistence, namely the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and hold great promise for HBV cure. This exciting area of HBV research will be highlighted, and molecules such as cyclophilins inhibitors, APOBEC3 deaminases and epigenetic modifiers will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Phillips
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
| | - Ravi Jagatia
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology Foundation for Liver Research London UK, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences King's College London, UK
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7
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Colombatto P, Coco B, Bonino F, Brunetto MR. Management and Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: Towards Personalized Medicine. Viruses 2022; 14:701. [PMID: 35458431 PMCID: PMC9027850 DOI: 10.3390/v14040701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The currently available antiviral treatments (Peg-Interferon-α and Nucleos(t)ide Analogues, NA) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) achieve a functional cure (serum HBsAg and HDV-DNA clearance) of HBV infection in a limited number of patients. Nevertheless, the continuous pharmacological suppression of viral replication by NA halts liver disease progression lowering the risk of HCC development and improving the survival. In the near future, to fully exploit the potential of old and new drugs for HBV treatment a personalized approach to the patients will be required according to an accurate definition of their virologic, immunologic and clinical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Colombatto
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Reference Center of the Tuscany Region for Chronic Liver Disease and Cancer, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Barbara Coco
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Reference Center of the Tuscany Region for Chronic Liver Disease and Cancer, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Ferruccio Bonino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Via De Amicis 95, 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maurizia R. Brunetto
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Reference Center of the Tuscany Region for Chronic Liver Disease and Cancer, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (P.C.); (B.C.)
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Via De Amicis 95, 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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8
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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] [MESH Headings] [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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9
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Charatcharoenwitthaya P, Kaewdech A, Piratvisuth T. Controversies in Treating Chronic HBV: The Role of PEG-interferon-alfa. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:741-762. [PMID: 34593151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pegylated interferon-alpha therapy is one of the first-line chronic hepatitis B treatment. Finite treatment duration, absence of drug resistance, delayed response, and higher hepatitis B surface antigen loss than nucleos(t)ides analog therapy are the advantages of pegylated interferon-alpha treatment. Common side effects and subcutaneous injections requirement limit its use. Identifying patients likely to respond to pegylated interferon-alpha and optimizing treatment is reasonable. Motivating patients to complete the 48-week treatment is necessary. Treatment is stopped or switched to other treatment strategies in patients with stopping rule criteria. Combination therapy with nucleos(t)ides analog may improve response, but remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Wang-Lang Road, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Apichat Kaewdech
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
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10
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Ding WB, Wang MC, Yu J, Huang G, Sun DP, Liu L, Zhang JN, Yang Y, Liu H, Zhou WP, Yang F, Yuan SX. HBV/Pregenomic RNA Increases the Stemness and Promotes the Development of HBV-Related HCC Through Reciprocal Regulation With Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Protein 3. Hepatology 2021; 74:1480-1495. [PMID: 33825218 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HBV-pgRNA (pregenomic RNA) has been proposed for predicting the response of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment, guiding discontinuation of NA therapy and monitoring the emergence of viral mutations. However, the contributions of HBV-pgRNA to HCC remain open for study. APPROACH AND RESULTS Double-center cohorts of serum samples with undetectable serum HBV-DNA (below the lower limit of detection) were obtained from long-term NA-treated (≥48 weeks) HBV-related HCC patients. The correlation between serum pgRNA concentration and the prognosis of HCC were analyzed. The role pgRNA played in HCC development was assessed both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings revealed that for patients who underwent long-term NA therapy with undetectable serum HBV-DNA, patients with high serum pgRNA expression had a poorer overall survival rate and higher cumulative recurrence rate after hepatectomy. Experiments demonstrated that pgRNA promotes proliferation, stemness, and tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Mechanistically, we found that pgRNA could up-regulate the expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), a well-proven oncoprotein, at the posttranscriptional level. Furthermore, interferon (IFN)-α-2a could degrade the stability of pgRNA through increasing its N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification. Collectively, our findings uncover that serum pgRNA could serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis and recurrence of HCC in patients who received long-term NA therapy with undetectable serum HBV-DNA; and the pgRNA-IGF2BP3 axis plays an important role in the development of HBV-related HCC. Moreover, IFN-α-2a could reduce the stability of pgRNA by increasing its m6A RNA modification level, thereby suppressing the development of HBV-related HCC. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our studies reveal a significance and mechanism of HBV-pgRNA in increasing stemness features and offer a potential prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bin Ding
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Chao Wang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Huang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Da-Peng Sun
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Ning Zhang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Liu
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
| | - Fu Yang
- The Department of Medical Genetics, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Xian Yuan
- The Third Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
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11
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Qu B, Brown RJP. Strategies to Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus at the Transcript Level. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071327. [PMID: 34372533 PMCID: PMC8310268 DOI: 10.3390/v13071327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), despite four decades of effective HBV vaccination. During chronic infection, HBV forms two distinct templates responsible for viral transcription: (1) episomal covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA and (2) host genome-integrated viral templates. Multiple ubiquitous and liver-specific transcription factors are recruited onto these templates and modulate viral gene transcription. This review details the latest developments in antivirals that inhibit HBV gene transcription or destabilize viral transcripts. Notably, nuclear receptor agonists exhibit potent inhibition of viral gene transcription from cccDNA. Small molecule inhibitors repress HBV X protein-mediated transcription from cccDNA, while small interfering RNAs and single-stranded oligonucleotides result in transcript degradation from both cccDNA and integrated templates. These antivirals mediate their effects by reducing viral transcripts abundance, some leading to a loss of surface antigen expression, and they can potentially be added to the arsenal of drugs with demonstrable anti-HBV activity. Thus, these candidates deserve special attention for future repurposing or further development as anti-HBV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqian Qu
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
| | - Richard J. P. Brown
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Ehrlich Institute, 63225 Langen, Germany
- Correspondence: (B.Q.); (R.J.P.B.)
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12
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Sajid M, Ullah H, Yan K, He M, Feng J, Shereen MA, Hao R, Li Q, Guo D, Chen Y, Zhou L. The Functional and Antiviral Activity of Interferon Alpha-Inducible IFI6 Against Hepatitis B Virus Replication and Gene Expression. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634937. [PMID: 33868257 PMCID: PMC8047077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is an enveloped DNA virus, that infects more than three hundred and sixty million people worldwide and leads to severe chronic liver diseases. Interferon-alpha inducible protein 6 (IFI6) is an IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) whose expression is highly regulated by the stimulation of type I IFN-alpha that restricts various kinds of virus infections by targeting different stages of the viral life cycle. This study aims to investigate the antiviral activity of IFI6 against HBV replication and gene expression. The IFI6 was highly induced by the stimulation of IFN-α in hepatoma cells. The overexpression of IFI6 inhibited while knockdown of IFI6 elevated replication and gene expression of HBV in HepG2 cells. Further study determined that IFI6 inhibited HBV replication by reducing EnhII/Cp of the HBV without affecting liver enriched transcription factors that have significant importance in regulating HBV enhancer activity. Furthermore, deletion mutation of EnhII/Cp and CHIP analysis revealed 100 bps (1715-1815 nt) putative sites involved in IFI6 mediated inhibition of HBV. Detailed analysis with EMSA demonstrated that 1715-1770 nt of EnhII/Cp was specifically involved in binding with IFI6 and restricted EnhII/Cp promoter activity. Moreover, IFI6 was localized mainly inside the nucleus to involve in the anti-HBV activity of IFI6. In vivo analysis based on the hydrodynamic injection of IFI6 expression plasmid along with HBV revealed significant inhibition of HBV DNA replication and gene expression. Overall, our results suggested a novel mechanism of IFI6 mediated HBV regulation that could develop potential therapeutics for efficient HBV infection treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Sajid
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hafiz Ullah
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Miao He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, The Infection and Immunity Center (TIIC), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiangpeng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Adnan Shereen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruidong Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaohong Li
- Animal Biosafety Level III Laboratory at Center for Animal Experiment, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Deyin Guo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, The Infection and Immunity Center (TIIC), School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Modern Virology Research Center, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Animal Biosafety Level III Laboratory at Center for Animal Experiment, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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13
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Chong RHH, Khakpoor A, Tan TMC, Lim SG, Lee GH. Liver-Derived Cell Transfection Model Efficacy for HBV Genotype B Replication/Transcription Is Determined by Complex Host Transcription Factor Network. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030524. [PMID: 33810128 PMCID: PMC8005026 DOI: 10.3390/v13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interaction between host transcription factors (TFs) and the viral genome is fundamental for hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression regulation. Additionally, the distinct interaction of the TFs’ network with the HBV genome determines the regulatory effect outcome. Hence, different HBV genotypes and their variants may display different viral replication/transcription regulation. Due to the lack of an efficient infection model suitable for all HBV genotypes, the hepatoma cell transfection model is primarily used in studies involving non-D HBV genotypes and variants. Methods: We explored the transcriptome profile of host TFs with a regulatory effect on HBV in eight liver-derived cell lines in comparison with primary human hepatocytes (PHH). We further analyzed the suitability of these models in supporting HBV genotype B replication/transcription. Results: Among studied models, HC-04, as a result of the close similarity of TFs transcriptome profile to PHH and the interaction of specific TFs including HNF4α and PPARα, showed the highest efficiency in regard to viral replication and antigen production. The absence of TFs expression in L02 transfection model resulted in its inefficiency in HBV replication/transcription. Conclusion: These observations help to better design studies on regulatory mechanisms involving non-D HBV genotypes and variants’ gene expression and the development of more efficient therapeutical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Hui-Heng Chong
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore; (R.H.-H.C.); (A.K.); (S.-G.L.)
