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Kar A, Mukherjee S, Mukherjee S, Biswas A. Ubiquitin: A double-edged sword in hepatitis B virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Virology 2024; 599:110199. [PMID: 39116646 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110199] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is one of the leading causes behind the neoplastic transformation of liver tissue and associated mortality. Despite the availability of many therapies and vaccines, the pathogenic landscape of the virus remains elusive; urging the development of novel strategies based on the fundamental infectious and transformative modalities of the virus-host interactome. Ubiquitination is a widely observed post-translational modification of several proteins, which either regulates the proteins' turnover or impacts their functionalities. In recent years, ample amount of literature has accumulated regarding the ubiquitination dynamics of the HBV proteins as well as the host proteins during HBV infection and carcinogenesis; with direct and detailed characterization of the involvement of HBV in these processes. Interestingly, while many of these ubiquitination events restrict HBV life cycle and carcinogenesis, several others promote the emergence of hepatocarcinoma by putting the virus in an advantageous position. This review sums up the snowballing literature on ubiquitination-mediated regulation of the host-HBV crosstalk, with special emphasis on its influence on the establishment and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma on a molecular level. With the advent of cutting-edge ubiquitination-targeted therapeutic approaches, the findings emanating from this review may potentiate the identification of novel anti-HBV targets for the formulation of novel anticancer strategies to control the HBV-induced hepato-carcinogenic process on a global scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Kar
- Department of Signal Transduction & Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Sandipan Mukherjee
- Department of Signal Transduction & Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Soumyadeep Mukherjee
- Department of in Vitro Carcinogenesis and Cellular Chemotherapy, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Avik Biswas
- Department of Signal Transduction & Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, India.
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2
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Hussain T, Zhao Z, Murphy B, Taylor ZE, Gudorf JA, Klein S, Barnes LF, VanNieuwenhze M, Jarrold MF, Zlotnick A. Chemically Tagging Cargo for Specific Packaging inside and on the Surface of Virus-like Particles. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39087909 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have untapped potential for packaging and delivery of macromolecular cargo. To be a broadly useful platform, there needs to be a strategy for attaching macromolecules to the inside or the outside of the VLP with minimal modification of the platform or cargo. Here, we repurpose antiviral compounds that bind to hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids to create a chemical tag to noncovalently attach cargo to the VLP. Our tag consists of a capsid assembly modulator, HAP13, connected to a linker terminating in maleimide. Our cargo is a green fluorescent protein (GFP) with a single addressable cysteine, a feature that can be engineered in many proteins. The HAP-GFP construct maintained HAP's intrinsic ability to bind HBV capsids and accelerate assembly. We investigated the capacity of HAP-GFP to coassemble with HBV capsid protein and bind to preassembled capsids. HAP-GFP binding was concentration-dependent, sensitive to capsid stability, and dependent on linker length. Long linkers had the greatest activity to bind capsids, while short linkers impeded assembly and damaged intact capsids. In coassembly reactions, >20 HAP-GFP molecules were presented on the outside and inside of the capsid, concentrating the cargo by more than 100-fold compared to bulk solution. We also tested an HAP-GFP with a cleavable linker so that external GFP molecules could be removed, resulting in exclusive internal packaging. These results demonstrate a generalizable strategy for attaching cargo to a VLP, supporting development of HBV as a modular VLP platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Hussain
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Zhongchao Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Brennan Murphy
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Zachary E Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jessica A Gudorf
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Shelby Klein
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Lauren F Barnes
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Michael VanNieuwenhze
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Martin F Jarrold
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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3
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Pondé RADA, Amorim GDSP. Exchanges in the 'a' determinant of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen revisited. Virology 2024; 599:110184. [PMID: 39127000 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110184] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus surface antigen's (HBsAg) 'a' determinant comprises a sequence of amino acid residues located in the major hydrophilic region of the S protein, whose exchanges are closely associated with compromising the antigenicity and immunogenicity of that antigen. The HBsAg is generally present in the bloodstream of individuals with acute or chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is classically known as the HBV infection marker, and is therefore the first marker to be investigated in the laboratory in the clinical hypothesis of infection by this agent. One of the factors that compromises the HBsAg detection in the bloodstream by the assays adopted in serological screening in both clinical contexts is the loss of S protein antigenicity. This can occur due to mutations that emerge in the HBV genome regions that encode the S protein, especially for its immunodominant region - the 'a' determinant. These mutations can induce exchanges of amino acid residues in the S protein's primary structure, altering its tertiary structure and the antigenic conformation, which may not be recognized by anti-HBs antibodies, compromising the infection diagnosis. In addition, these exchanges can render ineffective the anti-HBs antibodies action acquired by vaccination, compromise the effectiveness of the chronically HBV infected patient's treatment, and also the HBsAg immunogenicity, by promoting its retention within the cell. In this review, the residues exchange that alter the S protein's structure is revisited, as well as the mechanisms that lead to the HBsAg antigenicity loss, and the clinical, laboratory and epidemiological consequences of this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robério Amorim de Almeida Pondé
- Secretaria de Estado da Saúde -SES/Superintendência de Vigilância Em Saúde-SUVISA/GO, Gerência de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Doenças Transmissíveis-GVEDT/Coordenação de Análises e Pesquisas-CAP, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Laboratory of Human Virology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
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Iyaniwura SA, Cassidy T, Ribeiro RM, Perelson AS. A multiscale model of the action of a capsid assembly modulator for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.16.603658. [PMID: 39071423 PMCID: PMC11275877 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.16.603658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is strongly associated with increased risk of liver cancer and cirrhosis. While existing treatments effectively inhibit the HBV life cycle, viral rebound occurs rapidly following treatment interruption. Consequently, functional cure rates of chronic HBV infection remain low and there is increased interest in a novel treatment modality, capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). Here, we develop a multiscale mathematical model of CAM treatment in chronic HBV infection. By fitting the model to participant data from a phase I trial of the first-generation CAM vebicorvir, we estimate the drug's dose-dependent effectiveness and identify the physiological mechanisms that drive the observed biphasic decline in HBV DNA and RNA, and mechanistic differences between HBeAg-positive and negative infection. Finally, we demonstrate analytically and numerically that HBV RNA is more sensitive than HBV DNA to increases in CAM effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarafa A. Iyaniwura
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Tyler Cassidy
- School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruy M. Ribeiro
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
| | - Alan S. Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA
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Yasutake Y, Hattori SI, Kumamoto H, Tamura N, Maeda K, Mitsuya H. Deviated binding of anti-HBV nucleoside analog E-CFCP-TP to the reverse transcriptase active site attenuates the effect of drug-resistant mutations. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15742. [PMID: 38977798 PMCID: PMC11231328 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66505-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
While certain human hepatitis B virus-targeting nucleoside analogs (NAs) serve as crucial anti-HBV drugs, HBV yet remains to be a major global health threat. E-CFCP is a 4'-modified and fluoromethylenated NA that exhibits potent antiviral activity against both wild-type and drug-resistant HBVs but less potent against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). Here, we show that HIV-1 with HBV-associated amino acid substitutions introduced into the RT's dNTP-binding site (N-site) is highly susceptible to E-CFCP. We determined the X-ray structures of HBV-associated HIV-1 RT mutants complexed with DNA:E-CFCP-triphosphate (E-CFCP-TP). The structures revealed that exocyclic fluoromethylene pushes the Met184 sidechain backward, and the resultant enlarged hydrophobic pocket accommodates both the fluoromethylene and 4'-cyano moiety of E-CFCP. Structural comparison with the DNA:dGTP/entecavir-triphosphate complex also indicated that the cyclopentene moiety of the bound E-CFCP-TP is slightly skewed and deviated. This positioning partly corresponds to that of the bound dNTP observed in the HIV-1 RT mutant with drug-resistant mutations F160M/M184V, resulting in the attenuation of the structural effects of F160M/M184V substitutions. These results expand our knowledge of the interactions between NAs and the RT N-site and should help further design antiviral NAs against both HIV-1 and HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Yasutake
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo, 062-8517, Japan.
- Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), AIST, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ichiro Hattori
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) Research Institute, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kumamoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Noriko Tamura
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Sapporo, 062-8517, Japan
| | - Kenji Maeda
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) Research Institute, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan
- Division of Antiviral Therapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, 890-8544, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) Research Institute, Tokyo, 162-8655, Japan.
