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Song J, Sun X, Zhou Y, Li S, Wu J, Yang L, Zhou D, Yang Y, Liu A, Lu M, Michael R, Qin L, Yang D. Early application of IFNγ mediated the persistence of HBV in an HBV mouse model. Antiviral Res 2024; 225:105872. [PMID: 38556058 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105872] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The antiviral activity of interferon gamma (IFNγ) against hepatitis B virus (HBV) was demonstrated both in vivo and in vitro in a previous study. IFNγ can suppress HBV replication by accelerating the decay of replication-competent nucleocapsids of HBV. However, in this study, we found that the direct application of the mouse IFNγ (mIFNγ) expression plasmid to the liver of an HBV hydrodynamic injection (HI) mouse model led to the persistence of HBV, as indicated by sustained HBsAg and HBeAg levels in the serum as well as an increased percentage of the HBsAg positive mice, whereas the level of HBV DNA in the serum and the expression of HBcAg in the liver were inhibited at the early stage after HI. Meanwhile, we found that the productions of both HBcAb and HBsAb were suppressed after the application of mIFNγ. In addition, we found that HBV could be effectively inhibited in mice immunized with HBsAg expression plasmid before the application of mIFNγ. Furthermore, mIFNγ showed antiviral effect and promoted the production of HBsAb when the mice subjected to the core-null HBV plasmid. These results indicate that the application of mIFNγ in the HBV HI mouse model, the mice showed defective HBcAg-specific immunity that impeded the production of HBcAb and HBsAb, finally allowing the persistence of the virus. Moreover, IFNγ-induced negative immune regulatory factors also play an important role in virus persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjiao Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Xiliang Sun
- Clinical Laboratory, Qingdao West Coast New District People's Hospital, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Receptors-mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, PR China.
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Lu Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Di Zhou
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Anding Liu
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | | | - Li Qin
- Department of Dermatology, Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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2
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Zhang X, Wang X, Wu M, Ghildyal R, Yuan Z. Animal Models for the Study of Hepatitis B Virus Pathobiology and Immunity: Past, Present, and Future. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:715450. [PMID: 34335553 PMCID: PMC8322840 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.715450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem that plagues approximately 240 million people. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) often leads to liver inflammation and aberrant repair which results in diseases ranging from liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, to hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its narrow species tropism, researchers have established various in vivo models for HBV or its related viruses which have provided a wealth of knowledge on viral lifecycle, pathogenesis, and immunity. Here we briefly revisit over five decades of endeavor in animal model development for HBV and summarize their advantages and limitations. We also suggest directions for further improvements that are crucial for elucidation of the viral immune-evasion strategies and for development of novel therapeutics for a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Zhang
- Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Wu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Reena Ghildyal
- Centre for Research in Therapeutic Solutions, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yamamoto Y, Kakizaki M, Shimizu T, Carreras J, Chiba T, Chamoto K, Kagawa T, Aoki T, Nakamura N, Ando K, Kotani A. PD-L1 is induced on the hepatocyte surface via CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 6 up-regulation by the anti-HBV drug Entecavir. Int Immunol 2020; 32:519-531. [PMID: 32219331 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is now controllable when treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. However, once the NRTIs are discontinued, most patients relapse, necessitating lifelong NRTIs treatment. HBV infection relapse is assumed to be caused by the persistent existence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. The mechanism by which cccDNA-positive hepatocytes escape immune surveillance during NRTIs treatment remains elusive. Entecavir (ETV), a commonly used NRTI, post-transcriptionally up-regulates programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint molecule, on the cell surface of hepatocytes regardless of HBV infection. Up-regulation by ETV depends on up-regulation of CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 6, a newly identified potent regulator of PD-L1 expression on the cell surface. ETV-treated hepatic cells suppressed the activity of primary CD3 T cells and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)-over-expressed Jurkat cells. Finally, ETV induces PD-L1 in primary hepatocytes infected by HBV. These results provide evidence that ETV considerably up-regulates PD-L1 on the cell surface of infected hepatocytes, which may be one of the mechanisms by which infected hepatocytes subvert immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Yamamoto
- Division of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kakizaki
- Division of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Takayuki Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Japan
| | - Joaquim Carreras
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Chiba
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chiba University, Graduate School of Medicine, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kenji Chamoto
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, Kyoto University, Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatehiro Kagawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Taku Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Kitakobayashi, Mibu, Japan
| | - Naoya Nakamura
- Department of Pathology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ando
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Ai Kotani
- Division of Hematological Malignancy, Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Japan.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
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Meng Z, Chen Y, Lu M. Advances in Targeting the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems to Cure Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3127. [PMID: 32117201 PMCID: PMC7018702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
“Functional cure” is being pursued as the ultimate endpoint of antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), which is characterized by loss of HBsAg whether or not anti-HBs antibodies are present. “Functional cure” can be achieved in <10% of CHB patients with currently available therapeutic agents. The dysfunction of specific immune responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) is considered the major cause of persistent HBV infection. Thus, modulating the host immune system to strengthen specific cellular immune reactions might help eliminate HBV. Strategies are needed to restore/enhance innate immunity and induce HBV-specific adaptive immune responses in a coordinated way. Immune and resident cells express pattern recognition receptors like TLRs and RIG I/MDA5, which play important roles in the induction of innate immunity through sensing of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and bridging to adaptive immunity for pathogen-specific immune control. TLR/RIG I agonists activate innate immune responses and suppress HBV replication in vitro and in vivo, and are being investigated in clinical trials. On the other hand, HBV-specific immune responses could be induced by therapeutic vaccines, including protein (HBsAg/preS and HBcAg), DNA, and viral vector-based vaccines. More than 50 clinical trials have been performed to assess therapeutic vaccines in CHB treatment, some of which display potential effects. Most recently, using genetic editing technology to generate CAR-T or TCR-T, HBV-specific T cells have been produced to efficiently clear HBV. This review summarizes the progress in basic and clinical research investigating immunomodulatory strategies for curing chronic HBV infection, and critically discusses the rather disappointing results of current clinical trials and future strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Meng