| | - Atefeh Khakpoor
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore; (R.H.-H.C.); (A.K.); (S.-G.L.)
| | - Theresa May-Chin Tan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore;
| | - Seng-Gee Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore; (R.H.-H.C.); (A.K.); (S.-G.L.)
| | - Guan-Huei Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore; (R.H.-H.C.); (A.K.); (S.-G.L.)
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +65-90181914
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14
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Block TM, Young JAT, Javanbakht H, Sofia MJ, Zhou T. Host RNA quality control as a hepatitis B antiviral target. Antiviral Res 2020; 186:104972. [PMID: 33242518 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the host RNA polyadenylating polymerases, PAPD5 and PAPD7 (PAPD5/7), with dihydroquinolizinone, a small orally available, molecule, results in a rapid and selective degradation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA, and hence reduction in the amounts of viral gene products. DHQ, is a first in class investigational agent and could represent an entirely new category of HBV antivirals. PAPD5 and PAPD7 are non-canonical, cell specified, polyadenylating polymerases, also called terminal nucleotidyl transferases 4B and 4A (TENT4B/A), respectively. They are involved in the degradation of poor-quality cell transcripts, mostly non-coding RNAs and in the maturation of a sub-set of transcripts. They also appear to play a role in shielding some mRNA from degradation. The results of studies with DHQ, along with other recent findings, provide evidence that repression of the PAPD5/7 arm of the cell "RNA quality control" pathway, causes a profound (multi-fold) reduction rather than increase, in the amount of HBV pre-genomic, pre-core and HBsAg mRNA levels in tissue culture and animal models, as well. In this review we will briefly discuss the need for new HBV therapeutics and provide background about HBV transcription. We also discuss cellular degradation of host transcripts, as it relates to a new family of anti-HBV drugs that interfere with these processes. Finally, since HBV mRNA maturation appears to be selectively sensitive to PAPD5/7 inhibition in hepatocytes, we discuss the possibility of targeting host RNA "quality control" as an antiviral strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John A T Young
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Hassan Javanbakht
- SQZ Biotechnologies, 200 Arsenal Yards Blvd, Suite 210, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA.
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus Biopharma, Inc, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA.
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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15
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Yang Y, Ying G, Wu S, Wu F, Chen Z. In vitro inhibition effects of hepatitis B virus by dandelion and taraxasterol. Infect Agent Cancer 2020; 15:44. [PMID: 32647534 PMCID: PMC7336670 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-00309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis, which progresses to fatal liver diseases and remains a global health problem. Current treatments for chronic hepatitis B are unable to cure hepatitis. Thus, new antiviral drugs must be developed. In this study, the viral inhibition effects of dandelion and taraxasterol were assessed in HepG2.2.15 cell line. Taraxacum officinale F.H.Wigg. (compositae) with English name dandelion is used as a traditional herb for liver disorders and as a common antiviral agent. Taraxasterol is one of the active compounds of dandelion. The secretion of HBV DNA and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg was detected using fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA, respectively. Intracellular HBsAg was detected by immunofluorescence. In order to demonstrate the potential mechanism of anti-viral activity, the expression levels of host factors polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) were detected with Western blotting and qPCR. Dandelion and taraxasterol effectively reduced the secretion of HBsAg, HBeAg and the HBV DNA in cell supernatants, and significantly reduced the intracellular HBsAg as indicated by immunofluorescence results. Taraxasterol may be one of the main effective components of dandelion. It significantly decreased the protein expression levels of PTBP1 and SIRT1. The present study revealed that dandelion and its component taraxasterol could inhibit HBV and may be a potential anti-HBV drug, whose potential targets were the host factors PTBP1 and SIRT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaoxiang Ying
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengtian Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Osteopetrosis-Associated Transmembrane Protein 1 Recruits RNA Exosome To Restrict Hepatitis B Virus Replication. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01800-19. [PMID: 32188736 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01800-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects approximately 350 million people worldwide, and 600,000 deaths are caused by HBV-related hepatic failure, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma annually. It is important to reveal the mechanism underlying the regulation of HBV replication. This study demonstrated that osteopetrosis-associated transmembrane protein 1 (Ostm1) plays an inhibitory role in HBV replication. Ostm1 represses the levels of HBeAg and HBsAg proteins, HBV 3.5-kb and 2.4/2.1-kb RNAs, and core-associated DNA in HepG2, Huh7, and NTCP-HepG2 cells. Notably, Ostm1 has no direct effect on the activity of HBV promoters or the transcription of HBV RNAs; instead, Ostm1 binds to HBV RNA to facilitate RNA decay. Detailed studies further demonstrated that Ostm1 binds to and recruits the RNA exosome complex to promote the degradation of HBV RNAs, and knockdown of the RNA exosome component exonuclease 3 (Exosc3) leads to the elimination of Ostm1-mediated repression of HBV replication. Mutant analyses revealed that the N-terminal domain, the transmembrane domain, and the C-terminal domain are responsible for the repression of HBV replication, and the C-terminal domain is required for interaction with the RNA exosome complex. Moreover, Ostm1 production is not regulated by interferon-α (IFN-α) or IFN-γ, and the expression of IFN signaling components is not affected by Ostm1, suggesting that Ostm1 anti-HBV activity is independent of the IFN signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study revealed a distinct mechanism underlying the repression of HBV replication, in which Ostm1 binds to HBV RNA and recruits RNA exosomes to degrade viral RNA, thereby restricting HBV replication.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen infecting the liver to cause a variety of diseases ranging from acute hepatitis to advanced liver diseases, fulminate hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby causing a major health problem worldwide. In this study, we demonstrated that Ostm1 plays an inhibitory role in HBV protein production, RNA expression, and DNA replication. However, Ostm1 has no effect on the activities of the four HBV promoters; instead, it binds to HBV RNA and recruits RNA exosomes to promote HBV RNA degradation. We further demonstrated that the anti-HBV activity of Ostm1 is independent of the interferon signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study reveals a distinct mechanism underlying the repression of HBV replication and suggests that Ostm1 is a potential therapeutic agent for HBV infection.