- Experimental Retrovirology Section, HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
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Yuan X, Ma X, Zhu J, Yang Y, Wang Y, Xu J, Dai L, Li H, Liu Z, Dong J, Wang K, Li X, He Y. Maternal infection with hepatitis B virus before pregnancy and risk of congenital malformations in offspring: a record-linkage study of a large national sample from China. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 48:101121. [PMID: 39040040 PMCID: PMC11262192 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Background Whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of women prior to pregnancy can influence risk of congenital malformations in offspring remains controversial. We assessed the association between them by considering congenital malformations in the aggregate as well as risk of organs systems using a large national sample of Chinese women. Methods We performed a record-linkage cohort study of women who participated in National Free Preconception Health Examination Project, between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019 for whom data on congenital malformations in their offspring were available from the National Population-Based Birth Defects Surveillance Network. A total of 498,968 linked records were obtained, of which 127,371 were excluded because HBV status before pregnancy was unknown, the records involved multiple pregnancies, or pre-pregnancy examinations were conducted after conception. Based on pre-pregnancy status, mothers were assigned to two categories of HBsAg- or HBsAg+ and, in certain analyses, to three categories of HBsAg-, HBsAg+/HBeAg- or HBsAg+/HBeAg+. Potential associations of serological status with risk of congenital malformations, considered separately or in aggregate, were explored using multilevel logistic regression. Factors that might influence such associations were also explored. Findings Among the 371,597 women analyzed, 21,482 (5.78%) were HBsAg+ before pregnancy, and 8333 (2.24%) had a fetus or child diagnosed with congenital malformations, composed of 7744 HBsAg- women and 589 HBsAg+ women. HBsAg+ status was associated with increased risk of congenital malformations in the aggregate (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03-1.25) and of cardiovascular malformations specifically (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03-1.35). HBsAg+/HBeAg- status was associated with significantly higher risk of cardiovascular malformations (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.39) as well as reproductive malformations (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.23). Associations between HBsAg+ status before pregnancy and risk of congenital malformations was modified by alanine aminotransferase activity (P interaction < 0.05). Interpretation Prepregnancy HBV infection might be associated with fetal malformations. This association needs further investigation to confirm whether it is a causal association, and assess whether antiviral therapy of women with HBsAg+ planning to conceive might reduce the risk of fetal malformations. Funding The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, China; Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province, China; and the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelian Yuan
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xu Ma
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 101199, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ying Yang
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 101199, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jihong Xu
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 101199, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Li Dai
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Huimin Li
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 101199, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Jing Dong
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 101199, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- National Office for Maternal and Child Health Surveillance of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Sichuan Birth Defects Clinical Research Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Yuan He
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, 100081, China
- National Human Genetic Resources Center, Beijing, 101199, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
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Sakamoto K, Yamamoto Y, Inaba H, Matsuura K. Strategy toward In-Cell Self-Assembly of an Artificial Viral Capsid from a Fluorescent Protein-Modified β-Annulus Peptide. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1842-1850. [PMID: 38729919 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00135] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
In-cell self-assembly of natural viral capsids is an event that can be visualized under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. By mimicking the self-assembly of natural viral capsids, various artificial protein- and peptide-based nanocages were developed; however, few studies have reported the in-cell self-assembly of such nanocages. Our group developed a β-Annulus peptide that can form a nanocage called artificial viral capsid in vitro, but in-cell self-assembly of the capsid has not been achieved. Here, we designed an artificial viral capsid decorated with a fluorescent protein, StayGold, to visualize in-cell self-assembly. Fluorescence anisotropy measurements and fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging, in addition to TEM observations of the cells and super-resolution microscopy, revealed that StayGold-conjugated β-Annulus peptides self-assembled into the StayGold-decorated artificial viral capsid in a cell. Using these techniques, we achieved the in-cell self-assembly of an artificial viral capsid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentarou Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Yuka Yamamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inaba
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
| | - Kazunori Matsuura
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
- Centre for Research on Green Sustainable Chemistry, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8552, Japan
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8
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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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9
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Shen S, Yan R, Xie Z, Yu X, Liang H, You Q, Zhang H, Hou J, Zhang X, Liu Y, Sun J, Guo H. Tripartite Motif-Containing Protein 65 (TRIM65) Inhibits Hepatitis B Virus Transcription. Viruses 2024; 16:890. [PMID: 38932182 PMCID: PMC11209081 DOI: 10.3390/v16060890] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins, comprising a family of over 100 members with conserved motifs, exhibit diverse biological functions. Several TRIM proteins influence viral infections through direct antiviral mechanisms or by regulating host antiviral innate immune responses. To identify TRIM proteins modulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, we assessed 45 human TRIMs in HBV-transfected HepG2 cells. Our study revealed that ectopic expression of 12 TRIM proteins significantly reduced HBV RNA and subsequent capsid-associated DNA levels. Notably, TRIM65 uniquely downregulated viral pregenomic (pg) RNA in an HBV-promoter-specific manner, suggesting a targeted antiviral effect. Mechanistically, TRIM65 inhibited HBV replication primarily at the transcriptional level via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and intact B-box domain. Though HNF4α emerged as a potential TRIM65 substrate, disrupting its binding site on the HBV genome did not completely abolish TRIM65's antiviral effect. In addition, neither HBx expression nor cellular MAVS signaling was essential to TRIM65-mediated regulation of HBV transcription. Furthermore, CRISPR-mediated knock-out of TRIM65 in the HepG2-NTCP cells boosted HBV infection, validating its endogenous role. These findings underscore TRIM proteins' capacity to inhibit HBV transcription and highlight TRIM65's pivotal role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Ran Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Zhanglian Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Xiaoyang Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Hongyan Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Qiuhong You
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yuanjie Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (S.S.); (Z.X.); (H.L.); (Q.Y.); (J.H.); (X.Z.)
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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Hofmann S, Luther J, Plank V, Oswald A, Mai J, Simons I, Miller J, Falcone V, Hansen-Palmus L, Hengel H, Nassal M, Protzer U, Schreiner S. Arsenic trioxide impacts hepatitis B virus core nuclear localization and efficiently interferes with HBV infection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0378823. [PMID: 38567974 PMCID: PMC11064512 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03788-23] [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] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The key to a curative treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the eradication of the intranuclear episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the stable persistence reservoir of HBV. Currently, established therapies can only limit HBV replication but fail to tackle the cccDNA. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches toward curative treatment are urgently needed. Recent publications indicated a strong association between the HBV core protein SUMOylation and the association with promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) on relaxed circular DNA to cccDNA conversion. We propose that interference with the cellular SUMOylation system and PML-NB integrity using arsenic trioxide provides a useful tool in the treatment of HBV infection. Our study showed a significant reduction in HBV-infected cells, core protein levels, HBV mRNA, and total DNA. Additionally, a reduction, albeit to a limited extent, of HBV cccDNA could be observed. Furthermore, this interference was also applied for the treatment of an established HBV infection, characterized by a stably present nuclear pool of cccDNA. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment not only changed the amount of expressed HBV core protein but also induced a distinct relocalization to an extranuclear phenotype during infection. Moreover, ATO treatment resulted in the redistribution of transfected HBV core protein away from PML-NBs, a phenotype similar to that previously observed with SUMOylation-deficient HBV core. Taken together, these findings revealed the inhibition of HBV replication by ATO treatment during several steps of the viral replication cycle, including viral entry into the nucleus as well as cccDNA formation and maintenance. We propose ATO as a novel prospective treatment option for further pre-clinical and clinical studies against HBV infection. IMPORTANCE The main challenge for the achievement of a functional cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the highly stable persistence reservoir of HBV, which is maintained by further rounds of infection with newly generated progeny viruses or by intracellular recycling of mature nucleocapsids. Eradication of the cccDNA is considered to be the holy grail for HBV curative treatment; however, current therapeutic approaches fail to directly tackle this HBV persistence reservoir. The molecular effect of arsenic trioxide (ATO) on HBV infection, protein expression, and cccDNA formation and maintenance, however, has not been characterized and understood until now. In this study, we reveal ATO treatment as a novel and innovative therapeutic approach against HBV infections, repressing viral gene expression and replication as well as the stable cccDNA pool at low micromolar concentrations by affecting the cellular function of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julius Luther
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Plank
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Oswald
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Mai
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ilka Simons
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julija Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valeria Falcone
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lea Hansen-Palmus
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hartmut Hengel
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schreiner
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Meewan I, Panmanee J, Petchyam N, Lertvilai P. HBCVTr: an end-to-end transformer with a deep neural network hybrid model for anti-HBV and HCV activity predictor from SMILES. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9262. [PMID: 38649402 PMCID: PMC11035669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59933-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) are significant causes of chronic liver diseases, with approximately 350 million infections globally. To accelerate the finding of effective treatment options, we introduce HBCVTr, a novel ligand-based drug design (LBDD) method for predicting the inhibitory activity of small molecules against HBV and HCV. HBCVTr employs a hybrid model consisting of double encoders of transformers and a deep neural network to learn the relationship between small molecules' simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) and their antiviral activity against HBV or HCV. The prediction accuracy of HBCVTr has surpassed baseline machine learning models and existing methods, with R-squared values of 0.641 and 0.721 for the HBV and HCV test sets, respectively. The trained models were successfully applied to virtual screening against 10 million compounds within 240 h, leading to the discovery of the top novel inhibitor candidates, including IJN04 for HBV and IJN12 and IJN19 for HCV. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations identified IJN04, IJN12, and IJN19 target proteins as the HBV core antigen, HCV NS5B RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and HCV NS3/4A serine protease, respectively. Overall, HBCVTr offers a new and rapid drug discovery and development screening method targeting HBV and HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ittipat Meewan
- Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
| | - Jiraporn Panmanee
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Nopphon Petchyam
- Center for Advanced Therapeutics, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Pichaya Lertvilai
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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12
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Giannakopoulou E, Pardali V, Edwards TC, Woodson M, Tajwar R, Tavis JE, Zoidis G. Identification and assessment of the 1,6-dihydroxy-pyridin-2-one moiety as privileged scaffold for HBV ribonuclease H inhibition. Antiviral Res 2024; 223:105833. [PMID: 38325606 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105833] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) ribonuclease H (RNase H) although promising remains an unexploited therapeutic target. HBV RNase H inhibition causes premature termination of viral minus-polarity DNA strands, prevents the synthesis of the viral positive-polarity DNA strand, and causes accumulation of RNA:DNA heteroduplexes within viral capsids. As part of our ongoing research to develop more potent anti-HBV RNase H inhibitors, we designed, synthesized and analyzed a library of 18 novel compounds (17 N-hydroyxpyridinedione (HPD) imine derivatives and 1 barbituric acid analogue) as potential leads for HBV treatment development. In cell assays, fourteen HPDs showed significant anti-HBV activity with EC50s from 1.1 to 2.5 μM and selectivity indices (SI) of up to 58. Three of them exhibited more than 3-fold improvement in the SI over the best previous HPD imine (SI = 13). To gain insight to the interaction between the tested compounds and the active site of HBV RNase H, docking experiments were undertaken. In almost all binding poses, the novel HPDs coordinated both active site Mg2+ ions via their oxygen trident. Furthermore, the novel HPDs displayed high cell permeability and solubility as well as good drug-like properties. These results reveal that HPD imines can be significantly active and selective HBV inhibitors, and that the HPD scaffold merits further development towards anti-HBV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erofili Giannakopoulou
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Pardali
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
| | - Tiffany C Edwards
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - Molly Woodson
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - Razia Tajwar
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - John E Tavis
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, United States
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece.