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects more than 257 million people globally, resulting in progressively worsening liver disease, manifesting as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The exceptionally narrow species tropism of HBV restricts its natural hosts to humans and non-human primates, including chimpanzees, gorillas, gibbons, and orangutans. The unavailability of completely immunocompetent small-animal models has contributed to the lack of curative therapeutic interventions. Even though surrogates allow the study of closely related viruses, their host genetic backgrounds, immune responses, and molecular virology differ from those of HBV. Various different models, based on either pure murine or xenotransplantation systems, have been introduced over the past years, often making the choice of the optimal model for any given question challenging. Here, we offer a concise review of in vivo model systems employed to study HBV infection and steps in the HBV life cycle or pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catherine Cherry
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, W2 1PGLondon, U.K
| | - Harry Gunn
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, W2 1PGLondon, U.K
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, W2 1PGLondon, U.K
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6
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Li L, Li S, Zhou Y, Yang L, Zhou D, Yang Y, Lu M, Yang D, Song J. The dose of HBV genome contained plasmid has a great impact on HBV persistence in hydrodynamic injection mouse model. Virol J 2017; 14:205. [PMID: 29070073 PMCID: PMC5657044 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-017-0874-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hydrodynamic injection (HI) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) mouse model is an useful tool for HBV related research in vivo. However, only 40% of C57/BL6 mice injected with 10 μg HBV genome contained plasmid (pAAV-HBV1.2), serum HBsAg more than 6 months and none of the BALB/c mice injected with 10 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA, serum HBsAg positive more than 4 weeks in the previous study. Methods In this study, C57/BL6 and BALB/c mice were hydrodynamic injected with different doses of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. HBV related serum markers were detected by ELISA. ALT levels in the serum were measured using full automated biochemistry analyzer. HBcAg positive cells in the liver were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA levels of IRF3, ISGs including ISG15, OAS, PKR and immune factors including IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ, IL-6, IL-10, PDL1 in liver of the mice were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results The results showed that the mice injected with 100 μg high-concentration or 1 μg low-concentration of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA did not excert dominant influence on HBV persistence. In contrast, injection of 5 μg intermediate-dose of pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA led to significant prolonged HBsAg expression and HBV persistence in both C57/BL6 (80% of the mice with HBsAg positive more than 6 months) and BALB/c (60% of the mice with HBsAg positive more than 3 months) mice. IFNγ was significant up-regulated in liver of the mice injected with 1 μg or 100 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. TNFα was up-regulated significantly in liver of the mice injected with 100 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. Moreover, PDL1 was significant up-regulated in liver of the mice injected with 5 μg pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA. Conclusion In this paper we demonstrated that, in the HBV HI mouse model, the concentration of injected pAAV-HBV1.2 plasmid DNA contributes to the diverse kinetics of HBsAg and HBeAg in the serum as well as HBcAg expression level in the liver, which then determined the HBV persisternce, while the antiviral factors IFNγ, TNFα as well as immune negative regulatory factor PDL1 play important roles on HBV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjiao Song
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Pham EA, Perumpail RB, Fram BJ, Glenn JS, Ahmed A, Gish RG. Future Therapy for Hepatitis B Virus: Role of Immunomodulators. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2016; 15:237-244. [PMID: 27917363 PMCID: PMC5112294 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-016-0315-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although currently available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus infection can suppress viremia and provide long-term benefits for patients, they do not lead to a functional cure for most patients. Advances in our understanding of the virus-host interaction and the recent remarkable success of immunotherapy in cancer offer new and promising strategies for developing immune modulators that may become important components of a total therapeutic approach to hepatitis B, some of which are now in clinical development. Among the immunomodulatory agents currently being investigated to combat chronic HBV are toll-like receptor agonists, immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and engineered T cells. The efficacy of some immune modulatory therapies is compromised by high viral antigen levels. Cutting edge strategies, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9, are now being studied that may ultimately be shown to have the capacity to lower viral antigen levels sufficiently to substantially increase the efficacy of these agents. The current advances in therapies for chronic hepatitis B are leading us toward the possibility of a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A. Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Ryan B. Perumpail
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Benjamin J. Fram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Glenn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Veterans Administration Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Robert G. Gish
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA USA
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Wang L, Wang J, Liu Y, Wang B, Yang S, Yu Q, Roggendorf M, Lu M, Liu J, Yang D. Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of TGF-β and receptor genes in the woodchuck model. Gene 2016; 595:1-8. [PMID: 27637515 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an important cytokine with pleiotropic regulatory functions in the immune system and in the responses against viral infections. TGF-β acts on a variety of immune cells through the cell surface TGF-β receptor (University of Duisburg-EssenTGFBR). The woodchuck has been used as a biomedical model for studies of obesity and energy balance, endocrine and metabolic function, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neoplastic disease. Woodchucks infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) represent an informative animal model to study hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this study, the cDNA sequences of woodchuck TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 were cloned, sequenced and characterized. The full-length TGFBR1 cDNA sequence consisted of 1305bp coding sequence (CDS) that encoded 434 amino acids with a molecular weight of 48.9kDa. The phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the woodchuck TGF-β family genes had a closer genetic relationship with Ictidomys tridecemlineatus. One antibody with cross-reactivity to woodchuck TGFBR1 was identified by flow cytometry. Moreover, the expression of these genes were analyzed at the transcriptional level. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the TGF-β family transcripts were constitutively expressed in many tissues tested. Altered expression levels of the TGF-β family transcripts in the liver of WHV infected woodchucks were observed. These results serve as a foundation for further insight into the role of the TGF-β family in viral hepatitis in woodchuck model. Our work also possesses the potential value for characterizing the TGF-β family in other related diseases, such as obesity-related diseases, metabolic disorder, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Junzhong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Yana Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Shangqing Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infection and Immunology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China.