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17
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Hu B, Yu L, Zhu N, Xie J. Cellular UAP56 interacts with the HBx protein of the hepatitis B virus and is involved in viral RNA nuclear export in hepatocytes. Exp Cell Res 2020; 390:111929. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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18
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Liu Y, Wang H, Zhang J, Yang J, Bai L, Zheng B, Zheng T, Wang Y, Li J, Zhang W. SERINC5 Inhibits the Secretion of Complete and Genome-Free Hepatitis B Virions Through Interfering With the Glycosylation of the HBV Envelope. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:697. [PMID: 32431673 PMCID: PMC7216740 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine incorporator 3 (SERINC3) and SERINC5 were recently identified as host intrinsic factors against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and counteracted by HIV-1 Nef. However, whether they inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is a severe health problem worldwide, is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that SERINC5 potently inhibited HBV virion secretion in the supernatant without affecting intracellular core particle-associated DNA and the total RNA, but SERINC3 and SERINC1 did not. Further investigation discovered that SERINC5 increased the non-glycosylation of LHB, MHB, and SHB proteins of HBV and slightly decreased HBs proteins levels, which led to the decreased HBV secretion. Importantly, SERINC5 co-localized with LHB proteins in the Golgi apparatus, which is important for glycan processing and transport. In addition, we determined the functional domain in SERINC5 required for HBV inhibition, which was completely different from that required for HIV-1 restriction, whereas phosphorylation and glycosylation sites in SERINC5 were dispensable for HBV restriction. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SERINC5 suppresses HBV virion secretion through interfering with the glycosylation of HBV proteins, suggesting that SERINC5 might possess broad-spectrum antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Echocardiography, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baisong Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianhang Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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19
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SAMD4 family members suppress human hepatitis B virus by directly binding to the Smaug recognition region of viral RNA. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:1032-1044. [PMID: 32341522 PMCID: PMC7223975 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HBV infection initiates hepatitis B and promotes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. IFN-α is commonly used in hepatitis B therapy, but how it inhibits HBV is not fully understood. We screened 285 human interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) for anti-HBV activity using a cell-based assay, which revealed several anti-HBV ISGs. Among these ISGs, SAMD4A was the strongest suppressor of HBV replication. We found the binding site of SAMD4A in HBV RNA, which was a previously unidentified Smaug recognition region (SRE) sequence conserved in HBV variants. SAMD4A binds to the SRE site in viral RNA to trigger its degradation. The SAM domain in SAMD4A is critical for RNA binding and the C-terminal domain of SAMD4A is required for SAMD4A anti-HBV function. Human SAMD4B is a homolog of human SAMD4A but is not an ISG, and the murine genome encodes SAMD4. All these SAMD4 proteins suppressed HBV replication when overexpressed in vitro and in vivo. We also showed that knocking out the Samd4 gene in hepatocytes led to a higher level of HBV replication in mice and AAV-delivered SAMD4A expression reduced the virus titer in HBV-producing transgenic mice. In addition, a database analysis revealed a negative correlation between the levels of SAMD4A/B and HBV in patients. Our data suggest that SAMD4A is an important anti-HBV ISG for use in IFN therapy of hepatitis B and that the levels of SAMD4A/B expression are related to HBV sensitivity in humans.
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20
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Fan M, Wang J, Wang S, Li T, Pan H, Liu H, Xu H, Zhernakova DV, O'Brien SJ, Feng Z, Chang L, Dai E, Lu J, Xi H, Yu Y, Zhang J, Wang B, Zeng Z. New Gene Variants Associated with the Risk of Chronic HBV Infection. Virol Sin 2020; 35:378-387. [PMID: 32297155 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00200-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection failed to clear HBV, even persistently continue to produce antibodies to HBV. Here we performed a two stage genome wide association study in a cohort of Chinese patients designed to discover single nucleotide variants that associate with HBV infection and clearance of HBV. The first stage involved genome wide exome sequencing of 101 cases (HBsAg plus anti-HBs positive) compared with 102 control patients (anti-HBs positive, HBsAg negative). Over 80% of individual sequences displayed 20 × sequence coverage. Adapters, uncertain bases > 10% or low-quality base calls (> 50%) were filtered and compared to the human reference genome hg19. In the second stage, 579 chronic HBV infected cases and 439 HBV clearance controls were sequenced with selected genes from the first stage. Although there were no significant associated gene variants in the first stage, two significant gene associations were discovered when the two stages were assessed in a combined analysis. One association showed rs506121-"T" allele [within the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) gene] was higher in chronic HBV infection group than that in clearance group (P = 0.002, OR = 0.77, 95% CI [0.65, 0.91]). The second association involved rs2071676-A allele within the Carbonic anhydrase (CA9) gene that was significantly elevated in chronic HBV infection group compared to the clearance group (P = 0.0003, OR = 1.35, 95% CI [1.15, 1.58]). Upon replication these gene associations would suggest the influence of DOCK8 and CA9 as potential risk genetic factors in the persistence of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Development Biology, School of Medical Basic, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.,Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Sa Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Tengyan Li
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hankui Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.,BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.,BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Daria V Zhernakova
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, Center for Computer Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia, 197101
| | - Stephen J O'Brien
- Laboratory of Genomic Diversity, Center for Computer Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russia, 197101.,Guy Harvey Oceanographic Center, Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography, Nova Southeastern University, Ft Lauderdale, FL, 33004, USA
| | - Zhenru Feng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Le Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Erhei Dai
- The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Jianhua Lu
- The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, 050024, China
| | - Hongli Xi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China. .,BGI Genomics, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Binbin Wang
- Center for Genetics, National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
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21
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Zheng B, Zhang J, Zheng T, Wang H, Li Z, Huan C, Ning S, Wang Y, Zhang W. ATP1B3 cooperates with BST-2 to promote hepatitis B virus restriction. J Med Virol 2019; 92:201-209. [PMID: 31556466 PMCID: PMC7159099 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates ATP1B3, one of the regulatory subunits of Na+ /K+ -ATPase, is involved in numerous viral propagations, such as HIV and EV71. However, the function and mechanism of ATP1B3 on hepatitis B virus (HBV) propagation is unknown. Here, we demonstrated that ATP1B3 overexpression reduced the quantity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in supernatants of HBV expression plasmids cotransfected HepG2 cells. Correspondingly, small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA mediated ATP1B3 silencing promoted HBsAg and HBeAg expression in the supernatants of HBV expression plasmids transfected HepG2 cells. Mechanically, we reported that ATP1B3 expression could activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway by inducing the expression, phosphorylation, and nuclear import of P65 for the first time. And NF-κB inhibitor (Bay11) impaired the restraint of ATP1B3 on HBV replication. This counteraction effect of Bay11 proved that ATP1B3-induced NF-κB activation was crucial for HBV restriction. Accordingly, we observed that anti-HBV factors interferon-α (IFN-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production were increased in HepG2 cells after the NF-κB activation. It suggested that ATP1B3 suppressed HBsAg and HBeAg by NF-κB/IFN-α and NF-κB/IL-6 axis. Further experiments proved that ATP1B3 overexpression induced anti-HBV factor BST-2 expression by NF-κB/IFN-α axis in HepG2 cells but not HEK293T cells, and ATP1B3 silencing downregulated BST-2 messenger RNA level in HepG2 cells. As an HBV restriction factor, BST-2 cooperated with ATP1B3 to antagonize HBsAg but not HBeAg in HepG2 cells. Our work identified ATP1B3 as a novel candidate of HBV restrictor with unrevealed mechanism and we highlighted it might serve as a potential therapeutic molecule for HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baisong Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Tianhang Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhaolong Li
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Huan
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shanshan Ning
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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22
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Yeh ML, Huang JF, Dai CY, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pegylated interferon for the treatment of hepatitis B. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2019; 15:779-785. [PMID: 31593639 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2019.1678584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Interferon (IFN) had both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, and was one of the approved treatments for hepatitis B virus (HBV). Herein, we reviewed the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) for the treatment of HBV. Areas covered: The steady-state serum levels of PegIFN-α were reached within 5 to 8 weeks, and the week 48 mean trough concentrations were approximately 2-fold higher than week 1. There was also no difference of the pharmacokinetics in male or female, healthy volunteers or patients with hepatitis B or C infection. PegIFN-α did not affect the metabolism of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, except inhibition of CYP1A2. There was also no pharmacokinetic interaction between PegIFN-α and HBV nucleot(s)ide analogues (NUCs). Forty-eight weeks of PegIFN-α achieved 32% of HBeAg seroconversion, 32-43% of HBV DNA suppression, 41-59% of ALT normalization, and 3% of HBsAg seroconversion rate with a post-treatment durable response up to 80% in the initial responders. Expert opinion: On-treatment HBsAg titer guided the treatment of HBV with PegIFN-α. The recommendation of PegIFN-α and NUC combination or switch remained controversial. New immunotherapeutic agents are now in development. Although, PegIFN-α should continue to play a role in the treatment of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B) and Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University , Hsin-Chu , Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatitis Center and Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan.,Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University , Kaohsiung , Taiwan
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23
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Zhang D, Wang Y, Zhang HY, Jiao FZ, Zhang WB, Wang LW, Zhang H, Gong ZJ. Histone deacetylases and acetylated histone H3 are involved in the process of hepatitis B virus DNA replication. Life Sci 2019; 223:1-8. [PMID: 30862568 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anti-HBV treatment and the regulation of HDACs during HBV DNA replication. METHODS HDAC activities and HBV DNA levels in CHB patients' sera were measured and correlation analysis was made. The changes of HDAC2, HDAC6, AH3 and histone H3 levels in normal control and 4 CHB patient liver tissue samples before and after antiviral treatment were examined. The HDAC inhibitor, TSA, anti-HBV agents, ETV and IFN-α were used to stimulate HepG2.2.15 cells. The levels of HBV DNA, pgRNA in supernatants, and cccDNA in the cells were determined by PCR. The HDAC activity, HDAC6, HDAC2, AH3 and H3 protein levels in cells were tested at days 3, 6, and 9 after treatments. KEY FINDINGS HDAC activity was positively correlated with HBV DNA in the HBV patients' sera. The levels of HDAC2, HDAC6 and AH3 were notably decreased after antiviral treatment. When compared with antiviral treatment group, the normal liver tissue showed obviously decreased HDAC2, HDAC6 and AH3 protein levels. In vitro study, the level of HBV DNA, the HDAC activity, and the HDAC2, HDAC6 and AH3 protein levels decreased in the ETV, IFN-α and TSA groups compared with the control group. The pgRNA level in supernatants was declined in the IFN-α group and increased in the ETV and TSA groups. cccDNA expression was suppressed by IFN-α. SIGNIFICANCE The changes of HBV replicative products during antiviral treatment are associated with histone deacetylation. Acetylated histone H3 is involved in the process of hepatitis B virus DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Hai-Yue Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Jiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Lu-Wen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China
| | - Zuo-Jiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060 Wuhan, China.