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13
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Moon JS, Lee W, Cho YH, Kim Y, Kim GW. The Significance of N6-Methyladenosine RNA Methylation in Regulating the Hepatitis B Virus Life Cycle. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:233-239. [PMID: 37942519 PMCID: PMC10940779 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2309.09013] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has recently emerged as a significant co-transcriptional modification involved in regulating various RNA functions. It plays a vital function in numerous biological processes. Enzymes referred to as m6A methyltransferases, such as the methyltransferaselike (METTL) 3-METTL14-Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)-associated protein (WTAP) complex, are responsible for adding m6A modifications, while m6A demethylases, including fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), can remove m6A methylation. The functions of m6A-methylated RNA are regulated through the recognition and interaction of m6A reader proteins. Recent research has shown that m6A methylation takes place at multiple sites within hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNAs, and the location of these modifications can differentially impact the HBV infection. The addition of m6A modifications to HBV RNA can influence its stability and translation, thereby affecting viral replication and pathogenesis. Furthermore, HBV infection can also alter the m6A modification pattern of host RNA, indicating the virus's ability to manipulate host cellular processes, including m6A modification. This manipulation aids in establishing chronic infection, promoting liver disease, and contributing to pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of m6A modification during HBV infection is crucial for developing innovative approaches to combat HBV-mediated liver disease. In this review, we explore the functions of m6A modification in HBV replication and its impact on the development of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Su Moon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wooseong Lee
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Cho
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Pharmacology, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonghyo Kim
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon-Woo Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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14
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Yousefi P, Tabibzadeh A, Jawaziri AK, Mehrjoo M, Akhavan M, Allahqoli L, Salehiniya H. Autophagy-related genes polymorphism in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1182. [PMID: 38353395 PMCID: PMC10865419 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1182] [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: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus is the most common risk factor for developing liver malignancy. Autophagy is an essential element in human cell maintenance. Several studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a vital role in liver cancer at different stages. In this systematic review, we intend to investigate the role of polymorphism and mutations of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) in the pathogenesis and carcinogenesis of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). MATERIALS AND METHODS The search was conducted in online databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) using Viruses, Infections, Polymorphism, Autophagy, and ATG. The study was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. RESULTS The primary search results led to 422 studies. By screening and eligibility evaluation, only four studies were relevant. The most important polymorphisms in hepatocellular carcinoma were rs2241880 in ATG16L1, rs77859116, rs510432, and rs548234 in ATG5. Furthermore, some polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of HBV infection including, rs2241880 in ATG16L1 and rs6568431 in ATG5. CONCLUSION The current study highlights the importance of rs2241880 in ATG16L1 and rs77859116, rs510432, and rs548234 in ATG5 for HBV-induced HCC. Additionally, some mutations in ATG16L1 and ATG5 were important in risk of HBV infection. The study highlights the gap of knowledge in the field of ATG polymorphisms in HBV infection and HBV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parastoo Yousefi
- Department of Virology, School of MedicineIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Alireza Tabibzadeh
- Department of Virology, School of MedicineIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Mohsen Mehrjoo
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of MedicineLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIran
| | - Mandana Akhavan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical SciencesIslamic Azad University, Arak BranchArakIran
| | - Leila Allahqoli
- Department of MidwiferyMinistry of Health and Medical EducationTehranIran
| | - Hamid Salehiniya
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
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15
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Meng X, Dai X, Huang J, Han T, Liao X, Cheng K, Sun X, Xie Q, Sun P, Zhou X. The influence of male HBV infection on sperm quality, embryonic development, and assisted reproductive outcomes. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:43-52. [PMID: 37994690 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead235] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the impact of male hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on sperm quality, embryonic development, and assisted reproductive outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Male HBV infection did not affect assisted reproductive outcomes, but HBV is capable of impairing human sperm and embryo formation in the early stages following fertilization. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY HBV is found in germ cells and early embryos of patients with HBV. HBV may impair human sperm function via increasing reactive oxygen species. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1581 infertile couples, including 496 male patients clinically confirmed to have hepatitis B infection, and a laboratory study of effects of HBV proteins on early embryos, using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), human sperm, and golden hamster oocytes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In total, 1581 infertile couples (24-40 years of age) who were admitted to a reproductive medicine center to undergo ART for the first time from January 2019 to November 2021 were selected as the study subjects. The case group was composed of 469 couples with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-seropositive men and seronegative women (368 for IVF and 101 for ICSI treatment). The negative control group was composed of 1112 couples where both men and women were seronegative for hepatitis B antigen. We divided these couples into three comparison groups (IVF/ICSI, IVF, and ICSI). IVF of human sperm and hamster oocytes was used to evaluate the influence of the HBV HBs protein on formation of 2-cell embryos. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of hESCs was assayed via a fluorescence intensity system. Immunofluorescence staining of the phosphorylated histone H2A.X was applied to identify DNA damage to hESCs caused by the HBV X (HBx) protein. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sperm concentration, total sperm number, and sperm with normal morphology were decreased in the couples with HBV-infected males in couples who were undergoing IVF/ICSI (male HBV(+) vs control: 469 vs 1112 individuals; sperm number, P < 0.01; normal sperm morphology, P < 0.01), IVF (368 vs 792; sperm number, P < 0.01; normal sperm morphology, P ≤ 0.05), and ICSI (101 vs 306; sperm number, P < 0.01; normal sperm morphology, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of embryo cleavages, blastocyst formation, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live-birth rate between case and control groups. The 2PN fertilization rate in IVF/ICSI (P < 0.01) and ICSI (P < 0.05) couples, and the number of 2PN-fertilized oocytes in IVF (P < 0.001) couples were lower in couples with male HBV infection compared to control couples. HBV HBs protein reduced the MMP of human sperm and decreased 2-cell embryo formation in IVF of human sperm and zona-free-hamster oocyte. A reduction in fluorescence intensity and immunofluorescence staining of phosphorylated histone H2A.X indicated that HBx caused MMP impairment and DNA damage in human early embryonic cells, respectively. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION HBV can be examined in samples of sperm or discarded IVF early embryos from HBsAg-seropositive men and seronegative women. The hESC model in vitro may not fully mimic the natural embryos in vivo. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study furthers our understanding of the influence of male HBV infection on embryonic development. Our results suggest that a semen-washing process may be necessary for male patients with HBV undergoing ART to minimize the potential negative effects of HBV infection on the early embryo. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant numbers 81870432 and 81570567 to X.Z., 81571994 to P.S., and 81950410640, the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (No. 2023A1515010660 to X.Z.), and the Li Ka Shing Shantou University Foundation (Grant No. L11112008). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqian Meng
- Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital; Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women's & Children's Hospital (Bisheng), Chengdu, China
| | - Ximing Dai
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Jihua Huang
- Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital; Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women's & Children's Hospital (Bisheng), Chengdu, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital; Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women's & Children's Hospital (Bisheng), Chengdu, China
| | - Xue Liao
- Chengdu Xinan Gynecology Hospital; Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women's & Children's Hospital (Bisheng), Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Cheng
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qingdong Xie
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Pingnan Sun
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhou
- Stem Cell Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Immunopathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
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16
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Aasarey R, Yadav K, Kashyap BK, Prabha S, Kumar P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK. Role of Immunological Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Disease and Associated Pathways. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1801-1816. [PMID: 38093838 PMCID: PMC10714437 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the predominant causes of cancer-related mortality across the globe. It is attributed to obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and infection by the hepatitis virus. Early diagnosis of HCC is essential, and local treatments such as surgical excision and percutaneous ablation are effective. Palliative systemic therapy, primarily with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib, is used in advanced cases. However, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor. This Review additionally describes the pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC, which include aberrant molecular signaling, genomic instability, persistent inflammation, and the paradoxical position of the immune system in promoting and suppressing HCC. The paper concludes by discussing the growing body of research on the relationship between mitochondria and HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the progression of HCC. This Review focuses on immunological interactions between different mechanisms of HCC progression, including obesity, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Aasarey
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute
of Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Kajal Yadav
- Department
of Biotechnology, All India Institute of
Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Brijendra Kumar Kashyap
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarit Prabha
- Department
of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana
Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-462003, Madhya Pradesh,India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Indian
Council of Medical Research, National Institute
of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), l-7, Sector-39, Noida-201301, National Capital Region, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manatu, Karmre, Kanke-835222, Ranchi, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Research
and Development Cell, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara-144411, Punjab, India
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17
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Korkmaz P, Asan A, Karakeçili F, Tekin S, Demirtürk N. New Treatment Options in Chronic Hepatitis B: How Close Are We to Cure? INFECTIOUS DISEASES & CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:267-280. [PMID: 38633851 PMCID: PMC10986727 DOI: 10.36519/idcm.2023.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. HBV-infected patients are at a lifetime risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Today, pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) are used in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Both treatment options have limitations. Despite effective viral suppression, NAs have little effect on covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the stable episomal form of the HBV genome in hepatocytes. Therefore, the cure rate with NAs is low, and long-term treatment is required. Although the cure rate is better with Peg-IFN, it is difficult to tolerate due to drug side effects. Therefore, new treatment options are needed in the treatment of HBV infection. We can group new treatments under two headings: those that interfere with the viral life cycle and spread and those that modulate the immune response. Clinical studies show that combinations of treatments that directly target the viral life cycle and treatments that regulate the host immune system will be among the important treatment strategies in the future. As new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) and immunomodulatory therapies continue to emerge and evolve, functional cures in HBV treatment may be an achievable goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Korkmaz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Kütahya Health Sciences University School of Medicine, Kütahya, Türkiye
| | - Ali Asan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bursa Health Sciences University School of Medicine, Bursa, Türkiye
| | - Faruk Karakeçili
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University School of Medicine, Erzincan, Türkiye
| | - Süda Tekin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Koç University School of Medicine, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Neşe Demirtürk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye
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18
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Wang H, Zhang J. The glucose metabolic reprogramming in hepatitis B virus infection and hepatitis B virus associated diseases. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 38:1886-1891. [PMID: 37654246 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely related to viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV infection can reprogram metabolism processes of the host cells including glucose metabolism. The aberrant glucose metabolism may aid in viral infection and immune escape and may contribute to liver associated pathology. In this review, we discussed the interplay between HBV infection and glucose metabolism, which may provide new insights into HBV infection and pathology, novel intervention targets for HBV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangle Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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19
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Shen S, Liu W, Zeng G, Liang H, Yu X, Zhang H, Sun J, Guo H. Conditional replication and secretion of hepatitis B virus genome uncover the truncated 3' terminus of encapsidated viral pregenomic RNA. J Virol 2023; 97:e0076023. [PMID: 37754759 PMCID: PMC10617516 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00760-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The biogenesis and clinical application of serum HBV pgRNA have been a research hotspot in recent years. This study further characterized the heterogeneity of the 3' terminus of capsid RNA by utilizing a variety of experimental systems conditionally supporting HBV genome replication and secretion, and reveal that the 3' truncation of capsid pgRNA is catalyzed by cellular ribonuclease(s) and viral RNaseH at positions after and before 3' DR1, respectively, indicating the 3' DR1 as a boundary between the encapsidated portion of pgRNA for reverse transcription and the 3' unprotected terminus, which is independent of pgRNA length and the 3' terminal sequence. Thus, our study provides new insights into the mechanism of pgRNA encapsidation and reverse transcription, as well as the optimization of serum HBV RNA diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wendong Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases Research in South China, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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20
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Zhao B, Qiao H, Zhao Y, Gao Z, Wang W, Cui Y, Li J, Guo Z, Chuai X, Chiu S. HBV precore G1896A mutation promotes growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating ERK/MAPK pathway. Virol Sin 2023; 38:680-689. [PMID: 37331658 PMCID: PMC10590694 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.06.004] [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: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HBV genome is prone to mutate and several variants are closely related to the malignant transformation of liver disease. G1896A mutation (G to A mutation at nucleotide 1896) is one of the most frequently observed mutations in the precore region of HBV, which prevents HBeAg expression and is strongly associated with HCC. However, the mechanisms by which this mutation causes HCC are unclear. Here, we explored the function and molecular mechanisms of the G1896A mutation during HBV-associated HCC. G1896A mutation remarkably enhanced the HBV replication in vitro. Moreover, it increased tumor formation and inhibited apoptosis of hepatoma cells, and decreased the sensitivity of HCC to sorafenib. Mechanistically, the G1896A mutation could activate ERK/MAPK pathway to enhanced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells and augmented cell survival and growth. Collectively, our study demonstrates for the first time that the G1896A mutation has a dual regulatory role in exacerbating HCC severity and sheds some light on the treatment of G1896A mutation-associated HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoxin Zhao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Hongxiu Qiao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Zhiyun Gao
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Weijie Wang
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yan Cui
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Zhanjun Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| | - Xia Chuai
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430207, China.