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Akbar SMF, Al-Mahtab M, Khan MSI, Raihan R, Shrestha A. Immune therapy for hepatitis B. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 4:335. [PMID: 27761439 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2016.08.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although several antiviral drugs are now available for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), sustained off-treatment clinical responses and containment of CHB-related complications are not achieved in majority of CHB patients by antiviral therapy. In addition, use of these drugs is endowed with substantial long term risk of viral resistance and drug toxicity. The infinite treatment regimens of antiviral drugs for CHB patients are also costly and usually unbearable by most patients of developing and resource-constrained countries. Taken together, there is a pressing need to develop new and innovative therapeutic approaches for CHB patients. Immune therapy seems to be an alternate therapeutic approach for CHB patients because impaired or distorted or diminished immune responses have been detected in most of these patients. Also, investigators have shown that restoration or induction of proper types of immune responses may have therapeutic implications in CHB. Various immunomodulatory agents have been used to treat patients with CHB around the world and the outcomes of these clinical trials show that the properties of immune modulators and nature and designing of immune therapeutic regimens seem to be highly relevant in the context of treatment of CHB patients. In this review, the general properties and specific features of immune therapy for CHB have been discussed for developing the guidelines of effective regimens of immune therapy for CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mamun Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sakilur Islam Khan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Ruksana Raihan
- Department of Virology, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Ananta Shrestha
- Department of Hepatology, The Liver Clinic, Liver Foundation, Kathmandu, Nepal
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10
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Converting monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapies from passive to active: bringing immune complexes into play. Emerg Microbes Infect 2016; 5:e92. [PMID: 27530750 PMCID: PMC5034104 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2016.97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which currently constitute the main class of biotherapeutics, are now recognized as major medical tools that are increasingly being considered to fight severe viral infections. Indeed, the number of antiviral mAbs developed in recent years has grown exponentially. Although their direct effects on viral blunting have been studied in detail, their potential immunomodulatory actions have been overlooked until recently. The ability of antiviral mAbs to modulate antiviral immune responses in infected organisms has recently been revealed. More specifically, upon recognition of their cognate antigens, mAbs form immune complexes (ICs) that can be recognized by the Fc receptors expressed on different immune cells of infected individuals. This binding may be followed by the modulation of the host immune responses. Harnessing this immunomodulatory property may facilitate improvements in the therapeutic potential of antiviral mAbs. This review focuses on the role of ICs formed with different viral determinants and mAbs in the induction of antiviral immune responses in the context of both passive immunotherapies and vaccination strategies. Potential deleterious effects of ICs on the host immune response are also discussed.
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11
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Meng Z, Zhang X, Pei R, Zhang E, Kemper T, Vollmer J, Davis HL, Glebe D, Gerlich W, Roggendorf M, Lu M. Combination therapy including CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and entecavir induces early viral response and enhanced inhibition of viral replication in a woodchuck model of chronic hepadnaviral infection. Antiviral Res 2015; 125:14-24. [PMID: 26585244 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 10/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) stimulate immune cells via TLR9 and are potentially useful immunomodulators for the treatment of chronic viral infections. In the present study, different classes of CpGs were tested for their capacities for innate immune activation and antiviral activities in the woodchuck model. A class P CpG ODN was found to stimulate interferon (IFN) production in woodchuck peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro, and following subcutaneous administration in vivo, it was observed to induce IFN and MxA expression in woodchuck PBMCs. Combination treatment with CpG ODN and entecavir (ETV) led to effective suppression of the woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) load in the woodchucks, with early viral responses and inhibition of replication. The woodchuck hepatitis surface antigen (WHsAg) serum concentrations were strongly decreased by CpG and ETV together but not by either agent alone, indicating synergistic effects. However, viral control post-treatment was still transient, similar to that observed with ETV alone. Significantly elevated levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) but not of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in some of the woodchucks receiving CpG ODN were noted, but these increases were resolved before the completion of treatment and were not associated with an elevated serum bilirubin level or coagulation disorders, suggesting the absence of a significant safety concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongji Meng
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rongjuan Pei
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thekla Kemper
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jörg Vollmer
- Pfizer Oligonucleotides Therapeutics Unit, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfram Gerlich
- Institute of Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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12
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Roggendorf M, Kosinska AD, Liu J, Lu M. The Woodchuck, a Nonprimate Model for Immunopathogenesis and Therapeutic Immunomodulation in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:cshperspect.a021451. [PMID: 26511761 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and its host, the eastern woodchuck, is a very valuable model system for hepatitis B virus infection. Many aspects of WHV replication and pathogenesis resemble acute and chronic hepatitis B infection in patients. Since the establishment of immunological tools, woodchucks were used to develop new therapeutic vaccines and immunomodulatory approaches to treat chronic hepadnaviral infections. Combination therapy of nucleos(t)ide analogs, with prime-boost vaccination and triple therapy, including immunomodulatory strategies by blocking the interaction of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor with its ligand inducing a potent T-cell response in chronic WHV carrier woodchucks, suppression of viral replication, and complete elimination of the virus in 30% of the animals. Both strategies may be used for future therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Roggendorf
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Anna D Kosinska
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
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13
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Zhang E, Kosinska A, Lu M, Yan H, Roggendorf M. Current status of immunomodulatory therapy in chronic hepatitis B, fifty years after discovery of the virus: Search for the "magic bullet" to kill cccDNA. Antiviral Res 2015; 123:193-203. [PMID: 26476376 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is currently treated with IFN-α and nucleos(t)ide analogues, which have many clinical benefits, but there is no ultimate cure. The major problem consists in the persistence of cccDNA in infected hepatocytes. Because no antiviral drug has been evaluated which significantly reduces copies of cccDNA, cytolytic and noncytolytic approaches are needed. Effective virus-specific T- and B-cell responses remain crucial in eliminating cccDNA-carrying hepatocytes and for the long-term control of HBV infection. Reduction of viremia by antiviral drugs provides a window for reconstitution of an HBV-specific immune response. Preclinical studies in mice and woodchucks have shown that immunostimulatory strategies, such as prime-boost vaccination and PD-1 blockade, can boost a weak virus-specific T cell response and lead to effective control of HBV infection. Based on data obtained in our preclinical studies, the combination of antiviral drugs and immunomodulators may control HBV viremia during a patient's drug-off period. In this article, we review current immune-modulatory approaches for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and the elimination of cccDNA in preclinical models. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "An unfinished story: from the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis".