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24
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Fourati S, Ribeiro SP, Blasco Tavares Pereira Lopes F, Talla A, Lefebvre F, Cameron M, Kaewkungwal J, Pitisuttithum P, Nitayaphan S, Rerks-Ngarm S, Kim JH, Thomas R, Gilbert PB, Tomaras GD, Koup RA, Michael NL, McElrath MJ, Gottardo R, Sékaly RP. Integrated systems approach defines the antiviral pathways conferring protection by the RV144 HIV vaccine. Nat Commun 2019; 10:863. [PMID: 30787294 PMCID: PMC6382801 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-08854-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The RV144 vaccine trial showed reduced risk of HIV-1 acquisition by 31.2%, although mechanisms that led to protection remain poorly understood. Here we identify transcriptional correlates for reduced HIV-1 acquisition after vaccination. We assess the transcriptomic profile of blood collected from 223 participants and 40 placebo recipients. Pathway-level analysis of HIV-1 negative vaccinees reveals that type I interferons that activate the IRF7 antiviral program and type II interferon-stimulated genes implicated in antigen-presentation are both associated with a reduced risk of HIV-1 acquisition. In contrast, genes upstream and downstream of NF-κB, mTORC1 and host genes required for viral infection are associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 acquisition among vaccinees and placebo recipients, defining a vaccine independent association with HIV-1 acquisition. Our transcriptomic analysis of RV144 trial samples identifies IRF7 as a mediator of protection and the activation of mTORC1 as a correlate of the risk of HIV-1 acquisition. The RV144 vaccine trial showed reduced risk of HIV-1 acquisition, but mechanisms underlying protection are poorly understood. Here, Fourati et al. assess the transcriptomic profile of blood collected from 223 vaccinees and 40 placebo recipients and identify IRF7 as a mediator of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slim Fourati
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | | | | | - Aarthi Talla
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Francois Lefebvre
- Canadian Center for Computational Genomics, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Mark Cameron
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - J Kaewkungwal
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - P Pitisuttithum
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - S Nitayaphan
- Royal Thai Army, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - S Rerks-Ngarm
- Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, 11000, Thailand
| | - Jerome H Kim
- Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.,International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Rasmi Thomas
- Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Peter B Gilbert
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Richard A Koup
- Vaccine Research Center, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nelson L Michael
- Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - M Juliana McElrath
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Raphael Gottardo
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Rafick-Pierre Sékaly
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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25
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Yao Z, Jia X, Megger DA, Chen J, Liu Y, Li J, Sitek B, Yuan Z. Label-Free Proteomic Analysis of Exosomes Secreted from THP-1-Derived Macrophages Treated with IFN-α Identifies Antiviral Proteins Enriched in Exosomes. J Proteome Res 2018; 18:855-864. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlan Yao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaofang Jia
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Dominik A. Megger
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 50 Virchowstraße 179, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Medizinisches Proteom-Center, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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26
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Exosomes Exploit the Virus Entry Machinery and Pathway To Transmit Alpha Interferon-Induced Antiviral Activity. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01578-18. [PMID: 30282711 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01578-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha interferon (IFN-α) induces the transfer of resistance to hepatitis B virus (HBV) from liver nonparenchymal cells (LNPCs) to hepatocytes via exosomes. However, little is known about the entry machinery and pathway involved in the transmission of IFN-α-induced antiviral activity. In this study, we found that macrophage exosomes uniquely depend on T cell immunoglobulin and mucin receptor 1 (TIM-1), a hepatitis A virus (HAV) receptor, to enter hepatocytes for delivering IFN-α-induced anti-HBV activity. Moreover, two primary endocytic routes for virus infection, clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and macropinocytosis, collaborate to permit exosome entry and anti-HBV activity transfer. Subsequently, lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA), an anionic lipid closely related to endosome penetration of virus, facilitates membrane fusion of exosomes in late endosomes/multivesicular bodies (LEs/MVBs) and the accompanying exosomal cargo uncoating. Together, our findings provide comprehensive insights into the transmission route of macrophage exosomes to efficiently deliver IFN-α-induced antiviral substances and highlight the similarities between the entry mechanisms of exosomes and virus.IMPORTANCE Our previous study showed that LNPC-derived exosomes could transmit IFN-α-induced antiviral activity to HBV replicating hepatocytes, but the concrete transmission mechanisms, which include exosome entry and exosomal cargo release, remain unclear. In this study, we found that virus entry machinery and pathway were also applied to exosome-mediated cell-to-cell antiviral activity transfer. Macrophage-derived exosomes distinctively exploit hepatitis A virus receptor for access to hepatocytes. Later, CME and macropinocytosis are utilized by exosomes, followed by exosome-endosome fusion for efficient transfer of IFN-α-induced anti-HBV activity. We believe that understanding the cellular entry pathway of exosomes will be beneficial to designing exosomes as efficient vehicles for antiviral therapy.
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27
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Identification of Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonists as Potent Hepatitis B Virus Inhibitors via a Drug Repurposing Screen. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00465-18. [PMID: 30224536 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00465-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can efficiently reduce viremia but induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss in very few patients; also, these therapies do not greatly affect the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). To discover new agents with complementary anti-HBV effects, we performed a drug repurposing screen of 1,018 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds using HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHH). Several compounds belonging to the family of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonists were identified that reduced HBsAg levels in a dose-dependent manner without significant cytotoxicity. Among them, tazarotene exhibited the most potent anti-HBV effect, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for HBsAg of less than 30 nM in PHH. The inhibitory effect was also observed in HBV-infected differentiated HepaRG (dHepaRG) models, but not in HepG2.215 cells, and HBV genotypes A to D were similarly inhibited. Tazarotene was further demonstrated to repress HBV cccDNA transcription, as determined by the levels of HBV cccDNA and RNAs and the activation of HBV promoters. Moreover, RNA sequence analysis showed that tazarotene did not induce an interferon response but altered the expression of a number of genes associated with RAR and metabolic pathways. Inhibition of RARβ, but not RARα, by a specific antagonist significantly attenuated the anti-HBV activity of tazarotene, suggesting that tazarotene inhibits HBV in part through RARβ. Finally, a synergistic effect of tazarotene and entecavir on HBV DNA levels was observed. Therefore, RAR agonists as represented by tazarotene were identified as potential novel anti-HBV agents.