| | - Sandra Chiu
- Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
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21
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Duchemin NJ, Loonawat R, Yeakle K, Rosenkranz A, Bouchard MJ. Hypoxia-inducible factor affects hepatitis B virus transcripts and genome levels as well as the expression and subcellular location of the hepatitis B virus core protein. Virology 2023; 586:76-90. [PMID: 37490813 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Globally, a chronic-hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF1) is often elevated in HCC, including HBV-associated HCC. Previous studies have suggested that the expression of the HIF1 subunit, HIF1α, is elevated in HBV-infected hepatocytes; however, whether HIF1 activity affects the HBV lifecycle has not been fully explored. We used a liver-derived cell line and ex vivo cultured primary hepatocytes as models to determine how HIF1 affects the HBV lifecycle. We observed that HIF1 elevates HBV RNA transcript levels, core protein levels, core protein localization to the cytoplasm, and HBV genome replication. Attenuating the transcription activity of HIF1 blocked HIF1-mediated effects on the HBV lifecycle. Our studies show that HIF1 regulates various stages of the HBV lifecycle in hepatocytes and could be a therapeutic target for blocking HBV replication and the development of HBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Duchemin
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Ronak Loonawat
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Kyle Yeakle
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Andrea Rosenkranz
- Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetic Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Michael J Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA.
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22
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Todorova VK, Byrum SD, Mackintosh SG, Jamshidi-Parsian A, Gies AJ, Washam CL, Jenkins SV, Spiva T, Bowman E, Reyna NS, Griffin RJ, Makhoul I. Exosomal MicroRNA and Protein Profiles of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13098. [PMID: 37685904 PMCID: PMC10487651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713098] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a main risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, play an important role in tumor development and metastasis, including regulation of HBV-related HCC. In this study, we have characterized exosome microRNA and proteins released in vitro from hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC cell lines SNU-423 and SNU-182 and immortalized normal hepatocyte cell lines (THLE2 and THLE3) using microRNA sequencing and mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics, including functional enrichment and network analysis, combined with survival analysis using data related to HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, were applied to examine the prognostic significance of the results. More than 40 microRNAs and 200 proteins were significantly dysregulated (p < 0.05) in the exosomes released from HCC cells in comparison with the normal liver cells. The functional analysis of the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs (i.e., mir-483, mir-133a, mir-34a, mir-155, mir-183, mir-182), their predicted targets, and exosomal differentially expressed proteins (i.e., POSTN, STAM, EXOC8, SNX9, COL1A2, IDH1, FN1) showed correlation with pathways associated with HBV, virus activity and invasion, exosome formation and adhesion, and exogenous protein binding. The results from this study may help in our understanding of the role of HBV infection in the development of HCC and in the development of new targets for treatment or non-invasive predictive biomarkers of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina K. Todorova
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Stephanie D. Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (S.D.B.); (S.G.M.); (A.J.G.); (C.L.W.)
| | - Samuel G. Mackintosh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (S.D.B.); (S.G.M.); (A.J.G.); (C.L.W.)
| | - Azemat Jamshidi-Parsian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.J.-P.); (S.V.J.); (R.J.G.)
| | - Allen J. Gies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (S.D.B.); (S.G.M.); (A.J.G.); (C.L.W.)
| | - Charity L. Washam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (S.D.B.); (S.G.M.); (A.J.G.); (C.L.W.)
| | - Samir V. Jenkins
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.J.-P.); (S.V.J.); (R.J.G.)
| | - Timothy Spiva
- Biology Department, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR 71998, USA; (T.S.); (E.B.); (N.S.R.)
| | - Emily Bowman
- Biology Department, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR 71998, USA; (T.S.); (E.B.); (N.S.R.)
| | - Nathan S. Reyna
- Biology Department, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, AR 71998, USA; (T.S.); (E.B.); (N.S.R.)
| | - Robert J. Griffin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (A.J.-P.); (S.V.J.); (R.J.G.)
| | - Issam Makhoul
- Department of Internal Medicine/Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
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23
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Chowdhary S, Deka R, Panda K, Kumar R, Solomon AD, Das J, Kanoujiya S, Gupta AK, Sinha S, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK, Gupta PK. Recent Updates on Viral Oncogenesis: Available Preventive and Therapeutic Entities. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:3698-3740. [PMID: 37486263 PMCID: PMC10410670 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Human viral oncogenesis is a complex phenomenon and a major contributor to the global cancer burden. Several recent findings revealed cellular and molecular pathways that promote the development and initiation of malignancy when viruses cause an infection. Even, antiviral treatment has become an approach to eliminate the viral infections and prevent the activation of oncogenesis. Therefore, for a better understanding, the molecular pathogenesis of various oncogenic viruses like, hepatitis virus, human immunodeficiency viral (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), could be explored, especially, to expand many potent antivirals that may escalate the apoptosis of infected malignant cells while sparing normal and healthy ones. Moreover, contemporary therapies, such as engineered antibodies antiviral agents targeting signaling pathways and cell biomarkers, could inhibit viral oncogenesis. This review elaborates the recent advancements in both natural and synthetic antivirals to control viral oncogenesis. The study also highlights the challenges and future perspectives of using antivirals in viral oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivam Chowdhary
- Department
of Industrial Microbiology, Sam Higginbottom
University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh India
| | - Rahul Deka
- Department
of Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Birla
Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India
| | - Kingshuk Panda
- Department
of Applied Microbiology, Vellore Institute
of Technology, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Rohit Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishikt David Solomon
- Department
of Molecular & Cellular Engineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jimli Das
- Centre
for
Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Dibrugarh
University, Assam 786004, India
| | - Supriya Kanoujiya
- School
of
Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Ashish Kumar Gupta
- Department
of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Somya Sinha
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to
Be University, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
- Division
of Research and Development, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Piyush Kumar Gupta
- Department
of Life Sciences, Sharda School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to
Be University, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
- Faculty
of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International
University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
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24
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Akbar SMF, Al Mahtab M, Yoshida O, Aguilar J, Gerardo GN, Hiasa Y. Development of Therapy Based on the Exploration of Biological Events Underlying the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1944. [PMID: 37509583 PMCID: PMC10376977 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071944] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 296 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately 15-25% of these people develop complications such as advanced chronic liver diseases (ACLDs). Mortality due to HBV-related complications accounted for an estimated 882,000 deaths in 2019. Potent preventive vaccines have already restricted new HBV infections, and several drugs are available to treat chronic HBV infections. However, the positive impacts of these drugs have been recorded in only a few patients with chronic HBV infection. These drugs do not show long-term efficacy and cannot halt the progression to complications. Thus, more effective and evidence-based therapeutic strategies need to be urgently developed for patients with chronic HBV infection. CHB is a pathological entity induced by HBV that progresses due to impaired host immunity. This indicates the inherent limitations of antiviral-drug-based monotherapy for treating patients with chronic HBV infection. Additionally, commercially available antiviral drugs are not available to patients in developing and resource-constrained countries, posing a challenge to achieving the following WHO goal: "Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030". As such, this review aimed to provide insights regarding evidence-based and effective management strategies for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Interventional Hepatology Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Julio Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | | | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
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25
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Basit L, Amblard F, Patel DJ, Biteau N, Chen Z, Kasthuri M, Zhou S, Schinazi RF. The premise of capsid assembly modulators towards eliminating HBV persistence. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1031-1041. [PMID: 37477111 PMCID: PMC10530454 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2239701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The burden of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) results in almost a million deaths per year. The most common treatment for chronic hepatitis B infection is long-term nucleoside analogs (NUC) or one-year interferon-alpha (pegylated or non-pegylated) therapy before or after NUC therapy. Unfortunately, these therapies rarely result in HBV functional cure because they do not eradicate HBV from the nucleus of the hepatocytes, where the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is formed and/or where the integrated HBV DNA persists in the host genome. Hence, the search continues for novel antiviral therapies that target different steps of the HBV replication cycle to cure chronically infected HBV individuals and eliminate HBV from the liver reservoirs. AREAS COVERED The authors focus on capsid assembly modulators (CAMs). These molecules are unique because they impact not only one but several steps of HBV viral replication, including capsid assembly, capsid trafficking into the nucleus, reverse transcription, pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), and polymerase protein co-packaging. EXPERT OPINION Mono- or combination therapy, including CAMs with other HBV drugs, may potentially eliminate hepatitis B infections. Nevertheless, more data on their potential effect on HBV elimination is needed, especially when used daily for 6-12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Basit
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Franck Amblard
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Dharmeshkumar J. Patel
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Nicolas Biteau
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Zhe Chen
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Mahesh Kasthuri
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Shaoman Zhou
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for ViroScience and Cure, Laboratory of Biochemical
Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322,
USA
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26