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Affiliation(s)
- Ejuan Zhang
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Anna Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Huimin Yan
- Mucosal Immunity Research Group, State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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14
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Kosinska AD, Liu J, Lu M, Roggendorf M. Therapeutic vaccination and immunomodulation in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: preclinical studies in the woodchuck. Med Microbiol Immunol 2014; 204:103-14. [PMID: 25535101 PMCID: PMC4305085 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-014-0379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) may lead to subclinical, acute or chronic hepatitis. In the prevaccination era, HBV infections were endemic due to frequent mother to child transmission in large regions of the world. However, there are still estimated 240 million chronic HBV carriers today and ca. 620,000 patients die per year due to HBV-related liver diseases. Recommended treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon-α and/or nucleos(t)ide analogues does not lead to satisfactory results. Induction of HBV-specific T cells by therapeutic vaccination or immunomodulation may be an innovative strategy to overcome virus persistence. Vaccination with commercially available HBV vaccines in patients with or without therapeutic reduction of viral load did not result in effective immune control of HBV infection, suggesting that combination of antiviral treatment with new formulations of therapeutic vaccines is needed. The woodchuck (Marmota monax) and its HBV-like woodchuck hepatitis virus are a useful preclinical animal model for developing new therapeutic approaches in chronic hepadnaviral infections. Several innovative approaches combining antiviral treatments using nucleos(t)ide analogues, with prime-boost vaccination using DNA vaccines, new hepadnaviral antigens or recombinant adenoviral vectors were tested in the woodchuck model. In this review, we summarize these encouraging results obtained with these therapeutic vaccines. In addition, we present potential innovations in immunostimulatory strategies by blocking the interaction of the inhibitory programmed death receptor 1 with its ligand in this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Kosinska
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstrasse 179, 45122, Essen, Germany
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15
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Wang L, Zou ZQ, Liu CX, Liu XZ. Immunotherapeutic interventions in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a review. J Immunol Methods 2014; 407:1-8. [PMID: 24747918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2014.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health challenge worldwide. Antiviral agents (nucleos(t)ide analogues, NAs) and immune-based therapies (IFN-α or Pegylated-IFN-α) are two therapeutic approaches available currently against chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, these approaches are associated with the development of acquired drug resistance or poor response rates and are accompanied by numerous side effects. Furthermore, due to defective innate and adaptive immune responses, HBV cannot be effectively controlled or completely eliminated, which may ultimately result in liver decompensation and hepatocelluar carcinoma. The imperative for development of new approaches targeting CHB cannot be overstated. Various immunotherapeutic interventions have been tried as adjuvants to inhibit HBV replication. In this paper, we will review immunotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Infectious Disease Hospital of Yantai, Huanshan Road 62, Zhifu District, 264001, Yantai, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhi Qiang Zou
- Infectious Disease Hospital of Yantai, Huanshan Road 62, Zhifu District, 264001, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Xia Liu
- Digestive Department, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, Huanghe Second Road 661, 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Xiang Zhong Liu
- Infectious Disease Hospital of Yantai, Huanshan Road 62, Zhifu District, 264001, Yantai, Shandong, China
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16
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New therapeutic vaccination strategies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Virol Sin 2014; 29:10-6. [PMID: 24452539 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-014-3410-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) is currently treated with either interferon-based or nucleot(s)ide-based antiviral therapies. However, treatment with pegylated interferon alpha results in a durable antiviral response in only about 30% patients and is associated with side effects. Most patients receiving nucleot(s)ide analogue treatment do not establish long-term, durable control of infection and have rebounding viremia after cessation of therapy. Thus, novel therapy strategies are necessary to achieve the induction of potent and durable antiviral immune responses of the patients which can maintain long-term control of viral replication. Therapeutic vaccination of HBV carriers is a promising strategy for the control of hepatitis B. Here the authors review new therapeutic vaccination strategies to treat chronic hepatitis B which may be introduced for patient treatment in the future.
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17
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Liu J, Zhang E, Ma Z, Wu W, Kosinska A, Zhang X, Möller I, Seiz P, Glebe D, Wang B, Yang D, Lu M, Roggendorf M. Enhancing virus-specific immunity in vivo by combining therapeutic vaccination and PD-L1 blockade in chronic hepadnaviral infection. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1003856. [PMID: 24391505 PMCID: PMC3879364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence is facilitated by exhaustion of CD8 T cells that express the inhibitory receptor programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Improvement of the HBV-specific T cell function has been obtained in vitro by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction. In this study, we examined whether in vivo blockade of the PD-1 pathway enhances virus-specific T cell immunity and leads to the resolution of chronic hepadnaviral infection in the woodchuck model. The woodchuck PD-1 was first cloned, characterized, and its expression patterns on T cells from woodchucks with acute or chronic woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infection were investigated. Woodchucks chronically infected with WHV received a combination therapy with nucleoside analogue entecavir (ETV), therapeutic DNA vaccination and woodchuck PD-L1 antibody treatment. The gain of T cell function and the suppression of WHV replication by this therapy were evaluated. We could show that PD-1 expression on CD8 T cells was correlated with WHV viral loads during WHV infection. ETV treatment significantly decreased PD-1 expression on CD8 T cells in chronic carriers. In vivo blockade of PD-1/PD-L1 pathway on CD8 T cells, in combination with ETV treatment and DNA vaccination, potently enhanced the function of virus-specific T cells. Moreover, the combination therapy potently suppressed WHV replication, leading to sustained immunological control of viral infection, anti-WHs antibody development and complete viral clearance in some woodchucks. Our results provide a new approach to improve T cell function in chronic hepatitis B infection, which may be used to design new immunotherapeutic strategies in patients. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still one of the major public health problems. Two billion people worldwide have been infected with HBV, of whom more than 360 million developed chronic infection. Every year, approximately one million of these individuals will die from HBV-associated liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment of chronic hepatitis B remains a clinical challenge, and alternative strategies to treat chronic HBV infection are urgently needed. Here, we designed a new combination strategy to enhance the patient's own antiviral immune response and to achieve long-term viral suppression. The therapeutic effect of our combination therapy strategy for chronic hepadnaviral infection was tested in the woodchuck model. We demonstrated that our novel combination therapy could elicit potent antiviral immune response and achieved a strong antiviral effect, leading to sustained immunological control of chronic hepadnaviral infection and complete viral clearance in treated woodchucks. The results of this study may have an impact on clinical trials of the immunotherapy in chronically HBV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Weimin Wu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anna Kosinska