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28
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Wu M, Li J, Yue L, Bai L, Li Y, Chen J, Zhang X, Yuan Z. Establishment of Cre-mediated HBV recombinant cccDNA (rcccDNA) cell line for cccDNA biology and antiviral screening assays. Antiviral Res 2018; 152:45-52. [PMID: 29432776 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), existing in hepatocyte nuclei as a stable minichromosome, plays a central role in the life cycle of the virus and permits the persistence of infection. Despite being essential for HBV infection, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of cccDNA formation, regulation and degradation, and there is no therapeutic agents directly targeting cccDNA, fore mostly due to the lack of robust, reliable and quantifiable HBV cccDNA models. In this study, combined the Cre/loxP and sleeping beauty transposons system, we established HepG2-derived cell lines integrated with 2-60 copies of monomeric HBV genome flanked by loxP sites (HepG2-HBV/loxP). After Cre expression via adenoviral transduction, 3.3-kb recombinant cccDNA (rcccDNA) bearing a chimeric intron can be produced in the nuclei of these HepG2-HBV/loxP cells. The rcccDNA could be accurately quantified by quantitative PCR using specific primers and cccDNA pool generated in this model could be easily detected by Southern blotting using the digoxigenin probe system. We demonstrated that the rcccDNA was epigenetically organized as the natural minichromosome and served as the template supporting pgRNA transcription and viral replication. As the expression of HBV S antigen (HBsAg) is dependent on the newly generated cccDNA, HBsAg is the surrogate marker of cccDNA. Additionally, the efficacies of 3 classes of anti-HBV agents were evaluated in HepG2-HBV/loxP cells and antiviral activities with different mechanisms were confirmed. These data collectively suggested that HepG2-HBV/loxP cell system will be powerful platform for studying cccDNA related biological mechanisms and developing novel cccDNA targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Li
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yue
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaming Li
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieliang Chen
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Research Unit, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Liu H, Li F, Zhang X, Yu J, Wang J, Jia J, Yu X, Shen Z, Yuan Z, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Lu L, Li H, Lu M, Zhang J. Differentially Expressed Intrahepatic Genes Contribute to Control of Hepatitis B Virus Replication in the Inactive Carrier Phase. J Infect Dis 2018; 217:1044-1054. [PMID: 29300924 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Liu
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
- Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou
| | - Fahong Li
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
- Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou
| | - Jie Yu
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Jia
- Shanghai Center of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology
| | - Xueping Yu
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University
| | - Zhanqing Zhang
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Departmentof Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College
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30
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Lim KH, Park ES, Kim DH, Cho KC, Kim KP, Park YK, Ahn SH, Park SH, Kim KH, Kim CW, Kang HS, Lee AR, Park S, Sim H, Won J, Seok K, You JS, Lee JH, Yi NJ, Lee KW, Suh KS, Seong BL, Kim KH. Suppression of interferon-mediated anti-HBV response by single CpG methylation in the 5'-UTR of TRIM22. Gut 2018; 67:166-178. [PMID: 28341749 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interferons (IFNs) mediate direct antiviral activity. They play a crucial role in the early host immune response against viral infections. However, IFN therapy for HBV infection is less effective than for other viral infections. DESIGN We explored the cellular targets of HBV in response to IFNs using proteome-wide screening. RESULTS Using LC-MS/MS, we identified proteins downregulated and upregulated by IFN treatment in HBV X protein (HBx)-stable and control cells. We found several IFN-stimulated genes downregulated by HBx, including TRIM22, which is known as an antiretroviral protein. We demonstrated that HBx suppresses the transcription of TRIM22 through a single CpG methylation in its 5'-UTR, which further reduces the IFN regulatory factor-1 binding affinity, thereby suppressing the IFN-stimulated induction of TRIM22. CONCLUSIONS We verified our findings using a mouse model, primary human hepatocytes and human liver tissues. Our data elucidate a mechanism by which HBV evades the host innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keo-Heun Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sook Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doo Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Cho Cho
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Yong Kwang Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hwa Park
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kee-Hwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, Uijeongbu St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Chang Wook Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Hong Seok Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ah Ram Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soree Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heewoo Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Juhee Won
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kieun Seok
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jueng Soo You
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Nam-Joon Yi
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Suk Suh
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Baik L Seong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research and Diagnostic Medicine, IBST, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.,KU Open Innovation Center, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea.,Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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31
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Zhou T, Block T, Liu F, Kondratowicz AS, Sun L, Rawat S, Branson J, Guo F, Steuer HM, Liang H, Bailey L, Moore C, Wang X, Cuconatti A, Gao M, Lee ACH, Harasym T, Chiu T, Gotchev D, Dorsey B, Rijnbrand R, Sofia MJ. HBsAg mRNA degradation induced by a dihydroquinolizinone compound depends on the HBV posttranscriptional regulatory element. Antiviral Res 2017; 149:191-201. [PMID: 29133129 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In pursuit of novel therapeutics targeting the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, we evaluated a dihydroquinolizinone compound (DHQ-1) that in the nanomolar range reduced the production of virion and surface protein (HBsAg) in tissue culture. This compound also showed broad HBV genotype coverage, but was inactive against a panel of DNA and RNA viruses of other species. Oral administration of DHQ-1 in the AAV-HBV mouse model resulted in a significant reduction of serum HBsAg as soon as 4 days following the commencement of treatment. Reduction of HBV markers in both in vitro and in vivo experiments was related to the reduced amount of viral RNA including pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and 2.4/2.1 kb HBsAg mRNA. Nuclear run-on and subcellular fractionation experiments indicated that DHQ-1 mediated HBV RNA reduction was the result of accelerated viral RNA degradation in the nucleus, rather than the consequence of inhibition of transcription initiation. Through mutagenesis of HBsAg gene sequences, we found induction of HBsAg mRNA decay by DHQ-1 required the presence of the HBV posttranscriptional regulatory element (HPRE), with a 109 nucleotides sequence within the central region of the HPRE alpha sub-element being the most critical. Taken together, the current study shows that a small molecule can reduce the overall levels of HBV RNA, especially the HBsAg mRNA, and viral surface proteins. This may shed light on the development of a new class of HBV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States.
| | - Timothy Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States
| | - Fei Liu
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Andrew S Kondratowicz
- Arbutus BioPharma, 100 - 8900 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia V5J 5J8, Canada
| | - Liren Sun
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States
| | - Siddhartha Rawat
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States
| | - Jeffrey Branson
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States
| | - Fang Guo
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | | | - Hongyan Liang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Department of Translational Medicine, Doylestown, PA 18902, United States
| | - Lauren Bailey
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Chris Moore
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Xiaohe Wang
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Andy Cuconatti
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Min Gao
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Amy C H Lee
- Arbutus BioPharma, 100 - 8900 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia V5J 5J8, Canada
| | - Troy Harasym
- Arbutus BioPharma, 100 - 8900 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia V5J 5J8, Canada
| | - Tim Chiu
- Arbutus BioPharma, 100 - 8900 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, British Columbia V5J 5J8, Canada
| | - Dimitar Gotchev
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Bruce Dorsey
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Rene Rijnbrand
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States
| | - Michael J Sofia
- Arbutus BioPharma, 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA 18974, United States.
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32
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Altered expression of interferon-stimulated genes is strongly associated with therapeutic outcomes in hepatitis B virus infection. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:75-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Ortega-Prieto AM, Dorner M. Immune Evasion Strategies during Chronic Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:E24. [PMID: 28862649 PMCID: PMC5620555 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are a major global healthcare problem with more than 240 million and 70 million infected, respectively. Both viruses persist within the liver and result in progressive liver disease, resulting in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Strikingly, this pathogenesis is largely driven by immune responses, unable to clear an established infection, rather than by the viral pathogens themselves. Even though disease progression is very similar in both infections, HBV and HCV have evolved distinct mechanisms, by which they ensure persistence within the host. Whereas HCV utilizes a cloak-and-dagger approach, disguising itself as a lipid-like particle and immediately crippling essential pattern-recognition pathways, HBV has long been considered a "stealth" virus, due to the complete absence of innate immune responses during infection. Recent developments and access to improved model systems, however, revealed that even though it is among the smallest human-tropic viruses, HBV may, in addition to evading host responses, employ subtle immune evasion mechanisms directed at ensuring viral persistence in the absence of host responses. In this review, we compare the different strategies of both viruses to ensure viral persistence by actively interfering with viral recognition and innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK.
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34
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Zhang W, Chen J, Wu M, Zhang X, Zhang M, Yue L, Li Y, Liu J, Li B, Shen F, Wang Y, Bai L, Protzer U, Levrero M, Yuan Z. PRMT5 restricts hepatitis B virus replication through epigenetic repression of covalently closed circular DNA transcription and interference with pregenomic RNA encapsidation. Hepatology 2017; 66:398-415. [PMID: 28236308 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major health problem worldwide. The covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) minichromosome, which serves as the template for the transcription of viral RNAs, plays a key role in viral persistence. While accumulating evidence suggests that cccDNA transcription is regulated by epigenetic machinery, particularly the acetylation of cccDNA-bound histone 3 (H3) and H4, the potential contributions of histone methylation and related host factors remain obscure. Here, by screening a series of methyltransferases and demethylases, we identified protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) as an effective restrictor of HBV transcription and replication. In cell culture-based models for HBV infection and in liver tissues of patients with chronic HBV infection, we found that symmetric dimethylation of arginine 3 on H4 on cccDNA was a repressive marker of cccDNA transcription and was regulated by PRMT5 depending on its methyltransferase domain. Moreover, PRMT5-triggered symmetric dimethylation of arginine 3 on H4 on the cccDNA minichromosome involved an interaction with the HBV core protein and the Brg1-based human SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler, which resulted in down-regulation of the binding of RNA polymerase II to cccDNA. In addition to the inhibitory effect on cccDNA transcription, PRMT5 inhibited HBV core particle DNA production independently of its methyltransferase activity. Further study revealed that PRMT5 interfered with pregenomic RNA encapsidation by preventing its interaction with viral polymerase protein through binding to the reverse transcriptase-ribonuclease H region of polymerase, which is crucial for the polymerase-pregenomic RNA interaction. CONCLUSION PRMT5 restricts HBV replication through a two-part mechanism including epigenetic suppression of cccDNA transcription and interference with pregenomic RNA encapsidation; these findings improve the understanding of epigenetic regulation of HBV transcription and host-HBV interaction, thus providing new insights into targeted therapeutic intervention. (Hepatology 2017;66:398-415).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Yue
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaming Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangxia Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baocun Li
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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35
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Liu Y, Nie H, Mao R, Mitra B, Cai D, Yan R, Guo JT, Block TM, Mechti N, Guo H. Interferon-inducible ribonuclease ISG20 inhibits hepatitis B virus replication through directly binding to the epsilon stem-loop structure of viral RNA. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006296. [PMID: 28399146 PMCID: PMC5388505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its DNA genome through reverse transcription of a viral RNA pregenome. We report herein that the interferon (IFN) stimulated exoribonuclease gene of 20 KD (ISG20) inhibits HBV replication through degradation of HBV RNA. ISG20 expression was observed at basal level and was highly upregulated upon IFN treatment in hepatocytes, and knock down of ISG20 resulted in elevation of HBV replication and attenuation of IFN-mediated antiviral effect. The sequence element conferring the susceptibility of HBV RNA to ISG20-mediated RNA degradation was mapped at the HBV RNA terminal redundant region containing epsilon (ε) stem-loop. Furthermore, ISG20-induced HBV RNA degradation relies on its ribonuclease activity, as the enzymatic inactive form ISG20D94G was unable to promote HBV RNA decay. Interestingly, ISG20D94G retained antiviral activity against HBV DNA replication by preventing pgRNA encapsidation, resulting from a consequence of ISG20-ε interaction. This interaction was further characterized by in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and ISG20 was able to bind HBV ε directly in absence of any other cellular proteins, indicating a direct ε RNA binding capability of ISG20; however, cofactor(s) may be required for ISG20 to efficiently degrade ε. In addition, the lower stem portion of ε is the major ISG20 binding site, and the removal of 4 base pairs from the bottom portion of ε abrogated the sensitivity of HBV RNA to ISG20, suggesting that the specificity of ISG20-ε interaction relies on both RNA structure and sequence. Furthermore, the C-terminal Exonuclease III (ExoIII) domain of ISG20 was determined to be responsible for interacting with ε, as the deletion of ExoIII abolished in vitro ISG20-ε binding and intracellular HBV RNA degradation. Taken together, our study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of IFN-mediated HBV inhibition and the antiviral mechanism of ISG20 in general. HBV is a DNA virus but replicates its DNA via retrotranscription of a viral RNA pregenome. ISG20, an antiviral RNase induced by interferons, inhibits the replication of many RNA viruses but the underlying molecular antiviral mechanism remains elusive. Since all the known viruses, except for prions, have RNA products in their life cycles, ISG20 can be a broad spectrum antiviral protein; but in order to distinguish viral RNA from host RNA, ISG20 may have evolved to recognize virus-specific signals as its antiviral target. We demonstrated herein that ISG20 selectively binds to a unique stem-loop structure called epsilon (ε) in all HBV RNA species and degrades viral RNA to inhibit HBV replication. Because ε is the HBV pregenomic RNA packaging signal and reverse transcription priming site, the binding of ISG20 to ε, even in the absence of ribonuclease activity, results in antiviral effect to prevent DNA replication due to preventing viral polymerase binding to pgRNA. We also determined the structure and sequence requirements of ε RNA and ISG20 protein for ISG20-ε binding and antiviral activity. Such information will aid the function study of ISG20 against viral pathogens in host innate defense, and ISG20 has potentials to be developed into a therapeutic agent for viral diseases including hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjie Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Hui Nie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Bidisha Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Dawei Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Timothy M. Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nadir Mechti
- CNRS, UMR5235, DIMNP, University of Montpellier 2, Montpellier, France
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Lin J, Gu C, Shen Z, Liu Y, Wang W, Tao S, Cui X, Liu J, Xie Y. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α downregulates HBV gene expression and replication by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174017. [PMID: 28319127 PMCID: PMC5358864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α (HNF1α) in the regulation of gene expression and replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not fully understood. Previous reports have documented the induction of the expression of viral large surface protein (LHBs) by HNF1α through activating viral Sp1 promoter. Large amount of LHBs can block the secretion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Here we found that HNF1α overexpression inhibited HBV gene expression and replication in Huh7 cells, resulting in marked decreases in HBsAg, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and virion productions. In contrast, knockdown of endogenous HNF1α expression enhanced viral gene expression and replication. This HNF1α-mediated inhibition did not depend on LHBs. Instead, HNF1α promoted the expression of NF-κB p65 and slowed p65 protein degradation, leading to nuclear accumulation of p65 and activation of the NF-κB signaling, which in turn inhibited HBV gene expression and replication. The inhibitor of the NF-κB signaling, IκBα-SR, could abrogate this HNF1α-mediated inhibition. While the dimerization domain of HNF1α was dispensable for the induction of LHBs expression, all the domains of HNF1α was required for the inhibition of HBV gene expression. Our findings identify a novel role of HNF1α in the regulation of HBV gene expression and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjian Gu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Tao
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxian Cui
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YHX); (JL)
| | - Youhua Xie
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YHX); (JL)
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37
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Control of Hepatitis B Virus by Cytokines. Viruses 2017; 9:v9010018. [PMID: 28117695 PMCID: PMC5294987 DOI: 10.3390/v9010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health problem worldwide with more than 240 million individuals chronically infected. Current treatments can control HBV replication to a large extent, but cannot eliminate HBV infection. Cytokines have been shown to control HBV replication and contribute to HBV cure in different models. Cytokines play an important role in limiting acute HBV infection in patients and mediate a non-cytolytic clearance of the virus. In this review, we summarize the effects of cytokines and cytokine-induced cellular signaling pathways on different steps of the HBV life cycle, and discuss possible strategies that may contribute to the eradication of HBV through innate immune activation.