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Zhou Z, Li C, Tan Z, Sun G, Peng B, Ren T, He J, Wang Y, Sun Y, Wang F, Li W. A spatiotemporally controlled recombinant cccDNA mouse model for studying HBV and developing drugs against the virus. Antiviral Res 2023:105642. [PMID: 37253400 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105642] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA is the template for hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. The lack of small animal models for characterizing chronic HBV infection has hampered research progress in HBV pathogenesis and drug development. Here, we generated a spatiotemporally controlled recombinant cccDNA (rcccDNA) mouse model by combining Cre/loxP-mediated DNA recombination with the liver-specific "Tet-on/Cre" system. The mouse model harbors three transgenes: a single copy of the HBV genome (integrated at the Rosa26 locus, RHBV), H11-albumin-rtTA (spatiotemporal conditional module), and (tetO)7-Cre (tetracycline response element), and is named as RHTC mouse. By supplying the RHTC mice with doxycycline (DOX)-containing drinking water for two days, the animals generate rcccDNA in hepatocytes, and the rcccDNA supports active HBV gene expression and can maintain HBV viremia persistence for over 60 weeks. Persistent HBV gene expression induces intrahepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and dysplastic pathology, which closely mirrors the disease progression in clinical patients. Bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting all HBV RNA species, showed dose-dependent antiviral effects in the RHTC mouse model. The spatiotemporally controlled rcccDNA mouse is convenient and reliable, providing versatile small animal model for studying cccDNA-centric HBV biology as well as evaluating antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate Program in School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zexi Tan
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Sun
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate Program in School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Peng
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate Program in School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tengfei Ren
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiabei He
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixue Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China; National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yinyan Sun
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengchao Wang
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China; Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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27
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Ai L, Liu QQ, Li Y, Wang Y, Zhang HM. The Role of HBx Protein in Diseases Beyond the Liver. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:3225-3232. [PMID: 37249958 PMCID: PMC10224689 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s405316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
HBX gene is essential for HBV replication, evading the surveillance of the immune system by integrating its sequence into the human genome. It also exists stably in human cells by inhibiting the expression and activity of mismatch repair-related pathway genes. Previous reviews have comprehensively summarized the role of HBx in liver-related diseases. Our article complements the summary of research on HBx in diseases other than liver disease. Through a comprehensive literature search and reading, we found that HBx is expressed in the kidney, placenta, lung and other organs of HBV-infected patients, and is closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases such as nephritis, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and gastric cancer. However, in the clinical treatment of these diseases, HBV infection and the role of HBx have not attracted sufficient attention, and there is no corresponding treatment strategy. Therefore, more research on HBx in diseases other than the liver is particularly necessary, and we hope that our article can provide some insight into the treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Ai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Nephrology Department, Affiliated Hospital of Northwest Minzu University / Second Provincial People’s Hospital of Gansu, Lanzhou, Gansu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong-Mei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, People’s Republic of China
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28
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Wang L, Zhu Q, Zhang JD, Zhang Y, Ni X, Xiang K, Jiang J, Li B, Yu Y, Hu H, Zhang M, Wu W, Zeng J, Yan Z, Dai J, Sun K, Zhang X, Chen D, Feng S, Sach-Peltason L, Young JAT, Gao L. Discovery of a first-in-class orally available HBV cccDNA inhibitor. J Hepatol 2023; 78:742-753. [PMID: 36587899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The persistence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in infected hepatocytes is the major barrier preventing viral eradication with existing therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Therapeutic agents that can eliminate cccDNA are urgently needed to achieve viral eradication and thus HBV cure. METHODS A phenotypic assay with HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) was employed to screen for novel cccDNA inhibitors. A HBVcircle mouse model and a uPA-SCID (urokinase-type plasminogen activator-severe combined immunodeficiency) humanized liver mouse model were used to evaluate the anti-HBV efficacy of the discovered cccDNA inhibitors. RESULTS Potent and dose-dependent reductions in extracellular HBV DNA, HBsAg, and HBeAg levels were achieved upon the initiation of ccc_R08 treatment two days after the HBV infection of PHHs. More importantly, the level of cccDNA was specifically reduced by ccc_R08, while it did not obviously affect mitochondrial DNA. Additionally, ccc_R08 showed no significant cytotoxicity in PHHs or in multiple proliferating cell lines. The twice daily oral administration of ccc_R08 to HBVcircle model mice, which contained surrogate cccDNA molecules, significantly decreased the serum levels of HBV DNA and antigens, and these effects were sustained during the off-treatment follow-up period. Moreover, at the end of follow-up, the levels of surrogate cccDNA molecules in the livers of ccc_R08-treated HBVcircle mice were reduced to below the lower limit of quantification. CONCLUSIONS We have discovered a small-molecule cccDNA inhibitor that reduces HBV cccDNA levels. cccDNA inhibitors potentially represent a new approach to completely cure patients chronically infected with HBV. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) persistence in HBV-infected hepatocytes is the root cause of chronic hepatitis B. We discovered a novel small-molecule cccDNA inhibitor that can specifically reduce cccDNA levels in HBV-infected hepatocytes. This type of molecule could offer a new approach to completely cure patients chronically infected with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Infectious Disease Discovery
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Hu
- Infectious Disease Discovery
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Zhang
- Preclinical Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls
| | | | | | - Lisa Sach-Peltason
- Data & Analytics, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Roche Innovation Center Basel
| | | | - Lu Gao
- Infectious Disease Discovery.
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29
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Combination of Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S2 Gene Deletion Mutation and Tumor-Node-Metastasis Stage Predicts Higher Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Curative Surgical Resection. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030923. [PMID: 36979902 PMCID: PMC10045911 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent and life-threatening human cancers worldwide. Despite curative resection surgery, the high recurrence rate of HCC leads to poor patient survival. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major etiological factor for HCC. HBV pre-S2 gene deletion mutation leads to the expression of an important oncoprotein called a pre-S2 mutant. It represents an independent prognostic biomarker for HCC recurrence. This study aimed to identify other independent prognostic biomarkers from clinicopathological characteristics of 75 HBV-related HCC patients receiving resection surgery and to validate their potential to be combined with pre-S2 gene deletion mutation as a combination biomarker for HCC recurrence. Patients with both the presence of pre-S2 gene deletion mutation and tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage IIIA–IIIC had a higher HCC recurrence risk than patients with either one or none of these two factors. Moreover, the combination of pre-S2 gene deletion mutation and TNM stage exhibited better performance than either of these two factors alone in discriminating patients from patients without HCC recurrence. Collectively, this study proposed that the TNM stage held significance as a combination biomarker with pre-S2 gene deletion mutation with a greater performance in predicting HCC recurrence after curative surgical resection.
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30
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Yu X, Long Q, Shen S, Liu Z, Chandran J, Zhang J, Ding H, Zhang H, Cai D, Kim ES, Huang Y, Guo H. Screening of an epigenetic compound library identifies BRD4 as a potential antiviral target for hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA transcription. Antiviral Res 2023; 211:105552. [PMID: 36737008 PMCID: PMC10036215 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105552] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
HBV cccDNA is the persistent form of viral genome, which exists in host cell nucleus as an episomal minichromosome decorated with histone and non-histone proteins. cccDNA is the authentic viral transcription template and resistant to current antivirals. Growing evidence shows that the transcriptional activity of cccDNA minichromosome undergoes epigenetic regulations, suggesting a new perspective for anti-cccDNA drug development through targeting histone modifications. In this study, we screened an epigenetic compound library in the cccDNA reporter cell line HepBHAe82, which produces the HA-tagged HBeAg in a cccDNA-dependent manner. Among the obtained hits, a bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor MS436 exhibited marked inhibition of cccDNA transcription in both HBV stable cell line HepAD38 and HepG2-NTCP or primary human hepatocyte infection system under noncytotoxic concentrations. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay demonstrated that MS436 dramatically reduced the enrichment of H3K27ac, an activating histone modification pattern, on cccDNA minichromosome. RNAseq differential analysis showed that MS436 does not drastically change host transcriptome or induce any known anti-HBV factors/pathways, indicating a direct antiviral effect of MS436 on cccDNA minichromosome. Interestingly, the MS436-mediated inhibition of cccDNA transcription is accompanied by cccDNA destabilization in HBV infection and a recombinant cccDNA system, indicating that BRD4 activity may also play a role in cccDNA maintenance. Furthermore, depletion of BRD4 by siRNA knockdown or PROTAC degrader resulted in cccDNA inhibition in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, further validating BRD4 as an antiviral target. Taken together, our study has demonstrated the practicability of HepBHAe82-based anti-HBV drug screening system and provided a proof-of-concept for targeting HBV cccDNA with epigenetic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Quanxin Long
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sheng Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Zhentao Liu
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jithin Chandran
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Junjie Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hao Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Hu Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dawei Cai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Elena S Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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31
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The antiviral activity of tripartite motif protein 38 in hepatitis B virus replication and gene expression and its association with treatment responses during PEG-IFN-α antiviral therapy. Virology 2023; 579:84-93. [PMID: 36623352 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.12.014] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection represents one of the most critical health problems worldwide. Tripartite motif protein 38 (TRIM38) is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) that inhibits various DNA and RNA viruses.In this study, we found a mechanistic correlation between TRIM38 expression levels and the efficacy of HBV infection and IFN-α therapy in patients with CHB. TRIM38 was highly induced by IFN-alpha (IFN-α) in vivo and in vitro. TRIM38 overexpression inhibited HBV replication and gene expression in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells, whereas knockdown of TRIM38 increased these processes. Further experiments indicated that TRIM38 protein enhanced the antiviral effect of IFN-α by enhancing the expression of antiviral proteins. A prospective study revealed high TRIM38 levels in peripheral blood PBMCs were from early responders, and increased TRIM38 expression correlated with a better response to PEG-IFN-α therapy. Taken together, our study suggests that TRIM38 plays a vital role in HBV replication and gene expression.
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32
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Etienne S, Vosbeck J, Bernsmeier C, Osthoff M. Prevention of Hepatitis B Reactivation in Patients Receiving Immunosuppressive Therapy: a Case Series and Appraisal of Society Guidelines. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:490-501. [PMID: 36138278 PMCID: PMC9905451 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HBV) reactivation (HBVr) is a potentially fatal complication in patients with past HBV exposure receiving immunosuppressive therapy. HBVr can occur in patients with chronic HBV infection as well as in patients with resolved HBV infection. In this article, we present the cases of four patients with resolved hepatitis B who presented with HBVr during or after immunosuppressive treatment, of whom two died as a consequence of HBVr. We then reflect on and summarize the recommendations of four major societies for the screening and management of previously HBV-exposed patients planned to receive immunosuppressive treatment. Current guidelines recommend screening for HBV in all patients planned to receive immunosuppressive therapy. Risk of HBVr is assessed based on the serological status of the patient and the planned immunosuppressive drug regimen. For patients considered to be at low risk of HBVr, management consists of serological monitoring for HBVr and immediate preemptive antiviral therapy in the case of HBVr. For patients considered to be at intermediate or high risk for HBVr, antiviral prophylaxis should be initiated concordantly with the immunosuppressive therapy and continued for up to 18 months after cessation of the immunosuppressive regimen. Areas of uncertainty include the risk of novel and emerging immunosuppressive and immune modulatory drugs and the exact duration of antiviral prophylaxis. Greater awareness is needed among clinicians regarding the risk of HBVr in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, especially in low-endemicity settings. Implementation of screening and management programs and decision support tools based on the presented guidelines may improve the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Etienne
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Vosbeck
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Osthoff
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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33
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Modulation of mitochondria by viral proteins. Life Sci 2023; 313:121271. [PMID: 36526048 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are dynamic cellular organelles with diverse functions including energy production, calcium homeostasis, apoptosis, host innate immune signaling, and disease progression. Several viral proteins specifically target mitochondria to subvert host defense as mitochondria stand out as the most suitable target for the invading viruses. They have acquired the capability to control apoptosis, metabolic state, and evade immune responses in host cells, by targeting mitochondria. In this way, the viruses successfully allow the spread of viral progeny and thus the infection. Viruses employ their proteins to alter mitochondrial dynamics and their specific functions by a modulation of membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, calcium homeostasis, and mitochondrial bioenergetics to help them achieve a state of persistent infection. A better understanding of such viral proteins and their impact on mitochondrial forms and functions is the main focus of this review. We also attempt to emphasize the importance of exploring the role of mitochondria in the context of SARS-CoV2 pathogenesis and identify host-virus protein interactions.
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34
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Saaed FMA, Ongerth JE. Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa Before Onward Dispersal Toward Europe. J Immigr Minor Health 2023:10.1007/s10903-022-01448-z. [PMID: 36640255 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a global health care challenge due to its worldwide distribution, chronic persistence, complications, and high prevalence with unchecked conditions in areas like sub-Saharan Africa. A high proportion of asymptomatic infections allows serious complications and poses infection risk to destination populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of both HBV and HCV among 3248 migrants from different parts of sub-Saharan Africa newly arrived at Kufra, Libya, a remote agricultural North African city. All these migrants were required by the Libyan authorities to undergo a complete medical check-up for different purposes such as joining new jobs, and obtaining licenses for trade and commerce. UAT sera from 3248 migrants, aged 18-53 years, attending the Al Kufra city hospital from January 01 to December 31, 2019, were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody by rapid tests and positive samples were further tested by ELISA method. The results showed that 761/3248 (23.4%) of the migrants were positive for HBV and 1014/3248 (31.2%) were positive for HCV. Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa carry high rates of HBV and HCV infection. This suggests the importance of increased attention to actions to deal with findings among positive migrants, and for awareness about risks of transmission to the local population. Study results indicate the value of routine migrant monitoring, the need for awareness in destination country health authorities, and the potential for impact on migrant destination populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frhat M A Saaed
- Department of Zoology, College of Arts and Sciences, Benghazi University, Al Kufra, Libya
| | - Jerry E Ongerth
- Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
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35
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Chen X, Liu X, Jiang Y, Xia N, Liu C, Luo W. Abnormally primed CD8 T cells: The Achilles' heel of CHB. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1106700. [PMID: 36936922 PMCID: PMC10014547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1106700] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a significant public health challenge, and more than 250 million people around world are infected with HBV. The clearance of HBV with virus-specific CD8 T cells is critical for a functional cure. However, naïve HBV-specific CD8 T cells are heavily hindered during the priming process, and this phenomenon is closely related to abnormal cell and signal interactions in the complex immune microenvironment. Here, we briefly summarize the recent progress in understanding the abnormal priming of HBV-specific CD8 T cells and some corresponding immunotherapies to facilitate their functional recovery, which provides a novel perspective for the design and development of immunotherapy for chronic HBV infection (CHB). Finally, we also highlight the balance between viral clearance and pathological liver injury induced by CD8 T-cell activation that should be carefully considered during drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yichao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Wenxin Luo, ; Chao Liu,
| | - Wenxin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Wenxin Luo, ; Chao Liu,
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36
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Liver Damage and microRNAs: An Update. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 45:78-91. [PMID: 36661492 PMCID: PMC9857663 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major organs in the body with multiple functions is the liver. It plays a central role in the transformation of macronutrients and clearance of chemicals and drugs. The serum biomarkers often used to indicate liver damage are not specifically for drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or liver injury caused by other xenobiotics, nor for viral infection. In this case, microRNAs (miRNAs) could play an exciting role as biomarkers of specific liver damage. In this review, we aimed to update the current literature on liver damage induced by drugs, as acute conditions and viral infections mediated by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) linked these two conditions to advanced research, with a focus on microRNAs as early biomarkers for liver damage. The undoubtable evidence that circulating miR-122 could be used as a human biomarker of DILI came from several studies in which a strong increase of it was linked with the status of liver function. In infancy, there is the possibility of an early miRNA detection for hepatitis B virus infection, but there are a lack of solid models for studying the HVB molecular mechanism of infection in detail, even if miRNAs do hold unrealized potential as biomarkers for early detection of hepatitis B virus infection mediated by HBV.
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37
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Pregenomic RNA Launch Hepatitis B Virus Replication System Facilitates the Mechanistic Study of Antiviral Agents and Drug-Resistant Variants on Covalently Closed Circular DNA Synthesis. J Virol 2022; 96:e0115022. [PMID: 36448800 PMCID: PMC9769369 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01150-22] [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: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its genomic DNA by reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate, termed pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), within nucleocapsid. It had been shown that transfection of in vitro-transcribed pgRNA initiated viral replication in human hepatoma cells. We demonstrated here that viral capsids, single-stranded DNA, relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) became detectable sequentially at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post-pgRNA transfection into Huh7.5 cells. The levels of viral DNA replication intermediates and cccDNA peaked at 24 and 48 h post-pgRNA transfection, respectively. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) became detectable in culture medium at day 4 posttransfection. Interestingly, the early robust viral DNA replication and cccDNA synthesis did not depend on the expression of HBV X protein (HBx), whereas HBsAg production was strictly dependent on viral DNA replication and expression of HBx, consistent with the essential role of HBx in the transcriptional activation of cccDNA minichromosomes. While the robust and synchronized HBV replication within 48 h post-pgRNA transfection is particularly suitable for the precise mapping of the HBV replication steps, from capsid assembly to cccDNA formation, targeted by distinct antiviral agents, the treatment of cells starting at 48 h post-pgRNA transfection allows the assessment of antiviral agents on mature nucleocapsid uncoating, cccDNA synthesis, and transcription, as well as viral RNA stability. Moreover, the pgRNA launch system could be used to readily assess the impacts of drug-resistant variants on cccDNA formation and other replication steps in the viral life cycle. IMPORTANCE Hepadnaviral pgRNA not only serves as a template for reverse transcriptional replication of viral DNA but also expresses core protein and DNA polymerase to support viral genome replication and cccDNA synthesis. Not surprisingly, cytoplasmic expression of duck hepatitis B virus pgRNA initiated viral replication leading to infectious virion secretion. However, HBV replication and antiviral mechanism were studied primarily in human hepatoma cells transiently or stably transfected with plasmid-based HBV replicons. The presence of large amounts of transfected HBV DNA or transgenes in cellular chromosomes hampered the robust analyses of HBV replication and cccDNA function. As demonstrated here, the pgRNA launch HBV replication system permits the accurate mapping of antiviral target and investigation of cccDNA biosynthesis and transcription using secreted HBsAg as a convenient quantitative marker. The effect of drug-resistant variants on viral capsid assembly, genome replication, and cccDNA biosynthesis and function can also be assessed using this system.
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Kramvis A, Chang KM, Dandri M, Farci P, Glebe D, Hu J, Janssen HLA, Lau DTY, Penicaud C, Pollicino T, Testoni B, Van Bömmel F, Andrisani O, Beumont-Mauviel M, Block TM, Chan HLY, Cloherty GA, Delaney WE, Geretti AM, Gehring A, Jackson K, Lenz O, Maini MK, Miller V, Protzer U, Yang JC, Yuen MF, Zoulim F, Revill PA. A roadmap for serum biomarkers for hepatitis B virus: current status and future outlook. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:727-745. [PMID: 35859026 PMCID: PMC9298709 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00649-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Globally, 296 million people are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and approximately one million people die annually from HBV-related causes, including liver cancer. Although there is a preventative vaccine and antiviral therapies suppressing HBV replication, there is no cure. Intensive efforts are under way to develop curative HBV therapies. Currently, only a few biomarkers are available for monitoring or predicting HBV disease progression and treatment response. As new therapies become available, new biomarkers to monitor viral and host responses are urgently needed. In October 2020, the International Coalition to Eliminate Hepatitis B Virus (ICE-HBV) held a virtual and interactive workshop on HBV biomarkers endorsed by the International HBV Meeting. Various stakeholders from academia, clinical practice and the pharmaceutical industry, with complementary expertise, presented and participated in panel discussions. The clinical utility of both classic and emerging viral and immunological serum biomarkers with respect to the course of infection, disease progression, and response to current and emerging treatments was appraised. The latest advances were discussed, and knowledge gaps in understanding and interpretation of HBV biomarkers were identified. This Roadmap summarizes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges of HBV biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems partner site, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dieter Glebe
- National Reference Center for Hepatitis B Viruses and Hepatitis D Viruses, Institute of Medical Virology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Daryl T Y Lau
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Capucine Penicaud
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital "G. Martino" of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Florian Van Bömmel
- Department of Hepatology, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ourania Andrisani
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - Henry L Y Chan
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
- Union Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione PTV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adam Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathy Jackson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection & Immunity, Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Veronica Miller
- Forum for Collaborative Research, University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Washington DC Campus, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM Unit 1052 - Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Peter A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Yang G, Wan P, Zhang Y, Tan Q, Qudus MS, Yue Z, Luo W, Zhang W, Ouyang J, Li Y, Wu J. Innate Immunity, Inflammation, and Intervention in HBV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:2275. [PMID: 36298831 PMCID: PMC9609328 DOI: 10.3390/v14102275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still one of the most dangerous viral illnesses. HBV infects around 257 million individuals worldwide. Hepatitis B in many individuals ultimately develops hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The innate immunity acts as the first line of defense against HBV infection through activating antiviral genes. Along with the immune responses, pro-inflammatory cytokines are triggered to enhance the antiviral responses, but this may result in acute or chronic liver inflammation, especially when the clearance of virus is unsuccessful. To a degree, the host innate immune and inflammatory responses dominate the HBV infection and liver pathogenesis. Thus, it is crucial to figure out the signaling pathways involved in the activation of antiviral factors and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we review the interplay between HBV and the signal pathways that mediates innate immune responses and inflammation. In addition, we summarize current therapeutic strategies for HBV infection via modulating innate immunity or inflammation. Characterizing the mechanisms that underlie these HBV-host interplays might provide new approaches for the cure of chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Yang
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Pin Wan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Qiaoru Tan
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Muhammad Suhaib Qudus
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yue
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People’s Hospital, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Jianhua Ouyang
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Yongkui Li
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Longfan Biological Science and Technology, Foshan 528315, China
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Foshan Institute of Medical Microbiology, Foshan 528315, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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40
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Ho PT, Balzanelli MG, Distratis P, Lazzaro R, Tran DK, Nguyen KCD, Bui TM, Nguyen TT, Pham ST, Nguyen HSD, Tran VT, Ho TT, Dipalma G, Inchingolo F, Quek C, Pham HT, Isacco CG, Santacroce L, Pham VH. Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype and Sub-Genotype in Hepatocellular Cancer Patients in Vietnam. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102393. [PMID: 36292082 PMCID: PMC9600587 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Untreated chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to chronic liver disease and may progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV infection has been prevalent in Vietnam, but there is little information available on the genotypes, sub-genotypes, and mutations of HBV in patients with HBV-related HCC confirmed by histopathological diagnosis. We studied the molecular characteristics of HBV and its genetic variants in Vietnamese HCC patients after liver tumor resection. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on 107 HBV-related HCC hospitalized patients from October 2018 to April 2019. The specimens collected included EDTA anticoagulant blood and liver tissues. Extracted HBV DNA was subjected to whole genome sequencing by the Sanger method. We discovered 62 individuals (57.9%) with genotype B and 45 patients (42.1%) with genotype C, with only sub-genotypes B4 and C1. Among the mutations, the double mutation, A1762T-G1764A, had the most significant frequency (73/107 samples; 68.2%) and was higher in genotype C than in genotype B (p < 0.001). The most common genotypes found in HCC patients in this investigation were B and C, with sub-genotypes B4 and C1 for each. The prevalence of genotype B4 was greater in HBV-infected Vietnamese HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phat Tan Ho
- Cho Ray Hospital Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, Phat Tan Ho, Ho Chi Minh 749000, Vietnam
| | - Mario Giosuè Balzanelli
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency, SG Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - Pietro Distratis
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency, SG Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - Rita Lazzaro
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency, SG Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - Duy Khanh Tran
- Nam Khoa Biotek, Ho Chi Minh 500000, Vietnam
- Environmental Engineering, Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam
| | - Kieu C. D. Nguyen
- American Stem Cells Hospital Ho Chi Minh, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Son Truong Pham
- Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney 2170, Australia
| | | | - Vinh Thanh Tran
- Cho Ray Hospital Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, Phat Tan Ho, Ho Chi Minh 749000, Vietnam
| | - Toan Trong Ho
- Cho Ray Hospital Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, Phat Tan Ho, Ho Chi Minh 749000, Vietnam
| | - Gianna Dipalma
- School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Camelia Quek
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Huong Thien Pham
- Multidisciplinary Clinic, University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach, Ho Chi Minh 700000, Vietnam
| | - Ciro Gargiulo Isacco
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency, SG Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Santacroce
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Virology Unit, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (V.H.P.)
| | - Van Hung Pham
- Nam Khoa Biotek, Ho Chi Minh 500000, Vietnam
- School of Medicine, Phan Chau Trinh Medical University, Ho Chi Minh, 700000, Vietnam
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (V.H.P.)
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41
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White MC, Wu X, Damania B. Oncogenic viruses, cancer biology, and innate immunity. Curr Opin Immunol 2022; 78:102253. [PMID: 36240666 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.102253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Malignancies that arise as a result of viral infection account for roughly 15% of cancer cases worldwide. The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense against oncogenic viral infection and is also involved in the response against viral-driven tumors. In this review, we discuss research advances made over the last five years elucidating how the innate immune system recognizes and responds to oncogenic viruses, how these viruses have evolved to escape this immune pressure, and ways that innate immunity can inform the development of novel therapeutics against oncogenic viral infection and their associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C White
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Xinjun Wu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Blossom Damania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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42
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Prevalence and Genomic Sequence Analysis of Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus in the United States. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102091. [PMID: 36298647 PMCID: PMC9607532 DOI: 10.3390/v14102091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepadnaviruses are partially double-stranded DNA viruses that infect a variety of species. The prototypical virus in this family is the human hepatitis B virus, which chronically infects approximately 400 million people worldwide and is a risk factor for progressive liver disease and liver cancer. The first hepadnavirus isolated from carnivores was a domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), initially identified in Australia and subsequently detected in cats in Europe and Asia. As with all characterized hepadnaviruses so far, DCH infection has been associated with hepatic disease in its host. Prevalence of this infection in the United States has not been explored broadly. Thus, we utilized conventional and quantitative PCR to screen several populations of domestic cats to estimate DCH prevalence in the United States. We detected DCH DNA in 1 out of 496 animals (0.2%) in the U.S. cohort. In contrast, we detected circulating DCH DNA in 7 positive animals from a cohort of 67 domestic cats from Australia (10.4%), consistent with previous studies. The complete consensus genome of the U.S. DCH isolate was sequenced by Sanger sequencing with overlapping PCR products. An in-frame deletion of 157 bp was identified in the N-terminus of the core open reading frame. The deletion begins at the direct repeat 1 sequence (i.e., the 5′ end of the expected double-stranded linear DNA form), consistent with covalently closed circular DNA resultant from illegitimate recombination described in other hepadnaviruses. Comparative genome sequence analysis indicated that the closest described relatives of the U.S. DCH isolate are those previously isolated in Italy. Motif analysis supports DCH using NTCP as an entry receptor, similar to human HBV. Our work indicates that chronic DCH prevalence in the U.S. is likely low compared to other countries.