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Inga Möller
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pia Seiz
- Institute for Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute for Medical Virology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Baoju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongliang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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18
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Novel Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus (WHV) transgene mouse models show sex-dependent WHV replicative activity and development of spontaneous immune responses to WHV proteins. J Virol 2013; 88:1573-81. [PMID: 24257601 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02086-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The woodchuck model is an informative model for studies on hepadnaviral infection. In this study, woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) transgenic (Tg) mouse models based on C57BL/6 mice were established to study the pathogenesis associated with hepadnaviral infection. Two lineages of WHV Tg mice, harboring the WHV wild-type genome (lineage 1217) and a mutated WHV genome lacking surface antigen (lineage 1281), were generated. WHV replication intermediates were detected by Southern blotting. DNA vaccines against WHV proteins were applied by intramuscular injection. WHV-specific immune responses were analyzed by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The presence of WHV transgenes resulted in liver-specific but sex- and age-dependent WHV replication in Tg mice. Pathological changes in the liver, including hepatocellular dysplasia, were observed in aged Tg mice, suggesting that the presence of WHV transgenes may lead to liver diseases. Interestingly, Tg mice of lineage 1281 spontaneously developed T- and B-cell responses to WHV core protein (WHcAg). DNA vaccination induced specific immune responses to WHV proteins in WHV Tg mice, indicating a tolerance break. The magnitude of the induced WHcAg-specific immune responses was dependent on the effectiveness of different DNA vaccines and was associated with a decrease in WHV loads in mice. In conclusion, sex- and age-dependent viral replication, development of autoimmune responses to viral antigens, pathological changes in the liver in WHV Tg mice, and the possibility of breaking immune tolerance to WHV transgenes will allow future studies on pathogenesis related to hepadnaviral infection and therapeutic vaccines.
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HBsAg, HBcAg, and combined HBsAg/HBcAg-based therapeutic vaccines in treating chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2013; 12:363-9. [PMID: 23924493 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(13)60057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the host immunity is diminished in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), different approaches have been used to up-regulate their immune responses to produce therapeutic effects. But, cytokines, growth factors and polyclonal immune modulators could not exhibit sufficient therapeutic effects in these patients. Immune therapy with HBV-related antigens (vaccine therapy) has been used in CHB patients. But there is a paucity of information about the design of HBV antigen-based immune therapy in these patients. DATA SOURCE Preclinical and clinical studies on immune therapy with HBsAg-based vaccine, HBcAg and combination of HBsAg/HBcAg-based vaccines have been discussed. RESULTS HBsAg-based prophylactic vaccine was used as an immune therapeutic agent in CHB patients; however, monotherapy with HBsAg-based immune therapy could not lead to sustained control of HBV replication and/or liver damages. HBsAg-based vaccine was used as a combination therapy with cytokines, growth factors, and antiviral drugs. HBsAg-based vaccine was also used for cell-based therapy. However, satisfactory therapeutic effects of HBsAg-based vaccine could not be documented in CHB patients. In the mean time, evidences have supported that HBcAg-specific immunity is endowed with antiviral and liver protecting capacities in CHB patients. Recent data concentrate on the clinical use of combined HBsAg- and HBcAg-based vaccines in CHB patients. CONCLUSION Antigen-based immune therapy with HBV-related antigens may be an alternative method for the treatment of CHB patients but proper designs of antigens, types of adjuvants, dose of vaccinations, and routes of administration need further analyses for the development of an effective regimen of immune therapy against HBV.
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20
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Li L, Shen H, Li A, Zhang Z, Wang B, Wang J, Zheng X, Wu J, Yang D, Lu M, Song J. Inhibition of hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression and replication by HBx gene silencing in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model with a new clone of HBV genotype B. Virol J 2013; 10:214. [PMID: 23805945 PMCID: PMC3751867 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been suggested that different hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes may have distinct virological characteristics that correlate with clinical outcomes during antiviral therapy and the natural course of infection. Hydrodynamic injection (HI) of HBV in the mouse model is a useful tool for study of HBV replication in vivo. However, only HBV genotype A has been used for studies with HI. Methods We constructed 3 replication-competent clones containing 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 fold overlength of a HBV genotype B genome and tested them both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, A HBV genotype B clone based on the pAAV-MCS vector was constructed with the 1.3 fold HBV genome, resulting in the plasmid pAAV-HBV1.3B and tested by HI in C57BL/6 mice. Application of siRNA against HBx gene was tested in HBV genotype B HI mouse model. Results The 1.3 fold HBV clone showed higher replication and gene expression than the 1.1 and 1.2 fold HBV clones. Compared with pAAV-HBV1.2 (genotype A), the mice HI with pAAV-HBV1.3B showed higher HBsAg and HBeAg expression as well as HBV DNA replication level but a higher clearance rate. Application of two plasmids pSB-HBxi285 and pSR-HBxi285 expressing a small/short interfering RNA (siRNA) to the HBx gene in HBV genotype B HI mouse model, leading to an inhibition of HBV gene expression and replication. However, HBV gene expression may resume in some mice despite an initial delay, suggesting that transient suppression of HBV replication by siRNA may be insufficient to prevent viral spread, particularly if the gene silencing is not highly effective. Conclusions Taken together, the HI mouse model with a HBV genotype B genome was successfully established and showed different characteristics in vivo compared with the genotype A genome. The effectiveness of gene silencing against HBx gene determines whether HBV replication may be sustainably inhibited by siRNA in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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21
