1
|
Li Y, Song Y, Xiao Y, Wang T, Li L, Liu M, Li J, Wang J. The Characteristic of HBV Quasispecies Is Related to Occult HBV Infection of Infants Born to Highly Viremic Mothers. Viruses 2024; 16:1104. [PMID: 39066265 PMCID: PMC11281566 DOI: 10.3390/v16071104] [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: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although a combination of immunoprophylaxis and antiviral therapy can effectively prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), a considerable number of infants born to highly viremic mothers still develop occult HBV infection (OBI). To uncover the virological factor and risk predictor for OBI in infants, we found that the diversity and complexity of maternal HBV quasispecies in the case group were lower than those in the control group. Mutations with significant differences between the two groups were most enriched in the NTCPbd and PreC regions. Genetic distance at the amino-acid level of the PreC region, especially the combination of three amino-acid mutations in the PreC region, could strongly predict the risk of OBI in infants. HBV quasispecies in OBI infants were highly complex, and the non-synonymous substitutions were mainly found in the RT and HBsAg regions. The sK47E (rtQ55R) and sP49L mutations in OBI infants might contribute to OBI through inhibiting the production of HBV DNA and HBsAg, respectively. This study found the potential virological factors and risk predictors for OBI in infants born to highly viremic mothers, which might be helpful for controlling OBI in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yarong Song
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yiwei Xiao
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Minmin Liu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu C, Tang M, Fu Y, Xun Z, Lin C, Wu S, Chen T, Zeng Y, Yang B, Ou Q, Liu C. Characterization of BCP/PreC/C region quasispecies in treatment-naive patients with different phases of HBV infection using next-generation sequencing. Int J Med Microbiol 2024; 315:151619. [PMID: 38564936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2024.151619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To analysis of quasispecies (QS) changes and high-frequency mutations in the BCP/PreC/C region of patients at different phases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and provides novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS With the application of next-generation sequencing technology, we were able to sequence the HBV BCP/PreC/C regions in 40 patients, each at different phases of the HBV infection. The heterogeneity of QS and the frequency of mutations were calculated using MEGA 7 software. RESULTS Our results show that the complexity and diversity of the BCP/PreC/C QS in HBeAg-positive CHB patients are significantly higher than those in HBeAg-positive chronic infection patients, while HBeAg-negative chronic infection patients had significantly higher QS complexity and diversity than HBeAg-negative CHB patients. In addition, HBeAg-negative patients showed reduced complexity but increased diversity compared with HBeAg-positive patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that G1764A, C2102T, dN and complexity of QS could be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosing HBeAg-positive CHB, while the A2189C, dS and complexity of QS could be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosing HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis. Finally, our study also found that G1896A and A2159G may be hotspot mutations affecting HBeAg seroconversion. CONCLUSION Our research elucidates the evolution of HBV by analyzing QS heterogeneity and mutation patterns, offering novel serum biomarkers for enhancing clinical diagnosis and disease prognosis. This comprehensive approach sheds light on the intricate dynamics of HBV progression and paves the way for more precise medical interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenggong Zhu
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Minjie Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ya Fu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhen Xun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Caorui Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Songhang Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tianbin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yongbin Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qishui Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Can Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Gene Diagnostic Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine of Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lago BV, Portilho MM, Mello VM, De Sousa PSF, Angelice GP, Marques BCL, da Silva Andrade LT, Marques VA, Lewis-Ximenez LL, Mello FCDA, Villar LM. Genetic variability of hepatitis B virus in acute and in different phases of chronic infection in Brazil. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10742. [PMID: 38730249 PMCID: PMC11087654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60900-2] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The selection pressure imposed by the host immune system impacts on hepatitis B virus (HBV) variability. This study evaluates HBV genetic diversity, nucleos(t)ide analogs resistance and HBsAg escape mutations in HBV patients under distinct selective pressures. One hundred and thirteen individuals in different phases of HBV infection were included: 13 HBeAg-positive chronic infection, 9 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis, 47 HBeAg-negative chronic infection (ENI), 29 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis (ENH) and 15 acute infected individuals. Samples were PCR amplified, sequenced and genetically analyzed for the overlapping POL/S genes. Most HBV carriers presented genotype A (84/113; 74.3%), subgenotype A1 (67/84; 79.7%), irrespective of group, followed by genotypes D (20/113; 17.7%), F (8/113; 7.1%) and E (1/113; 0.9%). Clinically relevant mutations in polymerase (tL180M/M204V) and in the Major Hydrophilic Region of HBsAg (sY100C, T118A/M, sM133T, sD144A and sG145R) were observed. Our findings, however, indicated that most polymorphic sites were located in the cytosolic loops (CYL1-2) and transmembrane domain 4 (TMD4) of HBsAg. Lower viral loads and higher HBV genetic diversity were observed in ENI and ENH groups (p < 0.001), suggesting that these groups are subjected to a higher selective pressure. Our results provide information on the molecular characteristics of HBV in a diverse clinical setting, and may guide future studies on the balance of HBV quasispecies at different stages of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Vieira Lago
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil.
- Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos (Bio-Manguinhos), Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Moyra Machado Portilho
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Motta Mello
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Sergio Fonseca De Sousa
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Giovana Paula Angelice
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Bianca Cristina Leires Marques
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Larissa Tropiano da Silva Andrade
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Alves Marques
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Lia Laura Lewis-Ximenez
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Francisco Campello do Amaral Mello
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| | - Livia Melo Villar
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Hélio and Peggy Pereira Pavillion, Ground Floor, Office B09, FIOCRUZ Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 210360-040, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Duchen D, Clipman SJ, Vergara C, Thio CL, Thomas DL, Duggal P, Wojcik GL. A hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequence variation graph improves alignment and sample-specific consensus sequence construction. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301069. [PMID: 38669259 PMCID: PMC11051683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nearly 300 million individuals live with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB), for which no curative therapy is available. As viral diversity is associated with pathogenesis and immunological control of infection, improved methods to characterize this diversity could aid drug development efforts. Conventionally, viral sequencing data are mapped/aligned to a reference genome, and only the aligned sequences are retained for analysis. Thus, reference selection is critical, yet selecting the most representative reference a priori remains difficult. We investigate an alternative pangenome approach which can combine multiple reference sequences into a graph which can be used during alignment. Using simulated short-read sequencing data generated from publicly available HBV genomes and real sequencing data from an individual living with CHB, we demonstrate alignment to a phylogenetically representative 'genome graph' can improve alignment, avoid issues of reference ambiguity, and facilitate the construction of sample-specific consensus sequences more genetically similar to the individual's infection. Graph-based methods can, therefore, improve efforts to characterize the genetics of viral pathogens, including HBV, and have broader implications in host-pathogen research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Duchen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Clipman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Candelaria Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Chloe L. Thio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - David L. Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Genevieve L. Wojcik
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duchen D, Clipman S, Vergara C, Thio CL, Thomas DL, Duggal P, Wojcik GL. A hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequence variation graph improves sequence alignment and sample-specific consensus sequence construction for genetic analysis of HBV. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.11.523611. [PMID: 36711598 PMCID: PMC9882026 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.11.523611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global public health concern, with over 250 million individuals living with chronic HBV infection (CHB) and no curative therapy currently available. Viral diversity is associated with CHB pathogenesis and immunological control of infection. Improved methods to characterize the viral genome at both the population and intra-host level could aid drug development efforts. Conventionally, HBV sequencing data are aligned to a linear reference genome and only sequences capable of aligning to the reference are captured for analysis. Reference selection has additional consequences, including sample-specific 'consensus' sequence construction. It remains unclear how to select a reference from available sequences and whether a single reference is sufficient for genetic analyses. Using simulated short-read sequencing data generated from full-length publicly available HBV genome sequences and HBV sequencing data from a longitudinally sampled individual with CHB, we investigate alternative graph-based alignment approaches. We demonstrate that using a phylogenetically representative 'genome graph' for alignment, rather than linear reference sequences, avoids issues of reference ambiguity, improves alignment, and facilitates the construction of sample-specific consensus sequences genetically similar to an individual's infection. Graph-based methods can therefore improve efforts to characterize the genetics of viral pathogens, including HBV, and may have broad implications in host pathogen research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Duchen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Steven Clipman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Candelaria Vergara
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Chloe L Thio
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - David L Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Priya Duggal
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Genevieve L Wojcik
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Humoral immunity in hepatitis B virus infection: Rehabilitating the B in HBV. JHEP REPORTS : INNOVATION IN HEPATOLOGY 2022; 4:100398. [PMID: 35059620 PMCID: PMC8760517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Insights into the immunopathogenesis of chronic HBV infections are fundamental in the quest for novel treatment approaches aimed at a functional cure. While much is known about the ineffective HBV-specific T-cell responses that characterise persistent HBV replication, B cells have been left largely understudied. However, an important role for humoral immunity during the natural history of HBV infections, as well as after functional cure, has been inadvertently revealed by the occurrence of HBV flares following B cell-depleting treatments. Herein, we review our current understanding of the role of the humoral immune response in chronic HBV, both at the level of HBV-specific antibody production and at the phenotypic and broader functional level of B cells. The recent development of fluorescently labelled HBV proteins has given us unprecedented insights into the phenotype and function of HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific B cells. This should fuel novel research into the mechanisms behind dysfunctional HBsAg-specific and fluctuating, possibly pathogenic, HBcAg-specific B-cell responses in chronic HBV. Finally, novel immunomodulatory treatments that partly target B cells are currently in clinical development, but a detailed assessment of their impact on HBV-specific B-cell responses is lacking. We plead for a rehabilitation of B-cell studies related to both the natural history of HBV and treatment development programmes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang Y, Xiao X, Chen S, Huang C, Zhou J, Dai E, Li Y, Liu L, Huang X, Gao Z, Wu C, Fang M, Gao C. The Impact of HBV Quasispecies Features on Immune Status in HBsAg+/HBsAb+ Patients With HBV Genotype C Using Next-Generation Sequencing. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775461. [PMID: 34899733 PMCID: PMC8656693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) serological pattern via intensive characterization of HBV s gene in both chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Method A total of 73 HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients (CHB = 36, HCC = 37) and 96 HBsAg+/HBsAb− patients (CHB = 47, HCC = 49) were enrolled from 13 medical centers in China. The sequence features were elaborated based on the combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and multidimensional bioinformatics analysis. Results The 16 high-frequency missense mutations, changes of stop codon mutation, clustering, and random forest models based on quasispecies features demonstrated the significant discrepancy power between HBsAg+/HBsAb+ and HBsAg+/HBsAb− in CHB and HCC, respectively. The immunogenicity for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope Se and antigenicity for the major hydrophilic region (MHR) were both reduced in HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients (CTL Se: p < 0.0001; MHR: p = 0.0216). Different mutation patterns were observed between HBsAg+/HBsAb+ patients with CHB and with HCC. Especially, mutations in antigenic epitopes, such as I126S in CHB and I126T in HCC, could impact the conformational structure and alter the antigenicity/immunogenicity of HBsAg. Conclusion Based on NGS and bioinformatics analysis, this study indicates for the first time that point mutations and quasispecies diversities of HBV s gene could alter the MHR antigenicity and CTL Se immunogenicity and could contribute to the concurrent HBsAg+/HBsAb+ with different features in HCC and CHB. Our findings might renew the understanding of this special serological profile and benefit the clinical management in HBV-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shipeng Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Erhei Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xianzhang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Wu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunfang Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China.,Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Boyd A, Dezanet LNC, Lacombe K. Functional Cure of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Individuals With HIV-Coinfection: A Literature Review. Viruses 2021; 13:1341. [PMID: 34372547 PMCID: PMC8309973 DOI: 10.3390/v13071341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In individuals infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the ultimate therapeutic goal, which defines "functional cure." For individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), functional cure occurs roughly 2 per 100 person-years during potent anti-HBV containing antiretroviral therapy. Although this rate may be higher than expected in treated HBV mono-infected individuals, rates of functional cure widely vary between studies (0.6-10.5 per 100 person-years). Similar to HBV mono-infection, the phase of HBV infection, HBV (sub-)genotypes and hepatitis B "e" Ag-negative variants are associated with functional cure in treated HIV-HBV co-infection. In specifically HIV-HBV co-infected individuals, strong increases in CD4+ T cell counts after treatment initiation have also been linked to functional cure, yet this finding is inconsistent across studies. Several markers directly or indirectly reflecting HBV activity are being developed to predict functional cure, such as quantification of HBsAg, hepatitis B core-related antigen, HBsAg protein composition, anti-hepatitis B core antibodies and interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10. Few have been assessed during treatment in HIV-HBV co-infected individuals and none have been validated to predict functional cure. Novel therapeutics for HBV cure are essential for individuals with HIV-HBV co-infection and need to be separately evaluated in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Boyd
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, 1018 WT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, 1105 BD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenza N. C. Dezanet
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France; (L.N.C.D.); (K.L.)
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, IPLESP, Sorbonne Université, 75012 Paris, France; (L.N.C.D.); (K.L.)
- APHP, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, 75012 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Increased hepatitis B virus quasispecies diversity is correlated with liver fibrosis progression. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 93:104938. [PMID: 34029727 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Host immune response and viral factors are involved in disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the relationship between HBV quasispecies and liver fibrosis progression remains unclear. In this study, 447 patients with chronic HBV infection, including 239 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 104 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 104 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were enrolled. The 239 CHB patients were divided into groups F1, F2, and F3 according to liver fibrosis score. Four fragments of the HBV genome were determined and analyzed using next-generation sequencing. Specific mutations, such as A1762T, G1764A and G1896A, in the BCP/PC region were more common in patients with advanced liver disease and formed the majority of the viral quasispecies pool in patients with LC and HCC. The viral complexity and diversity increased as the fibrosis progressed, especially in patients with CHB who were comparable in age but at different stages of fibrosis. Patients with early-stage fibrosis experienced higher purifying selection pressure in the four sequenced regions, whereas different protein-coding region experienced different negative selection with disease progression. HBV quasispecies diversity may increase fibrosis progression in CHB patients with aging under immune selection.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cheng HR, Yang HC, Lin SR, Yang TY, Lin YY, