1
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Gehring AJ, Salimzadeh L. Current and future use of antibody-based passive immunity to prevent or control HBV/HDV infections. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105893. [PMID: 38679166 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105893] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing momentum and success of monoclonal antibody therapy in conventional medical practices, there is a revived emphasis on the development of monoclonal antibodies targeting the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV). Combination therapies of anti-HBs monoclonal antibodies, and novel anti-HBV compounds and immunomodulatory drugs presenting a promising avenue to enhanced therapeutic outcomes in HBV/HDV cure regimens. In this review, we will cover the role of antibodies in the protection and clearance of HBV infection, the association of anti-HBV surface antigen antibodies (anti-HBs) in protection against HBV and how antibody effector functions, beyond neutralization, are likely necessary. Lastly, we will review clinical data from previous and ongoing clinical trials of passive antibody therapy to provide a state-of-the-are perspective on passive antibody therapies in combinations with additional novel agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Gehring
- Schwartz-Reisman Liver Research Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Loghman Salimzadeh
- Schwartz-Reisman Liver Research Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Martínez-López MF, Muslin C, Kyriakidis NC. STINGing Defenses: Unmasking the Mechanisms of DNA Oncovirus-Mediated Immune Escape. Viruses 2024; 16:574. [PMID: 38675916 PMCID: PMC11054469 DOI: 10.3390/v16040574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA oncoviruses represent an intriguing subject due to their involvement in oncogenesis. These viruses have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the host immune response, facilitating their persistence and actively contributing to carcinogenic processes. This paper describes the complex interactions between DNA oncoviruses and the innate immune system, with a particular emphasis on the cGAS-STING pathway. Exploring these interactions highlights that DNA oncoviruses strategically target and subvert this pathway, exploiting its vulnerabilities for their own survival and proliferation within the host. Understanding these interactions lays the foundation for identifying potential therapeutic interventions. Herein, we sought to contribute to the ongoing efforts in advancing our understanding of the innate immune system in oncoviral pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra F Martínez-López
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170503, Ecuador;
| | - Claire Muslin
- One Health Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170503, Ecuador;
| | - Nikolaos C. Kyriakidis
- Cancer Research Group (CRG), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de las Américas, Quito 170503, Ecuador;
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3
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Soleiman-Meigooni S, Yarahmadi A, Kheirkhah AH, Afkhami H. Recent advances in different interactions between toll-like receptors and hepatitis B infection: a review. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1363996. [PMID: 38545106 PMCID: PMC10965641 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1363996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) B infections remain a primary global health concern. The immunopathology of the infection, specifically the interactions between HBV and the host immune system, remains somewhat unknown. It has been discovered that innate immune reactions are vital in eliminating HBV. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are an essential category of proteins that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They begin pathways of intracellular signals to stimulate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus forming adaptive immune reactions. HBV TLRs include TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7 and TLR9. Each TLR has its particular molecule to recognize; various TLRs impact HBV and play distinct roles in the pathogenesis of the disease. TLR gene polymorphisms may have an advantageous or disadvantageous efficacy on HBV infection, and some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can influence the progression or prognosis of infection. Additionally, it has been discovered that similar SNPs in TLR genes might have varied effects on distinct populations due to stress, diet, and external physical variables. In addition, activation of TLR-interceded signaling pathways could suppress HBV replication and increase HBV-particular T-cell and B-cell reactions. By identifying these associated polymorphisms, we can efficiently advance the immune efficacy of vaccines. Additionally, this will enhance our capability to forecast the danger of HBV infection or the threat of dependent liver disease development via several TLR SNPs, thus playing a role in the inhibition, monitoring, and even treatment guidance for HBV infection. This review will show TLR polymorphisms, their influence on TLR signaling, and their associations with HBV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aref Yarahmadi
- Department of Biology, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossein Kheirkhah
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Nervous System Stem Cells Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Ding S, Liu H, Liu L, Ma L, Chen Z, Zhu M, Liu L, Zhang X, Hao H, Zuo L, Yang J, Wu X, Zhou P, Huang F, Zhu F, Guan W. Epigenetic addition of m 5C to HBV transcripts promotes viral replication and evasion of innate antiviral responses. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:39. [PMID: 38216565 PMCID: PMC10786922 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06412-9] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Eukaryotic five-methylcytosine (m5C) is an important regulator of viral RNA splicing, stability, and translation. However, its role in HBV replication remains largely unknown. In this study, functional m5C sites are identified in hepatitis B virus (HBV) mRNA. The m5C modification at nt 1291 is not only indispensable for Aly/REF export factor (ALYREF) recognition to promote viral mRNA export and HBx translation but also for the inhibition of RIG-I binding to suppress interferon-β (IFN-β) production. Moreover, NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 2 (NSUN2) catalyzes the addition of m5C to HBV mRNA and is transcriptionally downregulated by the viral protein HBx, which suppresses the binding of EGR1 to the NSUN2 promoter. Additionally, NSUN2 expression correlates with m5C modification of type I IFN mRNA in host cells, thus, positively regulating IFN expression. Hence, the delicate regulation of NSUN2 expression induces m5C modification of HBV mRNA while decreasing the levels of m5C in host IFN mRNA, making it a vital component of the HBV life cycle. These findings provide new molecular insights into the mechanism of HBV-mediated IFN inhibition and may inform the development of new IFN-α based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Haibin Liu
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
- Hubei JiangXia Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, 430200, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Li Ma
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Miao Zhu
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Lishi Liu
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Xueyan Zhang
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Haojie Hao
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Li Zuo
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Jingwen Yang
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China
| | - Xiulin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Hubei JiangXia Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, 430200, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy & Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
| | - Wuxiang Guan
- Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430207, China.
- Hubei JiangXia Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei, 430200, China.
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5
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Ramakrishnan K, Babu S, Shaji V, Soman S, Leelamma A, Rehman N, Raju R. Hepatitis B Virus Modulated Transcriptional Regulatory Map of Hepatic Cellular MicroRNAs. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2023; 27:581-597. [PMID: 38064540 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2023.0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped, hepatotropic, noncytopathic virus with a partially double-stranded DNA genome. It infects hepatocytes and is associated with progression to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, culminating in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 55% of total HCC cases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulated by HBV play an important role in these pathologies. Mapping the miRNAs responsive to HBV and HBV-specific proteins, including HBV X protein (HBx) that harbor the majority of HBV-human protein interactions, could aid accelerate the diagnostics and therapeutics innovation against the infection and associated diseases. With this in mind, we used a unique annotation strategy whereby we first amassed 362 mature HBV responsive-human Differentially Expressed miRNAs (HBV-hDEmiRs). The core experimentally-validated messenger RNA targets of the HBV-hDEmiRs were mostly associated with viral infections and hepatic inflammation processes. Moreover, our annotation strategy enabled the characterization of HBx-dependent/independent HBV-hDEmiRs as a tool for evaluation of the impact of HBx as a therapeutic target. Bioinformatics analysis of the HBV-human protein-protein interactome revealed new insights into the transcriptional regulatory network of the HBV-hDEmiRs. We performed a comparative analysis of data on miRNAs gathered from HBV infected cell line studies and from tissue studies of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Accordingly, we propose hsa-miR-15a-5p that is downregulated by multiple HBV proteins, including HBx, as a potential biomarker of HBV infection, and its progression to HCC. In all, this study underscores (1) the complexity of miRNA regulation in response to HBV infection and its progression into other liver pathologies and (2) provides a regulatory map of HBV-hDEmiRs and the underlying mechanisms modulating their expression through a cross talk between HBV viral proteins and human transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sreeranjini Babu
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Vineetha Shaji
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sowmya Soman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Anila Leelamma
- Department of Biochemistry, NSS College, Nilamel, Kollam, Kerala, India
| | - Niyas Rehman
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
| | - Rajesh Raju
- Centre for Integrative Omics Data Science, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India
- Centre for Systems Biology and Molecular Medicine (CSBMM), Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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6
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Burkart SS, Schweinoch D, Frankish J, Sparn C, Wüst S, Urban C, Merlo M, Magalhães VG, Piras A, Pichlmair A, Willemsen J, Kaderali L, Binder M. High-resolution kinetic characterization of the RIG-I-signaling pathway and the antiviral response. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302059. [PMID: 37558422 PMCID: PMC10412806 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
RIG-I recognizes viral dsRNA and activates a cell-autonomous antiviral response. Upon stimulation, it triggers a signaling cascade leading to the production of type I and III IFNs. IFNs are secreted and signal to elicit the expression of IFN-stimulated genes, establishing an antiviral state of the cell. The topology of this pathway has been studied intensively, however, its exact dynamics are less understood. Here, we employed electroporation to synchronously activate RIG-I, enabling us to characterize cell-intrinsic innate immune signaling at a high temporal resolution. Employing IFNAR1/IFNLR-deficient cells, we could differentiate primary RIG-I signaling from secondary signaling downstream of the IFN receptors. Based on these data, we developed a comprehensive mathematical model capable of simulating signaling downstream of dsRNA recognition by RIG-I and the feedback and signal amplification by IFN. We further investigated the impact of viral antagonists on signaling dynamics. Our work provides a comprehensive insight into the signaling events that occur early upon virus infection and opens new avenues to study and disentangle the complexity of the host-virus interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy S Burkart
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darius Schweinoch
- Institute of Bioinformatics & Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jamie Frankish
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carola Sparn
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Wüst
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Urban
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta Merlo
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vladimir G Magalhães
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonio Piras
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Joschka Willemsen
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute of Bioinformatics & Center for Functional Genomics of Microbes, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marco Binder
- Research Group "Dynamics of Early Viral Infection and the Innate Antiviral Response", Division Virus-Associated Carcinogenesis (F170), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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7
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Locatelli M, Faure-Dupuy S. Virus hijacking of host epigenetic machinery to impair immune response. J Virol 2023; 97:e0065823. [PMID: 37656959 PMCID: PMC10537592 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00658-23] [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] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA hypermethylation, histone acetylation/methylation, or nucleosome positioning, result in differential gene expression. These modifications can have an impact on various pathways, including host antiviral immune responses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of epigenetic modifications induced by viruses to counteract host antiviral immune responses, which are crucial for establishing and maintaining infection of viruses. Finally, we provide insights into the potential use of epigenetic modulators in combating viral infections and virus-induced diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Locatelli
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Suzanne Faure-Dupuy
- Université de Paris Cité, Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Paris, France
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8
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Hailegiorgis A, Ishida Y, Collier N, Imamura M, Shi Z, Reinharz V, Tsuge M, Barash D, Hiraga N, Yokomichi H, Tateno C, Ozik J, Uprichard SL, Chayama K, Dahari H. Modeling suggests that virion production cycles within individual cells is key to understanding acute hepatitis B virus infection kinetics. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011309. [PMID: 37535676 PMCID: PMC10426918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection kinetics in immunodeficient mice reconstituted with humanized livers from inoculation to steady state is highly dynamic despite the absence of an adaptive immune response. To recapitulate the multiphasic viral kinetic patterns, we developed an agent-based model that includes intracellular virion production cycles reflecting the cyclic nature of each individual virus lifecycle. The model fits the data well predicting an increase in production cycles initially starting with a long production cycle of 1 virion per 20 hours that gradually reaches 1 virion per hour after approximately 3-4 days before virion production increases dramatically to reach to a steady state rate of 4 virions per hour per cell. Together, modeling suggests that it is the cyclic nature of the virus lifecycle combined with an initial slow but increasing rate of HBV production from each cell that plays a role in generating the observed multiphasic HBV kinetic patterns in humanized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atesmachew Hailegiorgis
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Yuji Ishida
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nicholson Collier
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Michio Imamura
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Zhenzhen Shi
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Vladimir Reinharz
- Department of Computer Science, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Danny Barash
- Department of Computer Science, Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Nobuhiko Hiraga
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | | | - Chise Tateno
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd., Hiroshima, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Jonathan Ozik
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Susan L. Uprichard
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
- The Infectious Disease and Immunology Research Institute, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Hiroshima Institute of Life Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Harel Dahari
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
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9
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Rotella DP. Successes in antiviral drug discovery: a tribute to Nick Meanwell. Med Chem Res 2023; 32:1-10. [PMID: 37362321 PMCID: PMC10249547 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-023-03086-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery is a difficult task, and is even more challenging when the target evolves during therapy. Antiviral drug therapy is an excellent example, exemplified by the evolution of therapeutic approaches for treatment of hepatitis C and HIV-1. Nick Meanwell and his colleagues made important contributions leading to molecules for treatment of hepatitis C and HIV-1, each with distinct mechanisms of action. This review summarizes the discovery and impact of these drugs, and will highlight, where applicable, the broader contributions of these discoveries to medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. Rotella
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Sokol Institute of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
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10
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Schefczyk S, Luo X, Liang Y, Trippler M, Lu M, Wedemeyer H, Schmidt HH, Broering R. Poly(I:C) Induces Distinct Liver Cell Type-Specific Responses in Hepatitis B Virus-Transgenic Mice In Vitro, but Fails to Induce These Signals In Vivo. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051203. [PMID: 37243287 DOI: 10.3390/v15051203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunopathology in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is driven by innate and adaptive immunity. Whether the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) affects hepatic antiviral signalling was investigated in HBV-transgenic mouse models that either accumulate (Alb/HBs, Tg[Alb1HBV]Bri44), lack (Tg1.4HBV-s-mut3) or secrete (Tg1.4HBV-s-rec (F1, Tg1.4HBV-s-mut × Alb/HBs) the HBsAg. Herein, the responsiveness of TLR3 and RIG-I in primary parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells was determined in vitro and in vivo. Cell type-specific and mouse strain-dependent interferon, cytokine and chemokine expression were observed by LEGENDplex™ and validated by quantitative PCR. In vitro, the hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells of Tg1.4HBV-s-rec mice showed poly(I:C) susceptibilities similar to the wild-type controls, while in the remaining leucocyte fraction the interferon, cytokine and chemokine induction was reduced. On the contrary, poly(I:C)-injected 1.4TgHBV-s-rec mice showed suppressed interferon, cytokine and chemokine levels in hepatocytes but increased levels in the leucocyte fraction. Thus, we concluded that liver cells of Tg1.4HBV-s-rec mice, which produce HBV particles and release the HBsAg, responded to exogenous TLR3/RIG-I stimuli in vitro but exhibited a tolerogenic environment in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Schefczyk
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Xufeng Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Yaojie Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Trippler
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute for Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hartmut H Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ruth Broering
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Transplant Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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11
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Sharma S, Rawal P, Kaur S, Puria R. Liver organoids as a primary human model to study HBV-mediated Hepatocellular carcinoma. A review. Exp Cell Res 2023; 428:113618. [PMID: 37142202 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is the prevailing cause of chronic liver disease, which progresses to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 75% of cases. It represents a serious health concern being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Treatments available to date fail to provide a complete cure with high chances of recurrence and related side effects. The lack of reliable, reproducible, and scalable in vitro modeling systems that could recapitulate the viral life cycle and represent virus-host interactions has hindered the development of effective treatments so far. The present review provides insights into the current in-vivo and in-vitro models used for studying HBV and their major limitations. We highlight the use of three-dimensional liver organoids as a novel and suitable platform for modeling HBV infection and HBV-mediated HCC. HBV organoids can be expanded, genetically altered, patient-derived, tested for drug discovery, and biobanked. This review also provides the general guidelines for culturing HBV organoids and highlights their several prospects for HBV drug discovery and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Sharma
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Preety Rawal
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, India.
| | - Rekha Puria
- School of Biotechnology, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India.
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12
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Paek JH, Kim YN, Shin HS, Jung Y, Rim H. Expansion and characterization of regulatory T cell populations from Korean kidney transplant recipients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33058. [PMID: 36930095 PMCID: PMC10019245 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of immunosuppressants has enabled remarkable progress in kidney transplantation (KT). However, current immunosuppressants cannot induce immune tolerance, and their nonspecific immunosuppressive effects result in many adverse effects. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play crucial roles in controlling all specific immune responses. This study evaluated the distribution of Tregs and their effects on kidney allograft function in Korean KT recipients. We enrolled 113 KT recipients with stable graft function. The differentiation and expansion of Tregs were examined by flow cytometry to compare the Tregs subpopulations. Among the 113 patients, 73 (64.6%) were males, and the mean follow-up period from KT to Tregs collection was 147.5 + 111.3 months. Patients receiving lower doses of cyclosporine had higher proportions of Tregs than those with higher doses of cyclosporine (36.3 + 21.6 vs 17.0 + 12.7, P = .010, respectively). Patients taking cyclosporine tended to have higher Tregs numbers than those taking tacrolimus (94.7 + 158.1 vs 49.3 + 69.4, P = .095, respectively). However, no significant association was observed between Tregs and allograft dysfunction in the cox proportional hazard model. Tregs counts may be associated with the type and dose of immunosuppressants. However, no significant relationship was found between Tregs and kidney allograft function in stable KT recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hyuk Paek
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Ye Na Kim
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ho Sik Shin
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yeonsoon Jung
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Hark Rim
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Gospel Hospital, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
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13
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Farnesoid X Receptor Activation Decreases Toll-like Receptor 2 Expression by Upregulating HBeAg Production. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2023. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon-129128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Background: Previous investigations have demonstrated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to elevated serum bile acid levels, which is considered to cause liver damage. Thus, we suppose that bile acids may be of considerable significance in inducing immune tolerance. Methods: In this investigation, we explored the functions of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor activated by bile acids, in modulating hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) production and toll-like receptor (TLR) expression in vitro and in vivo. Results: The results showed that FXR activation promoted secreted and intracellular HBeAg expression in HepG2 and HEK293T cells. However, FXR antagonist Z-guggulsterone (Z-g) decreased the bile acid-mediated HBeAg production. Meanwhile, TLR2 expression significantly reduced in HepG2 cells transfected with pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid comprising whole HBV genome and treated with bile acids, but not with mutant pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid with defected HBeAg product. In the hydrodynamic injection HBV mouse model, the level of serum HBeAg was decreased, but intrahepatic TLR2 expression was elevated in FXR-/- mice. Conclusions: In conclusion, FXR activation inhibits TLR2-mediated innate immunity by upregulating HBeAg production. Our data indicate that a mild elevation of serum bile acids may cause immune tolerance and lead to virus persistence in HBV-infected patients.
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14
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Yardeni D, Chang KM, Ghany MG. Current Best Practice in Hepatitis B Management and Understanding Long-term Prospects for Cure. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:42-60.e6. [PMID: 36243037 PMCID: PMC9772068 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Despite an effective vaccine, the prevalence of chronic infection remains high. Current therapy is effective at achieving on-treatment, but not off-treatment, viral suppression. Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, the best surrogate marker of off-treatment viral suppression, is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, this end point is rarely achieved with current therapy because of their lack of effect on covalently closed circular DNA, the template of viral transcription and genome replication. Major advancements in our understanding of HBV virology along with better understanding of immunopathogenesis have led to the development of a multitude of novel therapeutic approaches with the prospect of achieving functional cure (hepatitis B surface antigen loss) and perhaps complete cure (clearance of covalently closed circular DNA and integrated HBV DNA). This review will cover current best practice for managing chronic HBV infection and emerging novel therapies for HBV infection and their prospect for cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yardeni
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- Medical Research, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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15
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Many Ways to Communicate-Crosstalk between the HBV-Infected Cell and Its Environment. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010029. [PMID: 36678377 PMCID: PMC9866324 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimated 257 million people worldwide and can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Viral replication is generally considered not to be cytopathic, and although some HBV proteins may have direct carcinogenic effects, the majority of HBV infection-related disease is related to chronic inflammation resulting from disrupted antiviral responses and aberrant innate immune reactions. Like all cells, healthy and HBV-infected cells communicate with each other, as well as with other cell types, such as innate and adaptive immune cells. They do so by both interacting directly and by secreting factors into their environment. Such factors may be small molecules, such as metabolites, single viral proteins or host proteins, but can also be more complex, such as virions, protein complexes, and extracellular vesicles. The latter are small, membrane-enclosed vesicles that are exchanged between cells, and have recently gained a lot of attention for their potential to mediate complex communication and their potential for therapeutic repurposing. Here, we review how HBV infection affects the communication between HBV-infected cells and cells in their environment. We discuss the impact of these interactions on viral persistence in chronic infection, as well as their relation to HBV infection-related pathology.
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16
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Han HT, Jin WL, Li X. Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:23. [PMID: 35895169 PMCID: PMC9326420 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.
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17
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Suslov A, Heim MH, Wieland S. Studying Hepatitis Virus-Host Interactions in Patient Liver Biopsies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112490. [PMID: 36366588 PMCID: PMC9699472 DOI: 10.3390/v14112490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a major contributor to human suffering and the associated socioeconomic burden worldwide. A better understanding of human pathogen-host interactions is a prerequisite for the development of treatment strategies aimed at combatting human pathogen-induced diseases. Model systems that faithfully recapitulate the pathogen-host interactions in humans are critical to gain meaningful insight. Unfortunately, such model systems are not yet available for a number of pathogens. The strict tropism of the hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses for the human liver has made it difficult to study their virus-host interactions during the natural history of these infections. In this case, surplus liver biopsy tissue donated by patients provides an opportunity to obtain a snapshot of the phenomenological and molecular aspects of the human liver of chronically HCV or HBV-infected patients. In this review, we will briefly summarize our own efforts over the years to advance our knowledge of the virus-host interactions during the natural history of chronic HCV and HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei Suslov
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus H. Heim
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Wieland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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18
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Vimali J, Yong YK, Murugesan A, Vishnupriya K, Ashwin R, Daniel EA, Balakrishnan P, Raju S, Rosmawati M, Velu V, Larsson M, Shankar EM. Plasma interleukin-7 correlation with human immunodeficiency virus RNA and CD4+ T cell counts, and interleukin-5 with circulating hepatitis B virus DNA may have implications in viral control. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1019230. [PMID: 36405584 PMCID: PMC9668853 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1019230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral infections represent a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. Chronic HBV, HCV, and HIV infections result in cytokine perturbations that may hold key implications in understanding the complex disease mechanisms driving virus persistence and/or resolution. Here, we determined the levels of various plasma cytokines using a commercial Bio-Plex Luminex cytokine array in chronic HBV (n = 30), HCV (n = 15), and HIV (n = 40) infections and correlated with corresponding plasma viral loads (PVLs) and liver parameters. We observed differential perturbations in cytokine profiles among the study groups. The cytokines levels positively correlated with PVL and liver transaminases. The monocyte-derived cytokines viz., MIP-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α, and Th2 cytokines like IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 showed a better correlation with liver enzymes as compared to their corresponding PVLs. Our investigation also identified two cytokines viz., IL-5 and IL-7 that inversely correlated with HBV DNA and HIV PVLs, respectively. Regression analysis adjusted for age showed that every increase of IL-5 by one unit was associated with a reduction in HBV PVL by log10 0.4, whereas, every elevation by a unit of IL-7 was associated with decreased HIV PVL by log10 2.5. We also found that IL-7 levels correlated positively with absolute CD4+ T cell counts in HIV-infected patients. We concluded that plasma IL-5 and IL-7 may likely have a key role on viral control in HBV and HIV infections, respectively. A noteworthy increase in cytokines appears to bear protective and pathological significance, and indeed is reflective of the host's versatile immune armory against viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaisheela Vimali
- Infection Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Yean Kong Yong
- Laboratory Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Amudhan Murugesan
- Department of Microbiology, Government Theni Medical College and Hospital, Theni, India
| | | | - Rajeev Ashwin
- Infection Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Evangeline Ann Daniel
- National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Pachamuthu Balakrishnan
- Department of Microbiology, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, India
| | - Sivadoss Raju
- State Public Health Laboratory, Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai, India
| | - Mohamed Rosmawati
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya Medical Center, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Vijayakumar Velu
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory Vaccine Center, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Infection Biology, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
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19
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Suresh M, Menne S. Recent Drug Development in the Woodchuck Model of Chronic Hepatitis B. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081711. [PMID: 36016334 PMCID: PMC9416195 DOI: 10.3390/v14081711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for the increasing global hepatitis burden, with an estimated 296 million people being carriers and living with the risk of developing chronic liver disease and cancer. While the current treatment options for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), including oral nucleos(t)ide analogs and systemic interferon-alpha, are deemed suboptimal, the path to finding an ultimate cure for this viral disease is rather challenging. The lack of suitable laboratory animal models that support HBV infection and associated liver disease progression is one of the major hurdles in antiviral drug development. For more than four decades, experimental infection of the Eastern woodchuck with woodchuck hepatitis virus has been applied for studying the immunopathogenesis of HBV and developing new antiviral therapeutics against CHB. There are several advantages to this animal model that are beneficial for performing both basic and translational HBV research. Previous review articles have focused on the value of this animal model in regard to HBV replication, pathogenesis, and immune response. In this article, we review studies of drug development and preclinical evaluation of direct-acting antivirals, immunomodulators, therapeutic vaccines, and inhibitors of viral entry, gene expression, and antigen release in the woodchuck model of CHB since 2014 until today and discuss their significance for clinical trials in patients.
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20
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Li N, Yu K, Dong M, Wang J, Yang F, Zhu H, Yu J, Yang J, Xie W, Mitra B, Mao R, Wu F, Guo H, Zhang J. Intrahepatic transcriptomics reveals gene signatures in chronic hepatitis B patients responded to interferon therapy. Emerg Microbes Infect 2022; 11:1876-1889. [PMID: 35815389 PMCID: PMC9336496 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a substantial public health burden worldwide. Alpha-interferon (IFNα) is one of the two currently approved therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), to explore the mechanisms underlying IFNα treatment response, we investigated baseline and 24-week on-treatment intrahepatic gene expression profiles in 21 CHB patients by mRNA-seq. The data analyses demonstrated that PegIFNα treatment significantly induced antiviral responses. Responders who achieved HBV DNA loss and HBeAg or HBsAg seroconversion displayed higher fold change and larger number of up-regulated interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Interestingly, lower expression levels of certain ISGs were observed in responders in their baseline biopsy samples. In HBeAg+ patients, non-responders had relative higher baseline HBeAg levels than responders. More importantly, HBeAg− patients showed higher HBsAg loss rate than HBeAg+ patients. Although a greater fold change of ISGs was observed in HBeAg− patients than HBeAg+ patients, upregulation of ISGs in HBeAg+ responders exceeded HBeAg− responders. Notably, PegIFNα treatment increased monocyte and mast cell infiltration, but decreased CD8 T cell and M1 macrophage infiltration in both responders and non-responders, while B cell infiltration was increased only in responders. Moreover, co-expression analysis identified ribosomal proteins as critical players in antiviral response. The data also indicate that IFNα may influence the production of viral antigens associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Collectively, the intrahepatic transcriptome analyses in this study enriched our understanding of IFN-mediated antiviral effects in CHB patients and provided novel insights into the development of potential strategies to improve IFNα therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kangkang Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhui Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoxiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingshu Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wentao Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bidisha Mitra
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feizhen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institutes of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, United States
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Ahmed Z, Shetty A, Victor DW, Kodali S. Viral hepatitis: A narrative review of hepatitis A–E. World J Meta-Anal 2022; 10:99-121. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v10.i3.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis continues to be a major health concern leading to hepatic decompensation ranging from acute hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations are not only debilitating but also associated with a significant economic burden. Over the last two decades, the field of virology has made significant breakthroughs leading to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of viral hepatitis, which in turn has led to new therapeutic options. The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, and new drugs are in the pipeline for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment. There has also been a significant emphasis on screening and surveillance programs, widespread availability of vaccines, and linkage of care. Despite these efforts, significant gaps persist in care, and there is a pressing need for increased collaboration and teamwork across the globe to achieve a reduction of disease burden and elimination of HBV and HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zunirah Ahmed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Akshay Shetty
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - David W Victor
- Department of Hepatology, J C Walter Jr Transplant Center, Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Sudha Kodali
- Department of Hepatology, J C Walter Jr Transplant Center, Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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22
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Watanabe T, Hayashi S, Tanaka Y. Drug Discovery Study Aimed at a Functional Cure for HBV. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071393. [PMID: 35891374 PMCID: PMC9321005 DOI: 10.3390/v14071393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and, most importantly, chronic hepatitis B worldwide. Antiviral treatments have been developed to reduce viral loads but few patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) achieve a functional cure. The development of new therapeutic agents is desirable. Recently, many novel agents have been developed, including drugs targeting HBV-DNA and HBV-RNA. This review provides an overview of the developmental status of these drugs, especially direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Serological biomarkers of HBV infection are essential for predicting the clinical course of CHB. It is also important to determine the amount and activity of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. Hepatitis B core-associated antigen (HBcrAg) is a new HBV marker that has an important role in reflecting cccDNA in CHB, because it is associated with hepatic cccDNA, as well as serum HBV DNA. The highly sensitive HBcrAg (iTACT-HBcrAg) assay could be a very sensitive HBV activation marker and an alternative to HBV DNA testing for monitoring reactivation. Many of the drugs currently in clinical trials have shown efficacy in reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels. Combination therapies with DAAs and boost immune response are also under development; finding the best combinations will be important for therapeutic development.
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23
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Gherlan GS. Occult hepatitis B — the result of the host immune response interaction with different genomic expressions of the virus. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:5518-5530. [PMID: 35979101 PMCID: PMC9258381 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i17.5518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With over 40 years of history, occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) continues to remain an important and challenging public health problem. Defined as the presence of replication-competent hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (i.e., episomal HBV covalently closed circular DNA) in the liver and/or HBV DNA in the blood of people who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in currently available assays, OBI is currently diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR assays. However, all efforts should be made to exclude a false negative HBsAg in order to completely follow the definition of OBI. In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the HBV lifecycle and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the persistence of the virus in the occult form. These factors are mainly related to the host immune system and, to a smaller proportion, to the virus. Both innate and adaptive immune responses are important in HBV infection management, and epigenetic changes driven by host mechanisms (acetylation, methylation, and microRNA implication) are added to such actions. Although greater genetic variability in the S gene of HBV isolated from OBIs was found compared with overt infection, the mechanisms of OBI are not mainly viral mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Sebastian Gherlan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 030303, Romania
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Dr. Victor Babes” Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest 030303, Romania
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24
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Hong X, Kawasawa YI, Menne S, Hu J. Host cell-dependent late entry step as determinant of hepatitis B virus infection. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010633. [PMID: 35714170 PMCID: PMC9246237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a highly restricted host range and cell tropism. Other than the human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (huNTCP), the HBV entry receptor, host determinants of HBV susceptibility are poorly understood. Woodchucks are naturally infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV), closely related to HBV, but not with HBV. Here, we investigated the capabilities of woodchuck hepatic and human non-hepatic cell lines to support HBV infection. DNA transfection assays indicated that all cells tested supported both HBV and WHV replication steps post entry, including the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) formation, which is essential for establishing and sustaining infection. Ectopic expression of huNTCP rendered one, but not the other, woodchuck hepatic cell line and the non-hepatic human cell line competent to support productive HBV entry, defined here by cccDNA formation during de novo infection. All huNTCP-expressing cell lines tested became susceptible to infection with hepatitis D virus (HDV) that shares the same entry receptor and initial steps of entry with HBV, suggesting that a late entry/trafficking step(s) of HBV infection was defective in one of the two woodchuck cell lines. In addition, the non-susceptible woodchuck hepatic cell line became susceptible to HBV after fusion with human hepatic cells, suggesting the lack of a host cell-dependent factor(s) in these cells. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the two woodchuck cell lines revealed widespread differences in gene expression in multiple biological processes that may contribute to HBV infection. In conclusion, other than huNTCP, neither human- nor hepatocyte-specific factors are essential for productive HBV entry. Furthermore, a late trafficking step(s) during HBV infection, following the shared entry steps with HDV and before cccDNA formation, is subject to host cell regulation and thus, a host determinant of HBV infection. Fundamental studies on, and development of therapies against, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which inflicts hundreds of millions worldwide, are impeded by deficiencies in HBV-susceptible animal models. HBV displays a strict species and cell tropism that are not clearly understood. Here, by studying replication of HBV, and the related woodchuck hepatitis virus, in human and woodchuck hepatic or non-hepatic cells, we found that non-hepatic human cells and some woodchuck hepatic cells could support productive HBV entry after expression of the human cell receptor for HBV. Moreover, by studying the infection of hepatitis D virus, which shares the same entry receptor and initial steps of entry with HBV, we could narrow down a host determinant of HBV infection operating at a late entry/trafficking step(s). Our study thus provides new insights into determinants of HBV host tropism and facilitates the development of HBV-susceptible animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Hong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Yuka Imamura Kawasawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Personalized Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Stephan Menne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Borkakoty B, Sarmah MD, Majumdar T, Bhattacharjee CK, Baruah PJ, Biswas D, Kaur H. Role of Innate Immune Regulatory Genes, FOXP3 and FOS in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Viral Immunol 2022; 35:338-344. [PMID: 35580072 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2021.0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leading to chronic infection and its sequalae is responsible for over half a million deaths worldwide. The reason for persistence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is still not clearly understood. An attempt was made to understand the role of immune regulatory genes in CHB in comparison to spontaneously cleared HBV infection. Relative gene expression of 26 genes involved in innate immunity were studied using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Array. A total of 679 subjects from three different geographical regions of Northeast India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura) were included in this case-control study. The cases were subdivided into CHB cases with HBeAg(+)(72), CHB with HBeAg(-)(278), spontaneously cleared controls (88), and healthy controls (228). Overall, 28.3% of the subjects had previous exposure with HBV, while 28.6% had protective antibodies IgG/IgM against HBV. There was a statistically higher number of CHB in men (66.4%) compared to women (33.6%) (p = 0.0001). Proto-oncogene FOS has been found to be moderately upregulated in CHB with HBeAg +ve (2.3-fold) and significantly upregulated (4.1-fold upregulation) in hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, FOXP3 was found to be significantly upregulated (3.0-fold, p = 0.01) in CHB with HBeAg (+) compared to spontaneously cleared HBV infection. In conclusion, CHB with HBeAg positivity was found to have disrupted immune response with upregulation of FOS and FOXP3. Thus, early induction of HBeAg seroconversion with interferon-based therapy or oral nucleos(t)ide analogs along with FOS inhibitors can have important clinical implications in the management of CHB and preventing cirrhosis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajyoti Borkakoty
- Regional VRDL, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh, India
| | - Mandakini Das Sarmah
- Regional VRDL, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh, India
| | - Tapan Majumdar
- Department of Microbiology, Agartala Government Medical College, Agartala, India
| | | | - Pranjal Jyoti Baruah
- Regional VRDL, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh, India
| | - Dipanakr Biswas
- Regional VRDL, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, NE Region, Dibrugarh, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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26
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Xi J, Cui X, Liu K, Liu H, Wang J, Hu J. Region-Specific Hepatitis B Virus Genome Exposure from Nucleocapsid Modulated by Capsid Linker Sequence and Inhibitor: Implications for Uncoating. J Virol 2022; 96:e0039922. [PMID: 35389266 PMCID: PMC9044944 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00399-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contains a partially double-stranded, relaxed circular (RC) DNA genome synthesized within a nucleocapsid (NC) in the host cell cytoplasm. The release of RC DNA from the NC, in an ill-defined process called uncoating, to the nucleus is required for its conversion to the covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA, the viral episome serving as the transcriptional template for all viral RNAs necessary for replication and, thus, essential for establishing and sustaining viral infection. In efforts to better understand uncoating, we analyzed HBV core (HBc) mutants that show various levels of nuclear CCC DNA but little to no cytoplasmic RC DNA. We found that RC DNA could be synthesized by these mutants outside the cell, but in contrast to the wild type (wt), the mutant NCs were unable to protect RC DNA from digestion by the endogenous nuclease(s) in cellular lysates or exogenous DNase. Subcellular fractionation suggested that the major RC DNA-degrading activity was membrane associated. Digestion with sequence-specific and nonspecific DNases revealed the exposure of specific regions of RC DNA from the mutant NC. Similarly, treatment of wt NCs with a core inhibitor known to increase CCC DNA by affecting uncoating also led to region-specific exposure of RC DNA. Furthermore, a subpopulation of untreated wild type (wt) mature NCs showed site-specific exposure of RC DNA as well. Competition between RC DNA degradation and its conversion to CCC DNA during NC uncoating thus likely plays an important role in the establishment and persistence of HBV infection and has implications for the development of capsid-targeted antivirals. IMPORTANCE Disassembly of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid (NC) to release its genomic DNA, in an ill-understood process called uncoating, is required to form the viral nuclear episome in the host cell nucleus, a viral DNA essential for establishing and sustaining HBV infection. The elimination of the HBV nuclear episome remains the holy grail for the development of an HBV cure. We report here that the HBV genomic DNA is exposed in a region-specific manner during uncoating, which is enhanced by mutations of the capsid protein and a capsid-targeted antiviral compound. The exposure of the viral genome can result in its rapid degradation or, alternatively, can enhance the formation of the nuclear episome, thus having a major impact on HBV infection and persistence. These results are thus important for understanding fundamental mechanisms of HBV replication and persistence and for the ongoing pursuit of an HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiuji Cui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kuancheng Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joseph Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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27
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Odenwald MA, Paul S. Viral hepatitis: Past, present, and future. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:1405-1429. [PMID: 35582678 PMCID: PMC9048475 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i14.1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Each hepatitis virus-Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and G-poses a distinct scenario to the patient and clinician alike. Since the discovery of each virus, extensive knowledge regarding epidemiology, virologic properties, and the natural clinical and immunologic history of acute and chronic infections has been generated. Basic discoveries about host immunologic responses to acute and chronic viral infections, combined with virologic data, has led to vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A, B, and E and highly efficacious antivirals for Hepatitis B and C. These therapeutic breakthroughs are transforming the fields of hepatology, transplant medicine in general, and public and global health. Most notably, there is even an ambitious global effort to eliminate chronic viral hepatitis within the next decade. While attainable, there are many barriers to this goal that are being actively investigated in basic and clinical labs on the local, national, and international scales. Herein, we discuss pertinent clinical information and recent organizational guidelines for each of the individual hepatitis viruses while also synthesizing this information with the latest research to focus on exciting future directions for each virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew August Odenwald
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Center for Liver Diseases, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Sonali Paul
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Center for Liver Diseases, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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28
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Bustamante-Jaramillo LF, Fingal J, Blondot ML, Rydell GE, Kann M. Imaging of Hepatitis B Virus Nucleic Acids: Current Advances and Challenges. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030557. [PMID: 35336964 PMCID: PMC8950347 DOI: 10.3390/v14030557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infections are the main reason for hepatocellular carcinoma development. Current treatment reduces the viral load but rarely leads to virus elimination. Despite its medical importance, little is known about infection dynamics on the cellular level not at least due to technical obstacles. Regardless of infections leading to extreme viral loads, which may reach 1010 virions per mL serum, hepatitis B viruses are of low abundance and productivity in individual cells. Imaging of the infections in cells is thus a particular challenge especially for cccDNA that exists only in a few copies. The review describes the significance of microscopical approaches on genome and transcript detection for understanding hepatitis B virus infections, implications for understanding treatment outcomes, and recent microscopical approaches, which have not been applied in HBV research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa F. Bustamante-Jaramillo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (L.F.B.-J.); (J.F.); (G.E.R.)
| | - Joshua Fingal
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (L.F.B.-J.); (J.F.); (G.E.R.)
| | - Marie-Lise Blondot
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité (MFP), CNRS UMR 5234, University of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France;
| | - Gustaf E. Rydell
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (L.F.B.-J.); (J.F.); (G.E.R.)
| | - Michael Kann
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; (L.F.B.-J.); (J.F.); (G.E.R.)
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence:
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29
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Konopleva MV, Borisova VN, Sokolova MV, Semenenko TA, Suslov AP. Recombinant HBsAg of the Wild-Type and the G145R Escape Mutant, included in the New Multivalent Vaccine against Hepatitis B Virus, Dramatically Differ in their Effects on Leukocytes from Healthy Donors In Vitro. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020235. [PMID: 35214692 PMCID: PMC8880183 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-escape hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants play an important role in HBV spread. Recently, the multivalent vaccine Bubo®-Unigep has been developed to protect against both wild-type HBV and the most significant G145R mutant. Here, we compared the effects of recombinant HBsAg antigens, wild-type and mutated at G145R, both included in the new vaccine, on activation of a human high-density culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. The antigens were used either alone or in combination with phytohemagglutinin (PHA). None of the antigens alone affected the expression of CD40, HLA-DR or CD279. Wild-type HBsAg enhanced CD86 and CD69 expression, and induced TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ, regardless of the anti-HBsAg status of donor. In the presence of PHA, wild-type HBsAg had no effect on either of the tested surface markers, but increased IFN-γ and IL-10 and inhibited IL-2. In contrast, the G145R mutant alone did not affect CD86 expression, it induced less CD69, and stimulated IL-2 along with lowering levels of TNF-α, IL-10, and IFN-γ. The G145R mutant also suppressed PHA-induced activation of CD69. The dramatic differences in the immune responses elicited by wild-type HBsAg and the G145R mutant HBsAg suggest distinct adaptive capabilities of the G145R mutant HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Konopleva
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Maria V. Sokolova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Tatyana A. Semenenko
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
| | - Anatoly P. Suslov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.S.); (T.A.S.); (A.P.S.)
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30
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Aichele P, Neumann-Haefelin C, Ehl S, Thimme R, Cathomen T, Boerries M, Hofmann M. Immunopathology caused by impaired CD8+ T cell responses. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:1390-1395. [PMID: 35099807 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings indicate that many immunopathologies are at their roots a consequence of impaired immune responses ("too little" immunity) and not the result of primarily exaggerated immune responses ("too much" immunity). We have summarized this conceptional view as "IMPATH paradox". In this review, we will focus on impaired immune reactions in the context of CD8+ T cell-mediated immunopathologies. In particular, we will exemplify this concept in two disease models: Virus-triggered primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, an inflammatory syndrome caused by genetically impaired cytolytic functions of T cells, and viral hepatitis, where T cell exhaustion is a major underlying mechanism for impaired effector functions. In both situations, T cells fail to eliminate the source of immune stimulation, which usually serves as an important negative feedback loop curtailing immune reactions. Persistent antigen presentation by antigen-presenting and/or infected cells results in continuous stimulation causing chronic inflammation and immunopathology mediated by residual T cell functions. Hence, immune stimulation or reconstitution rather than immune suppression may be strategies for therapeutic interventions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aichele
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Ehl
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toni Cathomen
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Gene Therapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maike Hofmann
- Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases), Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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STING signaling activation inhibits HBV replication and attenuates the severity of liver injury and HBV-induced fibrosis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:92-107. [PMID: 34811496 PMCID: PMC8752589 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00801-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) of HBV plays a crucial role in viral persistence and is also a risk factor for developing HBV-induced diseases, including liver fibrosis. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a master regulator of DNA-mediated innate immune activation, is a potential therapeutic target for viral infection and virus-related diseases. In this study, agonist-induced STING signaling activation in macrophages was revealed to inhibit cccDNA-mediated transcription and HBV replication via epigenetic modification in hepatocytes. Notably, STING activation could efficiently attenuate the severity of liver injury and fibrosis in a chronic recombinant cccDNA (rcccDNA) mouse model, which is a proven suitable research platform for HBV-induced fibrosis. Mechanistically, STING-activated autophagic flux could suppress macrophage inflammasome activation, leading to the amelioration of liver injury and HBV-induced fibrosis. Overall, the activation of STING signaling could inhibit HBV replication through epigenetic suppression of cccDNA and alleviate HBV-induced liver fibrosis through the suppression of macrophage inflammasome activation by activating autophagic flux in a chronic HBV mouse model. This study suggests that targeting the STING signaling pathway may be an important therapeutic strategy to protect against persistent HBV replication and HBV-induced fibrosis.
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32
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Role of Selenium in Viral Infections with a Major Focus on SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010280. [PMID: 35008706 PMCID: PMC8745607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections have afflicted human health and despite great advancements in scientific knowledge and technologies, continue to affect our society today. The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put a spotlight on the need to review the evidence on the impact of nutritional strategies to maintain a healthy immune system, particularly in instances where there are limited therapeutic treatments. Selenium, an essential trace element in humans, has a long history of lowering the occurrence and severity of viral infections. Much of the benefits derived from selenium are due to its incorporation into selenocysteine, an important component of proteins known as selenoproteins. Viral infections are associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species and may result in oxidative stress. Studies suggest that selenium deficiency alters immune response and viral infection by increasing oxidative stress and the rate of mutations in the viral genome, leading to an increase in pathogenicity and damage to the host. This review examines viral infections, including the novel SARS-CoV-2, in the context of selenium, in order to inform potential nutritional strategies to maintain a healthy immune system.
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33
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Kostyusheva A, Brezgin S, Glebe D, Kostyushev D, Chulanov V. Host-cell interactions in HBV infection and pathogenesis: the emerging role of m6A modification. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:2264-2275. [PMID: 34767497 PMCID: PMC8648018 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.2006580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus with a complex life cycle that includes a reverse transcription step. HBV is poorly sensed by the immune system and frequently establishes persistent infection that can cause chronic infection, the leading cause of liver cancer and cirrhosis worldwide. Recent mounting evidence has indicated the growing importance of RNA methylation (m6A modification) in viral replication, immune escape, and carcinogenesis. The value of m6A RNA modification for the prediction and clinical management of chronic HBV infection remains to be assessed. However, a number of studies indicate the important role of m6A-marked transcripts and factors of m6A machinery in managing HBV-related pathologies. In this review, we discuss the fundamental and potential clinical impact of m6A modifications on HBV infection and pathogenesis, as well as highlight the important molecular techniques and tools that can be used for studying RNA m6A methylome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Dieter Glebe
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Division of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
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34
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can hide in the liver in the form of covalently closed circular DNA. When the body’s immunity changes, HBV reactivation (HBV-R) can occur. The risk of HBV-R is determined by the complex interaction among virological factors, medication factors and host factors. However, many patients do not know that they are infected with HBV, and doctors often do not invest enough time to systematically evaluate the patient’s HBV-R risk factors before immunosuppressive treatment. Therefore, HBV clinical screening should be vigorously promoted to achieve early detection and early prevention for patients with high risk of HBV-R. The mechanism, clinical features, risk factors, HBV-R under different disease etiologies, prevention and treatment of HBV-R were summarized to improve the in-depth understanding and awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lingyao Du
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy & Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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35
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Altstetter SM, Quitt O, Pinci F, Hornung V, Lucko AM, Wisskirchen K, Jung S, Protzer U. Hepatitis-D Virus Infection Is Not Impaired by Innate Immunity but Increases Cytotoxic T-Cell Activity. Cells 2021; 10:3253. [PMID: 34831475 PMCID: PMC8619298 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 70 million humans worldwide are affected by chronic hepatitis D, which rapidly leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma due to chronic inflammation. The triggers and consequences of this chronic inflammation, induced by co-infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV), are poorly understood. Using CRISPR technology, we characterized the recognition of HDV mono- and co-infection by intracellular innate immunity and determined its influence on the viral life cycle and effector T-cell responses using different HBV and HDV permissive hepatoma cell lines. We showed that HDV infection is detected by MDA5 and -after a lag phase -induces a profound type I interferon response in the infected cells. The type I interferon response, however, was not able to suppress HDV replication or spread, thus providing a persistent trigger. Using engineered T-cells directed against the envelope proteins commonly used by HBV and HDV, we found that HDV immune recognition enhanced T-cell cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the T-cell effector function was enhanced independently of antigen presentation. These findings help to explain immune mediated tissue damage in chronic hepatitis D patients and indicate that combining innate triggers with T-cell activating therapies might allow for a curative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Maximilian Altstetter
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (S.M.A.); (O.Q.); (A.M.L.); (K.W.)
| | - Oliver Quitt
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (S.M.A.); (O.Q.); (A.M.L.); (K.W.)
| | - Francesca Pinci
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians—University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (F.P.); (V.H.)
| | - Veit Hornung
- Gene Center and Department of Biochemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians—University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (F.P.); (V.H.)
| | - Aaron Michael Lucko
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (S.M.A.); (O.Q.); (A.M.L.); (K.W.)
| | - Karin Wisskirchen
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (S.M.A.); (O.Q.); (A.M.L.); (K.W.)
| | - Stephanie Jung
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (S.M.A.); (O.Q.); (A.M.L.); (K.W.)
- Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Helmholtz Zentrum München/Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (S.M.A.); (O.Q.); (A.M.L.); (K.W.)
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, 81675 Munich, Germany
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36
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Knolle PA, Huang LR, Kosinska A, Wohlleber D, Protzer U. Improving Therapeutic Vaccination against Hepatitis B-Insights from Preclinical Models of Immune Therapy against Persistent Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1333. [PMID: 34835264 PMCID: PMC8623083 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B affects more than 250 million individuals worldwide, putting them at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. While antiviral immune responses are key to eliminating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, insufficient antiviral immunity characterized by failure to eliminate HBV-infected hepatocytes is associated with chronic hepatitis B. Prophylactic vaccination against hepatitis B successfully established protective immunity against infection with the hepatitis B virus and has been instrumental in controlling hepatitis B. However, prophylactic vaccination schemes have not been successful in mounting protective immunity to eliminate HBV infections in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on the development and efficacy of therapeutic vaccination strategies against chronic hepatitis B with particular emphasis on the pathogenetic understanding of dysfunctional anti-viral immunity. We explore the development of additional immune stimulation measures within tissues, in particular activation of immunogenic myeloid cell populations, and their use for combination with therapeutic vaccination strategies to improve the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination against chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Percy A. Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- German Center for infection Research (DZIF), Munich Site, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Li-Rung Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Town, Miaoli City 350, Taiwan;
| | - Anna Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Dirk Wohlleber
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- German Center for infection Research (DZIF), Munich Site, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
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Lichtenstein B. The PRO-TEST Program: HIV and Hepatitis C Services at the Parole Office. JOURNAL OF CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE 2021; 27:289-295. [PMID: 34735300 DOI: 10.1089/jchc.19.12.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
This article describes an on-site program for HIV and hepatitis C (hep-C) services at a parole office in an impoverished U.S. state. Both officers and their supervisees participated in the program. The officers attended workshops on the biology of HIV, and hep-C, and workplace safety, and collaborated in development and implementation of the services. The supervisees received HIV and hep-C education, voluntary testing, and referral for treatment after a positive diagnosis. Test results showed that few supervisees were positive for HIV and 16% of White individuals were diagnosed with hep-C. These findings support the need for on-site services for supervisees in community corrections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwen Lichtenstein
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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38
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Kayesh MEH, Kohara M, Tsukiyama-Kohara K. Toll-Like Receptor Response to Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Potential of TLR Agonists as Immunomodulators for Treating Chronic Hepatitis B: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10462. [PMID: 34638802 PMCID: PMC8508807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem. The immunopathology of the disease, especially the interplay between HBV and host innate immunity, is poorly understood. Moreover, inconsistent literature on HBV and host innate immunity has led to controversies. However, recently, there has been an increase in the number of studies that have highlighted the link between innate immune responses, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and chronic HBV infection. TLRs are the key sensing molecules that detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns and regulate the induction of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby shaping the adaptive immunity. The suppression of TLR response has been reported in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), as well as in other models, including tree shrews, suggesting an association of TLR response in HBV chronicity. Additionally, TLR agonists have been reported to improve the host innate immune response against HBV infection, highlighting the potential of these agonists as immunomodulators for enhancing CHB treatment. In this study, we discuss the current understanding of host innate immune responses during HBV infection, particularly focusing on the TLR response and TLR agonists as immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Enamul Hoque Kayesh
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
- Department of Microbiology and Public Health, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal 8210, Bangladesh
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan;
| | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Transboundary Animal Diseases Centre, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan;
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Hirschenberger M, Hunszinger V, Sparrer KMJ. Implications of Innate Immunity in Post-Acute Sequelae of Non-Persistent Viral Infections. Cells 2021; 10:2134. [PMID: 34440903 PMCID: PMC8391718 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-persistent viruses classically cause transient, acute infections triggering immune responses aimed at the elimination of the pathogen. Successful viruses evolved strategies to manipulate and evade these anti-viral defenses. Symptoms during the acute phase are often linked to dysregulated immune responses that disappear once the patient recovers. In some patients, however, symptoms persist or new symptoms emerge beyond the acute phase. Conditions resulting from previous transient infection are termed post-acute sequelae (PAS) and were reported for a wide range of non-persistent viruses such as rota-, influenza- or polioviruses. Here we provide an overview of non-persistent viral pathogens reported to be associated with diverse PAS, among them chronic fatigue, auto-immune disorders, or neurological complications and highlight known mechanistic details. Recently, the emergence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID highlighted the impact of PAS. Notably, PAS of non-persistent infections often resemble symptoms of persistent viral infections, defined by chronic inflammation. Inflammation maintained after the acute phase may be a key driver of PAS of non-persistent viruses. Therefore, we explore current insights into aberrant activation of innate immune signaling pathways in the post-acute phase of non-persistent viruses. Finally, conclusions are drawn and future perspectives for treatment and prevention of PAS are discussed.
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40
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Yang S, Zeng W, Zhang J, Lu F, Chang J, Guo JT. Restoration of a functional antiviral immune response to chronic HBV infection by reducing viral antigen load: if not sufficient, is it necessary? Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1545-1554. [PMID: 34227927 PMCID: PMC8354158 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1952851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The prolonged viral antigen stimulation is the driving force for the development of immune tolerance to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The sustained reduction of viral proteins may allow for the recovery and efficient activation of HBV-specific T and B cells by immune-stimulating agents, checkpoint blockades and/or therapeutic vaccinations. Recently, several therapeutic approaches have been shown to significantly reduce intrahepatic viral proteins and/or circulating HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) with variable impacts on the host antiviral immune responses in animal models or human clinical trials. It remains to be further investigated whether reduction of viral protein expression or induction of intrahepatic viral protein degradation is more efficacious to break the immune tolerance to chronic HBV infection. It is also of great interest to know if the accelerated clearance of circulating HBsAg by antibodies has a long-term immunological impact on HBV infection and disease progression. Although it is clear that removal of antigen stimulation alone is not sufficient to induce the functional recovery of exhausted T and B cells, accumulating evidence suggests that the reduction of viral antigen load appears to facilitate the therapeutic activation of functional antiviral immunity in chronic HBV carriers. Based on a systematic review of the findings in animal models and clinical studies, the research directions toward discovery and development of more efficacious therapeutic approaches to reinvigorate HBV-specific adaptive immune function and achieve the durable control of chronic HBV infection, i.e. a functional cure, in the vast majority of treated patients are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Yang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA.,Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanjia Zeng
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
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41
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Wu LL, Huang TS, Shyu YC, Wang CL, Wang HY, Chen PJ. Gut microbiota in the innate immunity against hepatitis B virus - implication in age-dependent HBV clearance. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 49:194-202. [PMID: 34242953 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 257 million people and is one of the most important liver diseases worldwide. A unique feature of HBV infection in humans is that viral clearance heavily depends on the age at exposure. Recent studies demonstrated that the virus takes advantage of immature innate immunity, especially hepatic macrophages, and not-yet-stabilized gut microbiota in early life to establish a chronic infection. The liver contains resident and infiltrating myeloid cells involved in immune responses to pathogens. They influence both innate and adaptive sectors of the immune system and their interplay with HBV has only been noticed recently. Here, we discuss how interactions between gut microbiota and hepatic macrophages influence the outcomes of HBV infection. Understanding the underlying mechanism would pave the way for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Wu
- Department and Institute of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Shuo Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan; Community Medicine Research Center, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiau Shyu
- Community Medicine Research Center, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan City, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hurng-Yi Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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42
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Review of Lambda Interferons in Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Outcomes and Therapeutic Strategies. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061090. [PMID: 34207487 PMCID: PMC8230240 DOI: 10.3390/v13061090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects over 250 million people worldwide and causes nearly 1 million deaths per year due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Approved treatments for chronic infection include injectable type-I interferons and nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. A small minority of patients achieve seroclearance after treatment with type-I interferons, defined as sustained absence of detectable HBV DNA and surface antigen (HBsAg) antigenemia. However, type-I interferons cause significant side effects, are costly, must be administered for months, and most patients have viral rebound or non-response. Nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors reduce HBV viral load and improve liver-related outcomes, but do not lower HBsAg levels or impart seroclearance. Thus, new therapeutics are urgently needed. Lambda interferons (IFNLs) have been tested as an alternative strategy to stimulate host antiviral pathways to treat HBV infection. IFNLs comprise an evolutionarily conserved innate immune pathway and have cell-type specific activity on hepatocytes, other epithelial cells found at mucosal surfaces, and some immune cells due to restricted cellular expression of the IFNL receptor. This article will review work that examined expression of IFNLs during acute and chronic HBV infection, the impact of IFNLs on HBV replication in vitro and in vivo, the association of polymorphisms in IFNL genes with clinical outcomes, and the therapeutic evaluation of IFNLs for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
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43
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Innate immunity in hepatitis B and D virus infection: consequences for viral persistence, inflammation, and T cell recognition. Semin Immunopathol 2021; 43:535-548. [PMID: 34019142 PMCID: PMC8443521 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-021-00864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infections with human hepatitis viruses continue to be a major health burden worldwide. Despite the availability of an effective prophylactic vaccine against the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and of antiviral agents efficiently suppressing HBV replication, more than 250 million people are currently chronically infected with this hepatotropic DNA virus, and resolution of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is rarely achieved. Moreover, coinfection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a human RNA satellite virus requiring the envelope proteins of HBV for productive viral spreading, substantially aggravates the disease course of CHB. The molecular mechanisms by which these viruses interact with each other and with the intrinsic innate responses of the hepatocytes are not fully understood. While HBV appears to avoid innate immune recognition, HDV elicits a strong enhancement of innate responses. Notwithstanding, such induction does not hamper HDV replication but contributes to liver inflammation and pathogenesis. Intriguingly, HDV appears to influence the ability of T cells to recognize infected hepatocytes by boosting antigen presentation. This review focuses on current knowledge regarding how these viruses can shape and counteract the intrinsic innate responses of the hepatocytes, thus affecting the immune system and pathogenesis. Understanding the distinct strategies of persistence that HBV and HDV have evolved is central for advancing the development of curative therapies.
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44
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Chiale C, Marchese AM, Robek MD. Innate immunity and HBV persistence. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 49:13-20. [PMID: 33992859 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic infections that are associated with immune dysfunction. Though T cell impairment is perhaps the most prominent immune change contributing to viral persistence, HBV interaction with the innate immune system is also likely key, as the lack of effective innate immunity has functional consequences that promote chronic infection. In addition to an intrinsic ability to fight viral infections, the innate immune system also impacts T cell responses and other adaptive immune mechanisms critical for HBV control. Therefore, it is essential to understand the relationships between HBV and innate immunity, as these interactions may be useful immunotherapeutic targets to manage the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Chiale
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Anthony M Marchese
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Michael D Robek
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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45
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Otoguro T, Tanaka T, Kasai H, Kobayashi N, Yamashita A, Fukuhara T, Ryo A, Fukai M, Taketomi A, Matsuura Y, Moriishi K. Establishment of a Cell Culture Model Permissive for Infection by Hepatitis B and C Viruses. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:634-649. [PMID: 33860122 PMCID: PMC8034569 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with each monoinfection, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is well known to increase the risks of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism by which HBV/HCV coinfection is established in hepatocytes is not well understood. Common cell culture models for coinfection are required to examine viral propagation. In this study, we aimed to establish a cell line permissive for both HBV and HCV infection. We first prepared a HepG2 cell line expressing sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide, an HBV receptor, and then selected a cell line highly permissive for HBV infection, G2/NT18-B. After transduction with a lentivirus-encoding microRNA-122, the cell line harboring the highest level of replicon RNA was selected and then treated with anti-HCV compounds to eliminate the replicon RNA. The resulting cured cell line was transduced with a plasmid-encoding CD81. The cell line permissive for HCV infection was cloned and then designated the G2BC-C2 cell line, which exhibited permissiveness for HBV and HCV propagation. JAK inhibitor I potentiated the HCV superinfection of HBV-infected cells, and fluorescence-activated cell-sorting analysis indicated that HBV/HCV double-positive cells accounted for approximately 30% of the coinfected cells. Among several host genes tested, cyclooxygenase-2 showed synergistic induction by coinfection compared with each monoinfection. Conclusion: These data indicate that our in vitro HBV/HCV coinfection system provides an easy-to-use platform for the study of host and viral responses against coinfection and the development of antiviral agents targeting HBV and HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruhime Otoguro
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Tomohisa Tanaka
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Hirotake Kasai
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Nobuhiro Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IGraduate School of MedicineHokkaido UniversityHokkaidoJapan
| | - Atsuya Yamashita
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
| | - Takasuke Fukuhara
- Department of Molecular VirologyResearch Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan.,Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyGraduate School of MedicineHokkaido UniversityHokkaidoJapan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Department of MicrobiologyYokohama City University Graduate School of MedicineKanagawaJapan
| | - Moto Fukai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IGraduate School of MedicineHokkaido UniversityHokkaidoJapan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IGraduate School of MedicineHokkaido UniversityHokkaidoJapan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Molecular VirologyResearch Institute for Microbial DiseasesOsaka UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Kohji Moriishi
- Department of MicrobiologyGraduate School of Medical ScienceUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
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46
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Bertoletti A, Tan AT, Le Bert N. The T-cell response to SARS-CoV-2: kinetic and quantitative aspects and the case for their protective role. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 2:iqab006. [PMID: 38626271 PMCID: PMC7928654 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19), triggers an adaptive immunity in the infected host that results in the production of virus-specific antibodies and T cells. Although kinetic and quantitative aspects of antibodies have been analyzed in large patient cohorts, similar information about SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are scarce. We summarize the available knowledge of quantitative and temporal features of the SARS-CoV-2 T-cell response in this review. Currently, most of the data are derived only from the analysis of the circulatory compartment. Despite this limitation, early appearance, multi-specificity and functionality of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are associated with accelerated viral clearance and with protection from severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bertoletti
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Anthony T Tan
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Nina Le Bert
- Programme in Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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47
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Ciupe SM, Vaidya NK, Forde JE. Early events in hepatitis B infection: the role of inoculum dose. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202715. [PMID: 33563115 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the inoculum dose and the ability of the pathogen to invade the host is poorly understood. Experimental studies in non-human primates infected with different inoculum doses of hepatitis B virus have shown a non-monotonic relationship between dose magnitude and infection outcome, with high and low doses leading to 100% liver infection and intermediate doses leading to less than 0.1% liver infection, corresponding to CD4 T-cell priming. Since hepatitis B clearance is CD8 T-cell mediated, the question of whether the inoculum dose influences CD8 T-cell dynamics arises. To help answer this question, we developed a mathematical model of virus-host interaction following hepatitis B virus infection. Our model explains the experimental data well, and predicts that the inoculum dose affects both the timing of the CD8 T-cell expansion and the quality of its response, especially the non-cytotoxic function. We find that a low-dose challenge leads to slow CD8 T-cell expansion, weak non-cytotoxic functions, and virus persistence; high- and medium-dose challenges lead to fast CD8 T-cell expansion, strong cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic function, and virus clearance; while a super-low-dose challenge leads to delayed CD8 T-cell expansion, strong cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic function, and virus clearance. These results are useful for designing immune cell-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanca M Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, 24060 VA, USA
| | - Naveen K Vaidya
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.,Computational Science Research Center, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA.,Viral Information Institute, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Jonathan E Forde
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, New York 14456, USA
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Loffredo-Verde E, Bhattacharjee S, Malo A, Festag J, Kosinska AD, Ringelhan M, Rim Sarkar S, Steiger K, Heikenwaelder M, Protzer U, Prazeres da Costa CU. Dynamic, Helminth-Induced Immune Modulation Influences the Outcome of Acute and Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Infect Dis 2021; 221:1448-1461. [PMID: 31875228 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B develops more frequently in countries with high prevalence of helminth infections. The crosstalk between these 2 major liver-residing pathogens, Schistosoma mansoni and hepatitis B virus (HBV), is barely understood. METHODS We used state-of-the-art models for both acute and chronic HBV infection to study the pathogen-crosstalk during the different immune phases of schistosome infection. RESULTS Although liver pathology caused by schistosome infection was not affected by either acute or chronic HBV infection, S mansoni infection influenced HBV infection outcomes in a phase-dependent manner. Interferon (IFN)-γ secreting, HBV- and schistosome-specific CD8 T cells acted in synergy to reduce HBV-induced pathology during the TH1 phase and chronic phase of schistosomiasis. Consequently, HBV was completely rescued in IFN-γ-deficient or in TH2 phase coinfected mice demonstrating the key role of this cytokine. It is interesting to note that secondary helminth infection on the basis of persistent (chronic) HBV infection increased HBV-specific T-cell frequency and resulted in suppression of virus replication but failed to fully restore T-cell function and eliminate HBV. CONCLUSIONS Thus, schistosome-induced IFN-γ had a prominent antiviral effect that outcompeted immunosuppressive effects of TH2 cytokines, whereas HBV coinfection did not alter schistosome pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Loffredo-Verde
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonakshi Bhattacharjee
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antje Malo
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Festag
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna D Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Ringelhan
- 2nd Medical Department, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Rim Sarkar
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias Heikenwaelder
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Immunology, University Hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
| | - Clarissa U Prazeres da Costa
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research, Munich partner site, Munich, Germany
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Kadelka S, Dahari H, Ciupe SM. Understanding the antiviral effects of RNAi-based therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:200. [PMID: 33420293 PMCID: PMC7794570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA interference (RNAi) drug ARC-520 was shown to be effective in reducing serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in HBeAg-positive patients treated with a single dose of ARC-520 and daily nucleosidic analogue (entecavir). To provide insights into HBV dynamics under ARC-520 treatment and its efficacy in blocking HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg production we developed a multi-compartmental pharmacokinetic-pharamacodynamic model and calibrated it with frequent measured HBV kinetic data. We showed that the time-dependent single dose ARC-520 efficacies in blocking HBsAg and HBeAg are more than 96% effective around day 1, and slowly wane to 50% in 1-4 months. The combined single dose ARC-520 and entecavir effect on HBV DNA was constant over time, with efficacy of more than 99.8%. The observed continuous HBV DNA decline is entecavir mediated, the strong but transient HBsAg and HBeAg decays are ARC-520 mediated. The modeling framework may help assess ongoing RNAi drug development for hepatitis B virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kadelka
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Harel Dahari
- Program for Experimental and Theoretical Modeling, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Stanca M Ciupe
- Department of Mathematics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
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50
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Li Q, Wang J, Lu M, Qiu Y, Lu H. Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure From Chronic-Hepatitis-B, Who Is the Behind Scenes. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:583423. [PMID: 33365018 PMCID: PMC7750191 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.583423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an acute syndrome accompanied with decompensation of cirrhosis, organ failure with high 28-day mortality rate. Systemic inflammation is the main feature of ACLF, and poor outcome is closely related with exacerbated systemic inflammatory responses. It is well known that severe systemic inflammation is an important event in chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-ACLF, which eventually leads to liver injury. However, the initial CHB-ACLF events are unclear; moreover, the effect of these events on host immunity as well as that of immune imbalance on CHB-ACLF progression are unknown. Here, we investigate the initial events of ACLF progression, discuss possible mechanisms underlying ACLF progression, and provide a new model for ACLF prediction and treatment. We review the characteristics of ACLF, and consider its plausible immune predictors and alternative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yuanwang Qiu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
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