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Kosinska AD, Zhang E, Johrden L, Liu J, Seiz PL, Zhang X, Ma Z, Kemper T, Fiedler M, Glebe D, Wildner O, Dittmer U, Lu M, Roggendorf M. Combination of DNA prime--adenovirus boost immunization with entecavir elicits sustained control of chronic hepatitis B in the woodchuck model. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003391. [PMID: 23785279 PMCID: PMC3681757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A potent therapeutic T-cell vaccine may be an alternative treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previously, we developed a DNA prime-adenovirus (AdV) boost vaccination protocol that could elicit strong and specific CD8+ T-cell responses to woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) core antigen (WHcAg) in mice. In the present study, we first examined whether this new prime-boost immunization could induce WHcAg-specific T-cell responses and effectively control WHV replication in the WHV-transgenic mouse model. Secondly, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of this new vaccination strategy in chronically WHV-infected woodchucks in combination with a potent antiviral treatment. Immunization of WHV-transgenic mice by DNA prime-AdV boost regimen elicited potent and functional WHcAg-specific CD8+ T-cell response that consequently resulted in the reduction of the WHV load below the detection limit in more than 70% of animals. The combination therapy of entecavir (ETV) treatment and DNA prime-AdV boost immunization in chronic WHV carriers resulted in WHsAg- and WHcAg-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, which were not detectable in ETV-only treated controls. Woodchucks receiving the combination therapy showed a prolonged suppression of WHV replication and lower WHsAg levels compared to controls. Moreover, two of four immunized carriers remained WHV negative after the end of ETV treatment and developed anti-WHs antibodies. These results demonstrate that the combined antiviral and vaccination approach efficiently elicited sustained immunological control of chronic hepadnaviral infection in woodchucks and may be a new promising therapeutic strategy in patients. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. Recommended treatment regimens of chronic hepatitis B based on interferon alpha and nucleot(s)ide analogues do not lead to the satisfactory results. Over the last 20 years, continuous efforts have been undertaken to develop new immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, however, without satisfactory results. We proposed here that the combination of potent antivirals with a prime-boost vaccination protocol that is inducing appropriate virus-specific T-cell responses may restore immune control over HBV. To test this hypothesis we performed a proof-of-principle experiment using woodchucks, a widely accepted animal model of chronic HBV infection. We pretreated animals with entecavir to suppress viral replication and immunized them by a prime-boost regimen with DNA vaccines expressing woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) surface and core antigens and adenoviral vectors expressing WHV core antigen. Consistent with our hypothesis, the combination therapy achieved a stronger antiviral effect than the monotherapy alone, leading to sustained immunological control of chronic WHV infection and viral clearance in some animals. These data are encouraging and implicate the feasibility and usefulness of the immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronically HBV-infected patients.
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MESH Headings
- Adenoviridae
- Animals
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Hepatitis B Vaccines/genetics
- Hepatitis B Vaccines/immunology
- Hepatitis B Vaccines/pharmacology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/genetics
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/prevention & control
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunity, Cellular/genetics
- Immunity, Cellular/immunology
- Immunization, Secondary
- Marmota
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/microbiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lena Johrden
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jia Liu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pia L. Seiz
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B and D Viruses, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- Hepatology Unit and Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Ma
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thekla Kemper
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Fiedler
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institute of Medical Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis B and D Viruses, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Oliver Wildner
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Division of Medical Biotechnology, Langen, Germany
| | - Ulf Dittmer
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Yang Y, Zhang X, Zhang C, Tao Y, Fan W, Wang Z, Wang H, Lu M, Yang D, Fiedler M, Wang B. Molecular characterization of woodchuck CD4 (wCD4) and production of a depletion monoclonal antibody against wCD4. Mol Immunol 2013; 56:64-71. [PMID: 23685260 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2013.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CD4 T cells play an important role in the immune response against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Woodchucks represent an excellent animal model to study HBV infection. In this study, we characterized the cDNA sequence of woodchuck CD4 (wCD4). The deduced wCD4 protein has four extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains comparable to the other mammalian CD4 molecules. The important extracellular cysteine residues and the intracellular tyrosine protein kinase-binding site of wCD4 are also conserved. The deduced wCD4 protein shows 53-63% identity with the counterparts of other mammalians. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that wCD4 is closely related with the counterparts of primates. Two polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) and four monoclonal Abs (mAbs) against wCD4 were produced. Two pAbs and one mAbs (G2) were found to effectively suppress ConA induced proliferation in vitro. Anti-wCD4 mAb G2 depleted 60% of CD4 cells from healthy woodchucks, while the remaining CD4 cells responded well to ConA stimulation. This work provides a basis for studying CD4 T cell mediated immune responses against HBV infection in the woodchuck model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinke Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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23
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Akbar SMF, Al-Mahtab M, Khan MSI. Non-antigen-specific and antigen-specific immune therapies for chronic hepatitis B: evidences from laboratory benches and patient's bedsides. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2013; 13:1063-74. [PMID: 23581572 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2013.789016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy and considerable side effects of antiviral drugs in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), immunotherapy has emerged as an alternative approach. CHB immunotherapy may be categorized into two main types: i) non-antigen-specific immune therapy and ii) hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen-specific immune therapy. Although different immune modulators have been used in CHB patients for the last two to three decades, the nature and design of ongoing regimens of immunotherapeutic approaches need considerable modifications. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors have outlined the relevant immunotherapies for CHB patients that have been used for the last two to three decades. The mechanisms underlying the limited therapeutic efficacy of available therapeutic agents for CHB patients have been discussed to aid in the development of an effective therapeutic approach for these patients. EXPERT OPINION Circumstantial evidence indicates that a better regimen of immunotherapy may be developed using different HBV-related antigens or combinations of two or more HBV-related antigens, or combinations of HBV-related antigens and antiviral drugs. However, the capacity of 'inducible immunity' by immune modulators to cure or block progression of liver diseases in CHB patients needs to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Toshiba General Hospital, Department of Medical Sciences, Higashi Oi 6-3-22, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-8522, Japan.
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Dandri M, Lütgehetmann M, Petersen J. Experimental models and therapeutic approaches for HBV. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 35:7-21. [PMID: 22898798 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease associated to persistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be a major health problem of global impact. In spite of the existence of an effective vaccine, approximately 360 million people are chronically infected worldwide, who are at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current therapeutic regimens can efficiently suppress viral replication, the unique replication strategies employed by HBV permit the virus to persist within the infected hepatocytes. As a consequence, relapse of viral activity is commonly observed after cessation of treatment with polymerase inhibitors. The narrow host range of HBV has hindered progresses in understanding specific steps of HBV replication and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies aiming at achieving sustained viral control and, eventually, virus eradication. This review will focus on summarizing recent advances obtained with well-established and more innovative experimental models, giving emphasis on the strength of the different systems as tools for elucidating distinct aspects of HBV persistence and for the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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DNA prime-adenovirus boost immunization induces a vigorous and multifunctional T-cell response against hepadnaviral proteins in the mouse and woodchuck model. J Virol 2012; 86:9297-310. [PMID: 22718818 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00506-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific cytotoxic T cells by therapeutic immunization may be a strategy to treat chronic hepatitis B. In the HBV animal model, woodchucks, the application of DNA vaccine expressing woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) core antigen (WHcAg) in combination with antivirals led to the prolonged control of viral replication. However, it became clear that the use of more potent vaccines is required to overcome WHV persistence. Therefore, we asked whether stronger and more functional T-cell responses could be achieved using the modified vaccines and an optimized prime-boost vaccination regimen. We developed a new DNA plasmid (pCGWHc) and recombinant adenoviruses (AdVs) showing high expression levels of WHcAg. Mice vaccinated with the improved plasmid pCGWHc elicited a stronger WHcAg-specific CD8(+) T-cell response than with the previously used vaccines. Using multicolor flow cytometry and an in vivo cytotoxicity assay, we showed that immunization in a DNA prime-AdV boost regimen resulted in an even more vigorous and functional T-cell response than immunization with the new plasmid alone. Immunization of naïve woodchucks with pCGWHc plasmid or AdVs induced a significant WHcAg-specific degranulation response prior to the challenge, this response had not been previously detected. Consistently, this response led to a rapid control of infection after the challenge. Our results demonstrate that high antigen expression levels and the DNA prime-AdV boost immunization improved the T-cell response in mice and induced significant T-cell responses in woodchucks. Therefore, this new vaccination strategy may be a candidate for a therapeutic vaccine against chronic HBV infection.
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Abstract
Chronic HBV infection remains a leading cause of serious liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in spite of the existence of an effective preventive vaccine. Although the actual antiviral treatments have greatly improved, they only rarely clear viral infection. In this regard, therapeutic DNA vaccination appears to have great promise to stimulate and restore the impaired immune responses in chronic HBV carriers. This review examines preclinical studies of preventive and therapeutic DNA vaccines in different animal models (mouse, woodchuck and duck) and the first clinical studies in chronically infected patients. We also focused on different approaches aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of DNA vaccines such as combination therapy with antiviral drugs and in vivo DNA electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Cova
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm U1052, CRCL team 15, 151 cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
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The expression of PD-1 ligands and their involvement in regulation of T cell functions in acute and chronic woodchuck hepatitis virus infection. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26196. [PMID: 22022563 PMCID: PMC3194835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) system may play a role in the negative regulation of T cell functions in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Thus, it is important to study its role in the widely used animal model for HBV infection of woodchucks with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). Methods Woodchuck PD-L1 (wPD-L1) and -L2 (wPD-L2) were cloned and characterized. The levels of wPD-L1 expression in primary woodchuck hepatocytes (PWH), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and liver tissue of naive and WHV-infected woodchucks were examined by real time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and flow cytometry. Using antibodies against wPD-L1 and -L2, the effect of blocking PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 interaction on the proliferation and degranulation of woodchuck PBMCs was examined. Principal Findings Both wPD-L1 and -L2 showed a high homology to their counterparts of other mammalian species and humans. WPD-L1 expression in PWH and PBMCs of naive animals was low but could be stimulated by Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and interferons (IFN). WPD-L1 expression in liver tissue was significantly higher than that measured in PWHs and was slightly elevated during acute and chronic WHV infection. However, wPD-1 and wPD-L1 expression on PBMCs was strongly up-regulated during acute and chronic infection. In vitro blockade with antibodies against wPD-L1 and -L2 partially enhanced proliferation and degranulation of PBMCs from WHV-infected woodchucks. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that wPD-1/wPD-L1 expression in hepatocytes and PBMCs can be induced by different inflammatory stimuli and is up-regulated mainly on PBMCs during WHV infection. A blockade of the woodchuck PD-1/PD-L pathway could partially enhance T cell functions in WHV infection.
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D'Ugo E, Canitano A, Catone S, Giuseppetti R, Kondili LA, Argentini C, Rapicetta M. Effect of an immunogenic complex containing WHV viral particles and non-neutralizing anti-HBs antibodies on the outcome of WHV infection in woodchucks. J Med Virol 2011; 83:178-86. [PMID: 21108357 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The Eastern woodchuck (Marmota monax) is a useful experimental model for evaluating antiviral therapy against chronic HBV infection. In the present study, an immunogenic complex (IGC) composed of immune sera containing PreS/S heterologous antibodies (anti-HBs) and serum-derived WHV particles containing 10(7) WHV-DNA copies/50 µl was developed. The IGC was administered to WHV-negative woodchucks and natural chronic WHV carriers, with the final aim of evaluating the outcome of WHV infection in both groups. A control group of three animals, infected experimentally with viral particles only, was also evaluated. Following IGC administration, two WHV-negative woodchucks exhibited persistent infection, with WHV-DNA levels 3-6 logs lower than the WHV-DNA levels of the controls that developed persistent infection. WHeAg seroconversion to anti-WHe was observed in these two woodchucks and in two control woodchucks which developed self-limited infection. In two of the four chronic carriers, the WHV-DNA level decreased significantly (by 4-6 logs) following IGC administration, with no rebound in viral load during follow-up. WHeAg seroconversion to anti-WHe was observed also in these animals. Analyses of the sequences derived from envelope proteins confirmed that IGC did not induce the emergence of resistant viral variants. The results of this study indicate that the IGC could be useful for breaking the tolerance in hepadnaviral infection and for boosting the host's innate and adoptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio D'Ugo
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Italian Instituter of Health, Rome, Italy.