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38
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Chen C, Wu M, Zhang W, Lu W, Zhang M, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Yuan Z. MicroRNA-939 restricts Hepatitis B virus by targeting Jmjd3-mediated and C/EBPα-coordinated chromatin remodeling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35974. [PMID: 27779233 PMCID: PMC5078794 DOI: 10.1038/srep35974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-layered mechanisms of virus host interaction exist for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which have been typically manifested at the microRNA level. Our previous study suggested that miRNA-939 (miR-939) may play a potential role in regulating HBV replication. Here we further investigated the mechanism by which miR-939 regulates HBV life cycle. We found that miR-939 inhibited the abundance of viral RNAs without direct miRNA-mRNA base pairing, but via host factors. Expression profiling and functional validation identified Jmjd3 as a target responsible for miR-939 induced anti-HBV effect. Jmjd3 appeared to enhance the transcription efficiency of HBV enhancer II/core promoter (En II) in a C/EBPα-dependent manner. However, the demethylase activity of Jmjd3 was not required in this process. Rather, Jmjd3’s transactivation activity depended on its interaction with C/EBPα. This coordinated action further recruited the Brm containing SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex which promoted the transcription of HBV RNAs. Taken together, we propose that the miR-939-Jmjd3 axis perturbs the accessibility of En II promoter to essential nuclear factors (C/EBPα and SWI/SNF complex) therefore leading to compromised viral RNA synthesis and hence restricted viral multiplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuncun Chen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- Research Units, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanqing Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Research Units, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Ministry of Education and Health, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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39
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Sepehri Z, Kiani Z, Alavian SM, Arababadi MK, Kennedy D. The link between TLR7 signaling and hepatitis B virus infection. Life Sci 2016; 158:63-9. [PMID: 27373425 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) play crucial roles in recognition and induction of appropriate immune responses against viral infections, including hepatitis B. TLR7 detects intracellular viral single strand RNA which leads to the activation of several pro-inflammatory transcription factors via the MYD88 dependent pathway. Patients with prolonged infectious forms of hepatitis B, including active and inactive chronic forms, are unable to clear HBV from hepatocytes completely. It is believed that the differences in genetic and immunological parameters of the patients and clearance subjects, who successfully clear HBV infections, are the main factors responsible for allowing the long term infections to persist. It appears that defective expression of TLR7 may result in impaired immune responses against HBV. The aim of this review is to address the recent information regarding the crucial roles played by TLR7 in hepatitis B infection and also the main mechanisms used by HBV to escape from recognition by TLR7 in prolonged HBV infected patients. Considering that chronic hepatitis B infection is not yet curable, it could be possible to activate TLR7-related immunological pathways as a therapy directed towards persistent HBV infection. Hence, another aim of this study is to present recent developments of TLR7 agonists as a therapeutic strategy for chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sepehri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Zohre Kiani
- Zabol Medicinal Plant Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran; Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Baqiyatollah Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Baqiyatollah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazemi Arababadi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Derek Kennedy
- School of Natural Sciences, Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
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40
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The Interferon-Inducible Protein Tetherin Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Virion Secretion. J Virol 2015; 89:9200-12. [PMID: 26109732 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00933-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is an approved medication for chronic hepatitis B therapy. Besides acting as an immunomodulator, IFN-α elicits a pleiotropic antiviral state in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected hepatocytes, but whether or not IFN-α impedes the late steps of the HBV life cycle, such as HBV secretion, remains elusive. Here we report that IFN-α treatment of HepAD38 cells with established HBV replication selectively reduced HBV virion release without altering intracellular viral replication or the secretion of HBV subviral particles and nonenveloped capsids. In search of the interferon-stimulated gene(s) that is responsible for the reduction of HBV virion release, we found that tetherin, a broad-spectrum antiviral transmembrane protein that inhibits the egress of a variety of enveloped viruses, was highly induced by IFN-α in HepAD38 cells and in primary human hepatocytes. We further demonstrated that the expression of full-length tetherin, but not the C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor-truncated form, inhibited HBV virion egress from HepAD38 cells. In addition, GPI anchor-truncated tetherin exhibited a dominant-negative effect and was incorporated into the liberated virions. We also found colocalization of tetherin and HBV L protein at the intracellular multivesicular body, where the budding of HBV virions takes place. In line with this, electron microscopy demonstrated that HBV virions were tethered in the lumen of the cisterna membrane under tetherin expression. Finally, knockdown of tetherin or overexpression of dominant negative tetherin attenuated the IFN-α-mediated reduction of HBV virion release. Taken together, our study suggests that IFN-α inhibits HBV virion egress from hepatocytes through the induction of tetherin. IMPORTANCE Tetherin is a host restriction factor that blocks the egress of a variety of enveloped viruses through tethering the budding virions on the cell surface with its membrane anchor domains. Here we report that interferon directly and selectively inhibits the secretion of HBV virions, but not subviral particles or nonenveloped capsids, through the induction of tetherin in hepatocyte-derived cells. The antiviral function of tetherin requires the carboxyl-terminal GPI anchor, while the GPI anchor deletion mutant exhibits dominant negative activity and attaches to liberated HBV virions. Consistent with the fact that HBV is an intracellular budding virus, microscopy analyses demonstrated that the tethering of HBV virions occurs in the intracellular cisterna and that tetherin colocalizes with HBV virions on the multivesicular body, which is the HBV virion budding site. Our study not only expands the antiviral spectrum of tetherin but also sheds light on the mechanisms of interferon-elicited anti-HBV responses.
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41
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Human hepatitis B virus surface and e antigens inhibit major vault protein signaling in interferon induction pathways. J Hepatol 2015; 62:1015-23. [PMID: 25481566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We previously demonstrated that major vault protein (MVP) is a novel virus-induced host factor and its expression upregulates type-I interferon production, leading to cellular antiviral response. However, it remains unclear whether the antiviral function of MVP is impaired during hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and what mechanisms are involved. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether HBV can alter MVP expression despite the lack of type-I IFN induction and shed light on the underlying mechanisms HBV utilizes to evade host innate immune response. METHODS The ability of HBV surface and e antigens to inhibit MVP signaling in interferon induction pathways was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and reporter assays. RESULTS In our current study, we found high levels of MVP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sera, and liver tissue from HBV-infected patients relative to healthy individuals. We determined that MVP intracellularly associates with MyD88, an adapter protein involved in virus-triggered induction of type-I IFN. Protein truncation analysis revealed that the middle domain of MVP (amino acid residues 310-620) was essential for MyD88 binding. Conversely, HBV inhibited MVP-induced type-I IFN production by suppressing MVP/MyD88 interaction. HBV antigens, both HBsAg and HBeAg, suppressed this interaction by competitively binding to the essential MyD88 binding region of MVP and limiting downstream IFN signaling. CONCLUSIONS MVP is a virus-induced protein capable of binding with MyD88 leading to type-I IFN production. HBV may evade an immune response by disrupting this interaction and limiting type-I IFN antiviral activity.
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Inhibition of hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication by hepatocyte nuclear factor 6. J Virol 2015; 89:4345-55. [PMID: 25653429 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03094-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a small enveloped DNA virus, chronically infects more than 350 million people worldwide and causes liver diseases from hepatitis to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Here, we report that hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6), a liver-enriched transcription factor, can inhibit HBV gene expression and DNA replication. Overexpression of HNF6 inhibited, while knockdown of HNF6 expression enhanced, HBV gene expression and replication in hepatoma cells. Mechanistically, the SP2 promoter was inhibited by HNF6, which partly accounts for the inhibition on S mRNA. Detailed analysis showed that a cis element on the HBV genome (nucleotides [nt] 3009 to 3019) was responsible for the inhibition of the SP2 promoter by HNF6. Moreover, further analysis showed that HNF6 reduced viral pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) posttranscriptionally via accelerating the degradation of HBV pgRNA independent of La protein. Furthermore, by using truncated mutation experiments, we demonstrated that the N-terminal region of HNF6 was responsible for its inhibitory effects. Importantly, introduction of an HNF6 expression construct with the HBV genome into the mouse liver using hydrodynamic injection resulted in a significant reduction in viral gene expression and DNA replication. Overall, our data demonstrated that HNF6 is a novel host factor that can restrict HBV replication via both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. IMPORTANCE HBV is a major human pathogen whose replication is regulated by host factors. Liver-enriched transcription factors are critical for many liver functions, including metabolism, development, and cell proliferation, and some of them have been shown to regulate HBV gene expression or replication in different manners. In this study, we showed that HNF6 could inhibit the gene expression and DNA replication of HBV via both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. As HNF6 is differentially expressed in men and women, the current results may suggest a role of HNF6 in the gender dimorphism of HBV infection.
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Hepatitis B virus polymerase disrupts K63-linked ubiquitination of STING to block innate cytosolic DNA-sensing pathways. J Virol 2014; 89:2287-300. [PMID: 25505063 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02760-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The cellular innate immune system recognizing pathogen infection is essential for host defense against viruses. In parallel, viruses have developed a variety of strategies to evade the innate immunity. The hepatitis B virus (HBV), a DNA virus that causes chronic hepatitis, has been shown to inhibit RNA helicase RIG-I-mediated interferon (IFN) induction. However, it is still unknown whether HBV could affect the host DNA-sensing pathways. Here we report that in transiently HBV-transfected Huh7 cells, the stably HBV-producing cell line HepAD38, and HBV-infected HepaRG cells and primary human hepatocytes, HBV markedly interfered with IFN-β induction and antiviral immunity mediated by the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which has been identified as a central factor in foreign DNA recognition and antiviral innate immunity. Screening analysis demonstrated that the viral polymerase (Pol), but not other HBV-encoded proteins, was able to inhibit STING-stimulated interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation and IFN-β induction. Moreover, the reverse transcriptase (RT) and the RNase H (RH) domains of Pol were identified to be responsible for the inhibitory effects. Furthermore, Pol was shown to physically associate with STING and dramatically decrease the K63-linked polyubiquitination of STING via its RT domain without altering the expression level of STING. Taken together, these observations suggest that besides its inherent catalytic function, Pol has a role in suppression of IFN-β production by direct interaction with STING and subsequent disruption of its K63-linked ubiquitination, providing a new mechanism for HBV to counteract the innate DNA-sensing pathways. IMPORTANCE Although whether and how HBV infection induces the innate immune responses are still controversial, it has become increasingly clear that HBV has developed strategies to counteract the pattern recognition receptor-mediated signaling pathways. Previous studies have shown that type I IFN induction activated by the host RNA sensors could be inhibited by HBV. However, it remains unknown whether HBV as a DNA virus utilizes evasion mechanisms against foreign DNA-elicited antiviral signaling. In recent years, the cytosolic DNA sensor and key adaptor STING has been demonstrated to be essential in multiple foreign DNA-elicited innate immune signalings. Here, for the first time, we report STING as a new target of HBV to antagonize IFN induction and identify the viral polymerase responsible for the inhibitory effect, thus providing an additional molecular mechanism by which HBV evades the innate immunity; this implies that in addition to its inherent catalytic function, HBV polymerase is a multifunctional immunomodulatory protein.
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Yuan Y, Tian C, Gong Q, Shang L, Zhang Y, Jin C, He F, Wang J. Interactome map reveals phospholipid scramblase 1 as a novel regulator of hepatitis B virus x protein. J Proteome Res 2014; 14:154-63. [PMID: 25365352 DOI: 10.1021/pr500943x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
HBV X protein plays crucial roles during viral infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development through interaction with various host factors. Here, we mapped the interactome of HBx using a yeast two-hybrid screen. Nine human proteins were identified as novel interacting partners of HBx, one of which is phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1). PLSCR1 is an interferon-inducible protein that mediates antiviral activity against DNA and RNA viruses. However, the molecular mechanisms of PLSCR1 activity against HBV remain unclear. Here, we reported that PLSCR1 promotes HBx degradation by a proteasome- and ubiquitin-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, we found that PLSCR1 inhibits HBx-mediated cell proliferation. After HBV infection, the protein level of PLSCR1 in plasma is elevated, and chronic hepatitis B patients with low plasma levels of PLSCR1 have a high risk of developing HCC. These results suggest that the nuclear trafficking of PLSCR1 mediates the antiviral activity and anticarcinogenesis against HBV by regulating HBx stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhi Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine , Beijing 102206, China
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Huang W, Zhao F, Huang Y, Li X, Zhu S, Hu Q, Chen W. Rapamycin enhances HBV production by inducing cellular autophagy. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e20719. [PMID: 25419217 PMCID: PMC4238155 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.20719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some reports revealed that rapamycin could reactivate HBV infection. However, the mechanism has not been clearly explained. OBJECTIVES In this report, we studied the mechanism by which rapamycin enhances HBV replication and expression by inducing cellular autophagy. MATERIALS AND METHODS HepG2.2.15 cells were treated with rapamycin to induce autophagy. Autophagosomes were observed by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Autophagy marker protein LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰwas detected by Western blotting. HBV DNA and mRNA were determined by real time PCR and Southern blotting. HBsAg was evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS In HepG2.2.15 cells, HBV DNA and HBsAg increased when host cells were treated with rapamycin and the effect was reversed by autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA). CONCLUSIONS These results indicated a potential explanation for reactivation of HBV infection when patients with hepatitis receive rapamycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fengrong Zhao
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Youyang People’s Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sufei Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Weixian Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Corresponding Author: Weixian Chen, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated to the Second Hospital Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. Tel: +86-2363703244; Fax: +86-2363703244, E-mail:
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Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded replication and transcription activator impairs innate immunity via ubiquitin-mediated degradation of myeloid differentiation factor 88. J Virol 2014; 89:415-27. [PMID: 25320320 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02591-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human gammaherpesvirus with latent and lytic reactivation cycles. The mechanism by which KSHV evades the innate immune system to establish latency has not yet been precisely elucidated. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the first line of defense against viral infections. Myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is a key adaptor that interacts with all TLRs except TLR3 to produce inflammatory factors and type I interferons (IFNs), which are central components of innate immunity against microbial infection. Here, we found that KSHV replication and transcription activator (RTA), which is an immediate-early master switch protein of viral cycles, downregulates MyD88 expression at the protein level by degrading MyD88 through the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome pathway. We identified the interaction between RTA and MyD88 in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated that RTA functions as an E3 ligase to ubiquitinate MyD88. MyD88 also was repressed at the early stage of de novo infection as well as in lytic reactivation. We also found that RTA inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-triggered activation of the TLR4 pathway by reducing IFN production and NF-κB activity. Finally, we showed that MyD88 promoted the production of IFNs and inhibited KSHV LANA-1 gene transcription. Taken together, our results suggest that KSHV RTA facilitates the virus to evade innate immunity through the degradation of MyD88, which might be critical for viral latency control. IMPORTANCE MyD88 is an adaptor for all TLRs other than TLR3, and it mediates inflammatory factors and IFN production. Our study demonstrated that the KSHV RTA protein functions as an E3 ligase to degrade MyD88 through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and block the transmission of TLRs signals. Moreover, we found that KSHV inhibited MyD88 expression during the early stage of de novo infection as well as in lytic reactivation. These results provide a potential mechanism for the virus to evade innate immunity.
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DDX3 DEAD-box RNA helicase is a host factor that restricts hepatitis B virus replication at the transcriptional level. J Virol 2014; 88:13689-98. [PMID: 25231298 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02035-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED DDX3 is a member of the DEAD-box RNA helicase family, involved in mRNA metabolism, including transcription, splicing, and translation. We previously identified DDX3 as a hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase (Pol) binding protein, and by using a transient transfection, we found that DDX3 inhibits HBV replication at the posttranscriptional level, perhaps following encapsidation. To determine the exact mechanism of the inhibition, we here employed a diverse HBV experimental system. Inconsistently, we found that DDX3-mediated inhibition occurs at the level of transcription. By using tetracycline-inducible HBV-producing cells, we observed that lentivirus-mediated DDX3 expression led to a reduced level of HBV RNAs. Importantly, knockdown of DDX3 by short hairpin RNA resulted in augmentation of HBV RNAs in two distinct HBV replication systems: (i) tetracycline-inducible HBV-producing cells and (ii) constitutive HBV-producing HepG2.2.15 cells. Moreover, DDX3 knockdown in HBV-susceptible HepG2-NTCP cells, where covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) serves as the template for viral transcription, resulted in increased HBV RNAs, validating that transcription regulation by DDX3 occurs on a physiological template. Overall, our results demonstrate that DDX3 represents an intrinsic host antiviral factor that restricts HBV transcription. IMPORTANCE Upon entry into host cells, viruses encounter host factors that restrict viral infection. During evolution, viruses have acquired the ability to subvert cellular factors that adversely affect their replication. Such host factors include TRIM5α and APOBEC3G, which were discovered in retroviruses. The discovery of host restriction factors provided deeper insight into the innate immune response and viral pathogenesis, leading to better understanding of host-virus interactions. In contrast to the case with retroviruses, little is known about host factors that restrict hepatitis B virus (HBV), a virus distantly related to retroviruses. DDX3 DEAD box RNA helicase is best characterized as an RNA helicase involved in RNA metabolism, such as RNA processing and translation. Here, we show that DDX3 inhibits HBV infection at the level of viral transcription.
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Pei RJ, Chen XW, Lu MJ. Control of hepatitis B virus replication by interferons and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11618-11629. [PMID: 25206268 PMCID: PMC4155354 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at the different steps of viral life cycle. Indeed, IFN-α has been successfully used for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the role of the innate immune response in HBV replication and the mechanism of the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α are not completely explored. In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about the IFN-mediated anti-HBV effect in the HBV life cycle and the possible effectors downstream the IFN signaling pathway. The antiviral effect of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in HBV replication is briefly discussed. The strategies exploited by HBV to evade the IFN- and TLR-mediated antiviral actions are summarized.
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Yu G, Bing Y, Li W, Xia L, Liu Z. Hepatitis B virus inhibits the expression of CD82 through hypermethylation of its promoter in hepatoma cells. Mol Med Rep 2014; 10:2580-6. [PMID: 25119390 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor gene CD82, also known as KAI1, may act as a general suppressor of metastasis in numerous types of cancer. It is hypothesized that downregulation of CD82 gene expression may be an important factor in the induction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however the mechanism for this requires further study. In the present study, the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of the CD82 gene were determined in HCC and adjacent non‑tumor tissues. The association between the CD82 gene and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) was also investigated, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, luciferase reporter assays and mass spectrometry with matrix‑assisted laser desorption/ionization time‑of‑flight mass array. CD82 expression was shown to be suppressed in response to HCC promoter methylation. Relative CD82 mRNA and protein expression levels were downregulated in HCC tissues (P<0.05). HBx protein inhibited CD82 promoter activity and subsequently the mRNA and protein expression levels. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that HBV could inhibit the expression of CD82 at the transcriptional level, and repress the activity of the CD82 promoter through hypermethylation. In addition, the methyl enzyme inhibitor 5‑aza‑CdR could induce the CD82 promoter activity and the relative expression level of CD82 mRNA, as observed by an increase in luciferase activity driven by the CD82 promoter. The observations of the present study suggest that hypermethylation of the CD82 promoter may be an event leading to the development of HCC. Low expression of CD82 is likely to be involved in tumor progression. HBV may inhibit the expression of CD82 through hypermethylation of the promoter in hepatoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guozheng Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Yuntao Bing
- Department of General Surgery, Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, P.R. China
| | - Lin Xia
- Department of Internal Medicine Oncology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Huangshi, Hubei 435005, P.R. China
| | - Zhisu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
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