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Saeed U, Piracha ZZ, Alrokayan S, Hussain T, Almajhdi FN, Waheed Y. Immunoinformatics and Evaluation of Peptide Vaccines Derived from Global Hepatitis B Viral HBx and HBc Proteins Critical for Covalently Closed Circular DNA Integrity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2826. [PMID: 38137971 PMCID: PMC10745757 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) HBx and HBc proteins play a crucial role in associating with covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the primary factor contributing to intrahepatic viral persistence and a major obstacle in achieving a cure for HBV. The cccDNA serves as a reservoir for viral persistence. Targeting the viral HBc and HBx proteins' interaction with cccDNA could potentially limit HBV replication. In this study, we present epitopes identified from global consensus sequences of HBx and HBc proteins that have the potential to serve as targets for the development of effective vaccine candidates. Furthermore, conserved residues identified through this analysis can be utilized in designing novel, site-specific anti-HBV agents capable of targeting all major genotypes of HBV. Our approach involved designing global consensus sequences for HBx and HBc proteins, enabling the analysis of variable regions and highly conserved motifs. These identified motifs and regions offer potent sites for the development of peptide vaccines, the design of site-specific RNA interference, and the creation of anti-HBV inhibitors. The epitopes derived from global consensus sequences of HBx and HBc proteins emerge as promising targets for the development of effective vaccine candidates. Additionally, the conserved residues identified provide valuable insights for the development of innovative, site-specific anti-HBV agents capable of targeting all major genotypes of HBV from A to J.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umar Saeed
- Clinical and Biomedical Research Center (CBRC) and Multidisciplinary Laboratory (MDL), Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea;
| | - Zahra Zahid Piracha
- Department of Microbiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 443-749, Republic of Korea;
- International Center of Medical Sciences Research (ICMSR), Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Salman Alrokayan
- Research Chair for Biomedical Application of Nanomaterials, Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Tajamul Hussain
- Research Chair for Biomedical Application of Nanomaterials, Biochemistry Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia;
- Center of Excellence in Biotechnology Research, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad N. Almajhdi
- Botany and Microbiology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1401, Lebanon
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Zhang T, Zheng H, Lu D, Guan G, Li D, Zhang J, Liu S, Zhao J, Guo JT, Lu F, Chen X. RNA binding protein TIAR modulates HBV replication by tipping the balance of pgRNA translation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:346. [PMID: 37699883 PMCID: PMC10497612 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01573-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serves not only as a bicistronic message RNA to translate core protein (Cp) and DNA polymerase (Pol), but also as the template for reverse transcriptional replication of viral DNA upon packaging into nucleocapsid. Although it is well known that pgRNA translates much more Cp than Pol, the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of Cp and Pol translation efficiency from pgRNA remains elusive. In this study, we systematically profiled HBV nucleocapsid- and pgRNA-associated cellular proteins by proteomic analysis and identified TIA-1-related protein (TIAR) as a novel cellular protein that binds pgRNA and promotes HBV DNA replication. Interestingly, loss- and gain-of-function genetic analyses showed that manipulation of TIAR expression did not alter the levels of HBV transcripts nor the secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in human hepatoma cells supporting HBV replication. However, Ribo-seq and PRM-based mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that TIAR increased the translation of Pol but decreased the translation of Cp from pgRNA. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and pulldown assays further revealed that TIAR directly binds pgRNA at the 5' stem-loop (ε). Moreover, HBV replication or Cp expression induced the increased expression and redistribution of TIAR from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Our results thus imply that TIAR is a novel cellular factor that regulates HBV replication by binding to the 5' ε structure of pgRNA to tip the balance of Cp and Pol translation. Through induction of TIAR translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, Cp indirectly regulates the Pol translation and balances Cp and Pol expression levels in infected hepatocytes to ensure efficient viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Huiling Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Danjuan Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Deyao Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuhong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Araujo NM, Osiowy C. Hepatitis B Virus Genotype G: The Odd Cousin of the Family. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:872766. [PMID: 35432294 PMCID: PMC9009205 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.872766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With a widespread distribution but low prevalence worldwide, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype G (HBV/G) is a recently described genotype for which the origin and biology are poorly understood. Some unique features make HBV/G the most peculiar of all genotypes. In this review, we reflect on the major milestones in HBV/G research, highlighting the main aspects of its discovery, molecular epidemiology, and virological and clinical characteristics. We also illustrate common pitfalls in the routine detection, which may lead to underestimated rates of HBV/G infection. Large-scale analysis of data from dozens of articles was further performed, with the aim of gaining comprehensive insights into the epidemiological aspects of HBV/G. Finally, we point out recent findings on HBV/G origins and discuss new perspectives regarding the evolutionary history of HBV/G and the plausibility of an African geographic re-emergence of this genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M. Araujo
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Carla Osiowy,
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4
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Core gene insertion in hepatitis B virus genotype G functions at both the encoded amino acid sequence and RNA structure levels to stimulate core protein expression. Virology 2018; 526:203-213. [PMID: 30415131 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus genotype G possesses a 36-nucleotide (nt) insertion at the 5' end of core gene, adding 12 residues to core protein. The insertion markedly increased core protein level irrespective of viral genotype, with the effect reproducible using CMV-core gene construct. Here we used such expression constructs and transient transfection experiments in Huh7 cells to identify the structural bases. The insertion is predicted to create a stem-loop structure 14nt downstream of core gene AUG. A + 1 or + 2 frameshift into the 36nt mitigated enhancement of core protein level. Point mutations to disrupt or restore the stem-loop had opposite effects on core protein expression. Shifting the translation initiation site downstream or further upstream of the stem-loop rendered it inhibitory or no longer stimulatory of core protein expression. Therefore, both the reading frame and a properly positioned stem-loop structure contribute to marked increase in core protein expression by the 36-nt insertion.
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Chakraborty D, Ghosh S. The epsilon motif of hepatitis B virusRNAexhibits a potassium‐dependent ribonucleolytic activity. FEBS J 2017; 284:1184-1203. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Zong L, Qin Y, Jia H, Ye L, Wang Y, Zhang J, Wands JR, Tong S, Li J. Differential regulation of hepatitis B virus core protein expression and genome replication by a small upstream open reading frame and naturally occurring mutations in the precore region. Virology 2017; 505:155-161. [PMID: 28260621 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transcribes two subsets of 3.5-kb RNAs: precore RNA for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) expression, and pregenomic RNA for core and P protein translation as well as genome replication. HBeAg expression could be prevented by mutations in the precore region, while an upstream open reading frame (uORF) has been proposed as a negative regulator of core protein translation. We employed replication competent HBV DNA constructs and transient transfection experiments in Huh7 cells to verify the uORF effect and to explore the alternative function of precore RNA. Optimized Kozak sequence for the uORF or extra ATG codons as present in some HBV genotypes reduced core protein expression. G1896A nonsense mutation promoted more efficient core protein expression than mutated precore ATG, while a +1 frameshift mutation was ineffective. In conclusion, various HBeAg-negative precore mutations and mutations affecting uORF differentially regulate core protein expression and genome replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanli Qin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haodi Jia
- Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Shuping Tong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Key Lab of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jisu Li
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Tsuzuki Y, Watanabe T, Iio E, Fujisaki S, Ibe S, Kani S, Hamada-Tsutsumi S, Yokomaku Y, Iwatani Y, Sugiura W, Okuse C, Okumura A, Sato Y, Tanaka Y. Virological characteristics of hepatitis B genotype G/A2 recombination virus in Japan. Hepatol Res 2016; 46:775-83. [PMID: 26517979 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM We identified four cases of infection with hepatitis B virus genotype G and A2 recombinant (HBV/G/A2) strains, which were initially overlooked by enzyme immunoassay-based genotyping. The patients were all men who have sex with men (MSM) and inhabited several metropolitan areas of Japan, suggesting that the recombinant strains may be circulating among high-risk groups such as MSM. Here, we investigated the genomic structure and virological properties of the HBV/G/A2 strains. METHODS Complete genome sequences of the isolates were determined and phylogenetically analyzed. Replication efficiency of HBV/G/A2 was investigated by transfecting plasmids containing 1.24-fold viral genome. The in vivo viral kinetics of HBV/G/A2 were investigated using chimeric mice with humanized livers. RESULTS Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the four strains were almost identical (>99.7% homologous). The preS2/S region of these strains was highly homologous to that of genotype A2 and the remaining region was almost identical to that of genotype G, reflecting inter-genotypic recombination. Interestingly, in all four cases, genotype A was co-infected as a minor population. In vitro analysis revealed that HBV/G/A2 had a low replication rate. Although detectable viremia was not measurable following the inoculation of HBV/G/A2 into chimeric mice, subsequent superinfection of HBV genotype A greatly enhanced HBV/G/A2 replication and viral spread. CONCLUSION We found that four cases of HBV/G/A2 recombinant among MSM patients in the metropolitan areas of Japan, and HBV/A co-infections are required for its efficient replication. High-risk groups such as MSM should be carefully tested for infection of genotype G-derived variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Tsuzuki
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tsunamasa Watanabe
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Etsuko Iio
- Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Fujisaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shiro Ibe
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satomi Kani
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Susumu Hamada-Tsutsumi
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Yokomaku
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Iwatani
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Wataru Sugiura
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chiaki Okuse
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Akihiko Okumura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Kainan Hospital, Yatomi, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Sato
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Virology and Liver Unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
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8
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Tong S, Revill P. Overview of hepatitis B viral replication and genetic variability. J Hepatol 2016; 64:S4-S16. [PMID: 27084035 PMCID: PMC4834849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) greatly increases the risk for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV isolates worldwide can be divided into ten genotypes. Moreover, the immune clearance phase selects for mutations in different parts of the viral genome. The outcome of HBV infection is shaped by the complex interplay of the mode of transmission, host genetic factors, viral genotype and adaptive mutations, as well as environmental factors. Core promoter mutations and mutations abolishing hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) expression have been implicated in acute liver failure, while genotypes B, C, subgenotype A1, core promoter mutations, preS deletions, C-terminal truncation of envelope proteins, and spliced pregenomic RNA are associated with HCC development. Our efforts to treat and prevent HBV infection are hampered by the emergence of drug resistant mutants and vaccine escape mutants. This paper provides an overview of the HBV life cycle, followed by review of HBV genotypes and mutants in terms of their biological properties and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Tong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, The Alpert Warren School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Peter Revill
- Research and Molecular Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia ()
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Jaspe RC, Sulbarán YF, Loureiro CL, Martínez N, Devesa M, Rodríguez Y, Torres JR, Rangel HR, Pujol FH. Genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-co-infected patients from Venezuela. J Med Microbiol 2014; 63:1099-1104. [PMID: 24895404 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.067496-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-co-infected Venezuelan patients. The prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection in HIV-1 patients was 14% for anti-hepatitis B core antigen, 3% for hepatitis B surface antigen and 0.7% for anti-HCV, respectively. HBV prevalence was higher than HCV, as expected for a country where sexual intercourse, not intravenous drug use, is the main mode of HIV-1 transmission. The HCV genotype distribution in HIV-1-co-infected patients was similar to that obtained in HCV-mono-infected patients, but genotype 1a was more frequent in HIV-1-infected patients. The HBV genotype distribution exhibited differences between mono-infected and HIV-1-co-infected individuals. HBV F3 was the most common subgenotype in both groups, followed by F1b in HIV-1 co-infection and F2 in HBV mono-infection. In addition, genotype G (single infection) was found in an HIV-1-co-infected individual. A high prevalence of occult HBV infection was detected in HIV-1-co-infected naïve patients (18%), with F2 being the most common genotype (75%). To the best of our knowledge, these results correspond to the first description of frequency and molecular characterization of HBV and HCV in HIV-1 Venezuelan patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana C Jaspe
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | - Yoneira F Sulbarán
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | - Carmen L Loureiro
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | - Nahir Martínez
- Sección de Infectología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, UCV, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Marisol Devesa
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | - Yesseima Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | - Jaime R Torres
- Sección de Infectología, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, UCV, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Héctor R Rangel
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
| | - Flor H Pujol
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Microbiología y Biología Celular, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apdo 20632, Caracas 1020-A, Venezuela
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van der Kuyl AC, Zorgdrager F, Hogema B, Bakker M, Jurriaans S, Back NKT, Berkhout B, Zaaijer HL, Cornelissen M. High prevalence of hepatitis B virus dual infection with genotypes A and G in HIV-1 infected men in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during 2000-2011. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:540. [PMID: 24225261 PMCID: PMC3840706 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is divided into 8 definite (A-H) and 2 putative (I, J) genotypes that show a geographical distribution. HBV genotype G, however, is an aberrant genotype of unknown origin that demonstrates severe replication deficiencies and very little genetic variation. It is often found in co-infections with another HBV genotype and infection has been associated with certain risk groups such as intravenous drug users and men having sex with men (MSM). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of HBV-G in the Netherlands by analysing samples from HBV-positive patients visiting the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam. Methods Ninety-six HBV-infected patients, genotyped as HBV-A or HBV-G infected, were retrieved from the clinical database. Blood plasma samples were analysed with a newly-developed real-time PCR assay that detects HBV-A and HBV-G. For three patients, the HBV plasma viral load (pVL) of both genotypes was followed longitudinally. In addition, three complete genomes of HBV-G were sequenced to determine their relationship to global HBV-G strains. Results Ten HBV-G infections were found in the selected Dutch patients. All concerned HIV-1 infected males with HBV-A co-infection. Dutch HBV-G strains were phylogenetically closely related to reference HBV-G strains. Conclusions In this study, HBV-G infection in the Netherlands is found exclusively in HIV-1 infected men as co-infection with HBV-A. A considerable percentage (37%) of men infected with HBV and HIV-1 are actually co- infected with two HBV genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette C van der Kuyl
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, Amsterdam 1105, AZ, Netherlands.
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11
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Role of genotype G hepatitis B virus mixed infection on the progression of hepatic fibrosis in HIV positive patients over 5 years of follow-up. J Clin Virol 2013; 58:408-14. [PMID: 23958588 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to common routes of transmission, HIV and HBV are frequently found as concomitant infections. The dynamic of liver disease in co-infected patients is important to understand for appropriate clinical management. Conflicting data surround the role played by genotype-G HBV (HBV-G) during the course of HIV co-infection. OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess, using non-invasive methods, liver disease progression in HIV-HBV genotype-G co-infected patients. STUDY DESIGN Co-infected patients with residual HBV replication (n=125) were screened for HBV-G infection by specific real-time PCR. The impact of HBV-G on liver fibrosis progression, as assessed by a non invasive biomarker (Fibrotest), was evaluated first, by a cross sectional analysis comparing fibrosis between HBV-G (n=23) and non-G (n=55) infected patients and second, by a longitudinal study performed over a 5 year period. RESULTS Selected patients were mostly male (90%), with homogenous characteristics between the HBV-G and non-G infected groups, in terms of age, known duration of HIV disease, immune and virological status and duration of HIV/HBV treatment. HBV-G infected patients were exclusively from Western Europe with homosexual intercourses (83%) as principal risk of transmission. Cross sectional analysis revealed comparable liver disease severity distribution between HBV-G and non-G infected patients. Co-infection with other hepatitis viruses and low CD4-nadir, but not HBV-G co-infection, were associated with a 5-year risk of fibrosis progression. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that HBV-G infection is not significantly associated with a more severe liver disease and does not have a deleterious impact on fibrosis progression in efficiently treated HIV-HBV co-infected patients.
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12
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Sakamoto T, Tanaka Y, Watanabe T, Iijima S, Kani S, Sugiyama M, Murakami S, Matsuura K, Kusakabe A, Shinkai N, Sugauchi F, Mizokami M. Mechanism of the dependence of hepatitis B virus genotype G on co-infection with other genotypes for viral replication. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:e27-36. [PMID: 23490386 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is classified into several genotypes. Genotype G (HBV/G) is characterised by worldwide dispersion, low intragenotypic diversity and a peculiar sequence of the precore and core region (stop codon and 36-nucleotide insertion). As a rule, HBV/G is detected in co-infection with another genotype, most frequently HBV/A2. In a previous in vivo study, viral replication of HBV/G was significantly enhanced by co-infection with HBV/A2. However, the mechanism by which co-infection with HBV/A2 enhances HBV/G replication is not fully understood. In this study, we employed 1.24-fold HBV/A2 clones that selectively expressed each viral protein and revealed that the core protein expressing construct significantly enhanced the replication of HBV/G in Huh7 cells. The introduction of the HBV/A2 core promoter or core protein or both genomic regions into the HBV/G genome showed that both the core promoter and core protein are required for efficient HBV/G replication. The effect of genotype on the interaction between foreign core protein and HBV/G showed that HBV/A2 was the strongest enhancer of HBV/G replication. Furthermore, Western blot analysis of Dane particles isolated from cultures of Huh7 cells co-transfected by HBV/G and a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven HBV/A2 core protein expression construct indicated that HBV/G employed HBV/A2 core protein during particle assembly. In conclusion, HBV/G could take advantage of core proteins from other genotypes during co-infection to replicate efficiently and to effectively package HBV DNA into virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sakamoto
- Department of Virology & Liver unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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