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D'Ugo E, Argentini C, Giuseppetti R, Canitano A, Catone S, Rapicetta M. The woodchuck hepatitis B virus infection model for the evaluation of HBV therapies and vaccine therapies. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2010; 5:1153-62. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2010.530252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Kosinska AD, Zhang E, Lu M, Roggendorf M. Therapeutic vaccination in chronic hepatitis B: preclinical studies in the woodchuck. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2010; 2010:817580. [PMID: 21188201 PMCID: PMC3003998 DOI: 10.1155/2010/817580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recommended treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon-α and/or nucleos(t)ide analogues does not lead to a satisfactory result. Induction of HBV-specific T cells by therapeutic vaccination or immunotherapies may be an innovative strategy to overcome virus persistence. Vaccination with commercially available HBV vaccines in patients did not result in effective control of HBV infection, suggesting that new formulations of therapeutic vaccines are needed. The woodchuck (Marmota monax) is a useful preclinical model for developing the new therapeutic approaches in chronic hepadnaviral infections. Several innovative approaches combining antiviral treatments with nucleos(t)ide analogues, DNA vaccines, and protein vaccines were tested in the woodchuck model. In this paper we summarize the available data concerning therapeutic immunization and gene therapy using recombinant viral vectors approaches in woodchucks, which show encouraging results. In addition, we present potential innovations in immunomodulatory strategies to be evaluated in this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D. Kosinska
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraβe 179, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Ejuan Zhang
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraβe 179, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraβe 179, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraβe 179, 45122, Essen, Germany
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The woodchuck: a model for therapeutic vaccination against hepadnaviral infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 58:308-14. [PMID: 20646874 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2010.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Interferon-alpha and nucleoside analogues are available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection but do not lead to a satisfactory result. New findings about the immunological control of HBV during acute infection suggest the pivotal role of T-cell mediated immune responses. Several preclinical and clinical trials were undertaken to explore the possibility of stimulating specific immune responses in chronically infected animals and patients by vaccination. However, vaccination with commercially available HBV vaccines in patients and immunization in woodchucks with core or surface proteins of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) did not result in effective control of HBV and WHV infection, suggesting that new formulations of therapeutic vaccines are needed. Some new approaches combining antiviral treatments with nucleoside analogues, DNA vaccines and protein vaccines were tested in the woodchuck model. It could be shown that therapeutic vaccinations are able to stimulate specific B- and T-cell responses and to achieve transient suppression of viral replication. These results suggest the great potential of therapeutic vaccination in combination with antivirals to reach an effective and sustained control of HBV infection.
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Bertoletti A, Gehring A. Therapeutic vaccination and novel strategies to treat chronic HBV infection. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 3:561-9. [PMID: 19817676 DOI: 10.1586/egh.09.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccination for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B has so far shown limited clinical efficacy. In this review, we argue that the principal cause of this failure is the profound defect of virus-specific T cells present in chronic hepatitis B patients and we discuss potential new ways to achieve an efficient restoration of virus-specific immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Agency of Science Technology and Research, and Program on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
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Heindryckx F, Colle I, Van Vlierberghe H. Experimental mouse models for hepatocellular carcinoma research. Int J Exp Pathol 2009; 90:367-86. [PMID: 19659896 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2009.00656.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Every year almost 500,000 new patients are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a primary malignancy of the liver that is associated with a poor prognosis. Numerous experimental models have been developed to define the pathogenesis of HCC and to test novel drug candidates. This review analyses several mouse models useful for HCC research and points out their advantages and weaknesses. Chemically induced HCC mice models mimic the injury-fibrosis-malignancy cycle by administration of a genotoxic compound alone or, if necessary, followed by a promoting agent. Xenograft models develop HCC by implanting hepatoma cell lines in mice, either ectopically or orthotopically; these models are suitable for drug screening, although extrapolation should be considered with caution as multiple cell lines must always be used. The hollow fibre assay offers a solution for limiting the number of test animals in xenograft research because of the ability for implanting multiple cell lines in one mouse. There is also a broad range of genetically modified mice engineered to investigate the pathophysiology of HCC. Transgenic mice expressing viral genes, oncogenes and/or growth factors allow the identification of pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Zhang X, Meng Z, Qiu S, Xu Y, Yang D, Schlaak JF, Roggendorf M, Lu M. Lipopolysaccharide-induced innate immune responses in primary hepatocytes downregulates woodchuck hepatitis virus replication via interferon-independent pathways. Cell Microbiol 2009; 11:1624-37. [PMID: 19573162 DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2009.01353.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, Poly I:C and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), are able to activate non-parenchymal liver cells and trigger the production of interferon (IFN) to inhibit hepatitis B virus replication in vivo and in vitro. However, little is known about TLR-mediated cellular responses in primary hepatocytes. By the model of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) infected primary woodchuck hepatocytes (PWHs), Poly I:C and LPS stimulation resulted in upregulation of cellular antiviral genes and relevant TLRs mRNA expression respectively. LPS stimulation led to a pronounced reduction of WHV replicative intermediates without a significant IFN induction. Poly I:C transfection resulted in the production of IFN and a highly increased expression of antiviral genes in PWHs and slight inhibitory effect on WHV replication. LPS could activate nuclear factor kappa B, MAPK and PI-3k/Akt pathways in PWHs. Further, inhibitors of MAPK-ERK and PI-3k/Akt pathways, but not that of IFN signalling pathway, were able to block the antiviral effect of LPS. These results indicate that IFN- independent pathways which activated by LPS are able to downregulate hepadnaviral replication in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Zhang
- Institute of Virology, Taihe Hospital, Yunyang Medical College, Shiyan, China
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Inhibition of woodchuck hepatitis virus gene expression in primary hepatocytes by siRNA enhances the cellular gene expression. Virology 2008; 384:88-96. [PMID: 19064272 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2008] [Revised: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 11/10/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has been shown to be active to inhibit the hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication in transient and stable transfection systems. Here in primary hepatocytes prepared from naturally woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV)-infected woodchucks, four siRNAs targeting the WHV preS1, S, C, and X region led to a depletion of WHV transcripts and replicative intermediates with different kinetics and a decreased production of viral particles. Two siRNAs targeting WHV S and X region had the highest efficacy to deplete 70% of WHV transcripts and replicative intermediates. In addition, siRNA-mediated suppression of WHV enhanced the expression of cellular genes like MxA and MHC I. Specific siRNAs are able to inhibit the hepadnaviral replication and enhance the expression of cellular genes relevant for antiviral actions. Thus, siRNAs might be useful as novel antiviral agents for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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