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Tian Z, Xu C, Yang P, Lin Z, Wu W, Zhang W, Ding J, Ding R, Zhang X, Dou K. Molecular pathogenesis: Connections between viral hepatitis-induced and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984728. [PMID: 36189208 PMCID: PMC9520190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984728] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world and is usually caused by viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV), alcoholic, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). Viral hepatitis accounts for 80% of HCC cases worldwide. In addition, With the increasing incidence of metabolic diseases, NAFLD is now the most common liver disease and a major risk factor for HCC in most developed countries. This review mainly described the specificity and similarity between the pathogenesis of viral hepatitis(HBV and HCV)-induced HCC and NAFLD-induced HCC. In general, viral hepatitis promotes HCC development mainly through specific encoded viral proteins. HBV can also exert its tumor-promoting mechanism by integrating into the host chromosome, while HCV cannot. Viral hepatitis-related HCC and NASH-related HCC differ in terms of genetic factors, and epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA effects). In addition, both of them can lead to HCC progression through abnormal lipid metabolism, persistent inflammatory response, immune and intestinal microbiome dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelin Tian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Peijun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhibin Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenlong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Chinese Education Ministry’s Key Laboratory of Western Resources and Modern Biotechnology, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Shaanxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xuan Zhang, ; Kefeng Dou,
| | - Kefeng Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xuan Zhang, ; Kefeng Dou,
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44
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Chen S, Zhang L, Chen Y, Fu L. Inhibiting Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide in HBV-Related Diseases: From Biological Function to Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12546-12561. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China
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45
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Neutralization of hepatitis B virus with vaccine-escape mutations by hepatitis B vaccine with large-HBs antigen. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5207. [PMID: 36064848 PMCID: PMC9441830 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32910-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the current hepatitis B (HB) vaccine comprising small-HBs antigen (Ag) is potent and safe, attenuated prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus (HBV) with vaccine-escape mutations (VEMs) has been reported. We investigate an HB vaccine consisting of large-HBsAg that overcomes the shortcomings of the current HB vaccine. Yeast-derived large-HBsAg is immunized into rhesus macaques, and the neutralizing activities of the induced antibodies are compared with those of the current HB vaccine. Although the antibodies induced by the current HB vaccine cannot prevent HBV infection with VEMs, the large-HBsAg vaccine-induced antibodies neutralize those infections. The HBV genotypes that exhibited attenuated neutralization via these vaccines are different. Here, we show that the HB vaccine consisting of large-HBsAg is useful to compensate for the shortcomings of the current HB vaccine. The combined use of these HB vaccines may induce antibodies that can neutralize HBV strains with VEMs or multiple HBV genotypes.
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46
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Yuen MF, Agarwal K, Ma X, Nguyen TT, Schiff ER, Hann HWL, Dieterich DT, Nahass RG, Park JS, Chan S, Han SHB, Gane EJ, Bennett M, Alves K, Evanchik M, Yan R, Huang Q, Lopatin U, Colonno R, Ma J, Knox SJ, Stamm LM, Bonacini M, Jacobson IM, Ayoub WS, Weilert F, Ravendhran N, Ramji A, Kwo PY, Elkhashab M, Hassanein T, Bae HS, Lalezari JP, Fung SK, Sulkowski MS. Safety and efficacy of vebicorvir in virologically suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2022; 77:642-652. [PMID: 35460726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HBV nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NrtIs) do not completely suppress HBV replication. Previous reports indicate persistent viremia during NrtI treatment despite HBV DNA being undetectable. HBV core inhibitors may enhance viral suppression when combined with NrtIs. This phase II trial (NCT03576066) evaluated the efficacy and safety of the investigational core inhibitor, vebicorvir (VBR), in virologically- suppressed patients on NrtIs. METHODS Non-cirrhotic, NrtI-suppressed patients with chronic HBV were randomised to VBR 300 mg once daily or matching placebo (PBO) for 24 weeks. Treatment was stratified by hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status. The primary endpoint was change from Baseline in serum HBeAg or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after 24 weeks. RESULTS Of 73 patients enrolled, 47 were HBeAg positive and 26 were HBeAg negative. In HBeAg-positive and -negative patients, there were no differences in the change from Baseline at Week 24 for HBsAg or HBeAg. Using a novel, high-sensitivity assay to detect HBV DNA, a greater proportion of patients with detectable HBV DNA at Baseline achieved undetectable HBV DNA at Week 24 in the VBR+NrtI vs. PBO+NrtI group. In HBeAg-positive patients, a greater change from Baseline in HBV pregenomic (pg)RNA was observed at Week 24 with VBR+NrtI vs. PBO+NrtI. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in VBR+NrtI patients included upper respiratory tract infection, nausea, and pruritus. No serious adverse events, Grade 4 TEAEs, or deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS In this 24-week study, VBR+NrtI demonstrated a favourable safety and tolerability profile. While there were no significant changes in viral antigen levels, enhanced viral suppression was demonstrated by greater changes in DNA and pgRNA with the addition of VBR compared to NrtI alone. CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER NCT03576066. LAY SUMMARY Core inhibitors represent a novel approach for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with mechanisms of action distinct from existing treatments. In this study, vebicorvir added to existing therapy reduced HBV replication to a greater extent than existing treatment and was generally safe and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Office of Xiaoli Ma, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tuan T Nguyen
- T Nguyen Research and Education, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Eugene R Schiff
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hie-Won L Hann
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Douglas T Dieterich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Steven-Huy B Han
- Pfleger Liver Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Katia Alves
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Ran Yan
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qi Huang
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Uri Lopatin
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Julie Ma
- Assembly Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alnoor Ramji
- GastroIntestinal Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Yien Kwo
- Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Ho S Bae
- Asian Pacific Liver Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Surrogate Markers for Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:327-340. [PMID: 35445388 DOI: 10.1055/a-1830-2741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver disease worldwide. Chronic HBV infection is currently incurable because of the persistence of the viral template for the viral transcripts, covalently closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid (cccDNA). Detecting changes in cccDNA transcriptional activity is key to understanding fundamental virology, determining the efficacy of new therapies, and deciding the optimal clinical management of HBV patients. In this review, we summarize surrogate circulating biomarkers that have been used to infer cccDNA levels and activity in people with chronic hepatitis B. Moreover, we outline the current shortcomings of the current biomarkers and highlight the clinical importance in improving them and expanding their use.
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48
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Park ES, Dezhbord M, Lee AR, Park BB, Kim KH. Dysregulation of Liver Regeneration by Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Impact on Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153566. [PMID: 35892823 PMCID: PMC9329784 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate in response to damage. The complex process of liver regeneration consists of multiple interactive pathways. About 2 billion people worldwide have been infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and HBV causes 686,000 deaths each year due to its complications. Long-term infection with HBV, which causes chronic inflammation, leads to serious liver-related diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV infection has been reported to interfere with the critical mechanisms required for liver regeneration. In this review, the studies on liver tissue characteristics and liver regeneration mechanisms are summarized. Moreover, the inhibitory mechanisms of HBV infection in liver regeneration are investigated. Finally, the association between interrupted liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis, which are both triggered by HBV infection, is outlined. Understanding the fundamental and complex liver regeneration process is expected to provide significant therapeutic advantages for HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Sook Park
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (E.-S.P.); (B.B.P.)
| | - Mehrangiz Dezhbord
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (M.D.); (A.R.L.)
| | - Ah Ram Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (M.D.); (A.R.L.)
| | - Bo Bae Park
- Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (E.-S.P.); (B.B.P.)
| | - Kyun-Hwan Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (M.D.); (A.R.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-299-6126
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49
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The RNA-Binding Protein ELAVL1 Regulates Hepatitis B Virus Replication and Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147878. [PMID: 35887229 PMCID: PMC9316910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous RNA immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic approaches successfully demonstrated that Embryonic Lethal, Abnormal Vision, Drosophila-Like 1 (ELAVL1) interacts with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived RNAs. Although ELAVL family proteins stabilize AU-rich element (ARE)-containing mRNAs, their role in HBV transcription remains unclear. This study conducted loss-of-function assays of ELAVL1 for inducible HBV-replicating HepAD38 cells and HBx-overexpressed HepG2 cells. In addition, clinicopathological analyses in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgical samples were also conducted. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA knockdown of ELAVL1 resulted in a decrease in both viral RNA transcription and production of viral proteins, including HBs and HBx, probably due to RNA stabilization by ELAVL1. Cell growth of HepAD38 cells was more significantly impaired in ELAVL1-knockdown than those in the control group, with or without HBV replication, indicating that ELAVL1 is involved in proliferation by factors other than HBV-derived RNAs. Immunohistochemical analyses of 77 paired HCC surgical specimens demonstrated that diffuse ELAVL1 expression was detected more frequently in HCC tissues (61.0%) than in non-tumor tissues (27.3%). In addition, the abundant expression of ELAVL1 tended to affect postoperative recurrence in HBV-related HCC patients. In conclusion, ELAVL1 contributes not only to HBV replication but also to HCC cell growth. It may be a potent therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC treatment.
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50
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Association of Increased Programmed Death Ligand 1 Expression and Regulatory T Cells Infiltration with Higher Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Pre-S2 Mutant after Curative Surgical Resection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061346. [PMID: 35746817 PMCID: PMC9229682 DOI: 10.3390/v14061346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although surgical resection is available as a potentially curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), high recurrence of HCC after surgery remains a serious obstacle for long-term patient survival. Therefore, the discovery of valuable prognostic biomarkers for HCC recurrence is urgently needed. Pre-S2 mutant is a mutant form of hepatitis B virus (HBV) large surface protein which is expressed from the HBV surface gene harboring deletion mutations spanning the pre-S2 gene segment. Pre-S2 mutant-positive HCC patients have been regarded as a high-risk population of HCC recurrence after resection surgery and display increased immune checkpoint programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and pro-tumor regulatory T cells (Tregs) infiltration in tumor tissues. In this study, the association of higher levels of PD-L1 expression and Tregs infiltration in tumor tissues with post-operative HCC recurrence in pre-S2 mutant-positive HCC patients was evaluated. We found that patients with pre-S2 mutant in combination with higher levels of PD-L1 expression and Tregs infiltration in tumor tissues were independently associated with a higher risk of HCC recurrence (hazard ratio, 4.109; p value = 0.0011) and poorer recurrence-free survival (median, 8.2 versus 18.0 months; p value = 0.0004) than those of patients with either one or two of these three biomarkers. Furthermore, a combination of pre-S2 mutant, intra-tumoral PD-L1 expression, and tumor-infiltrating Tregs exhibited superior performance in identifying patients at a higher risk of HCC recurrence (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.8400). Collectively, this study suggests that higher levels of PD-L1 expression and Tregs infiltration in tumor tissues predicted a higher risk of HCC recurrence in pre-S2 mutant-positive HCC patients after curative surgical resection.
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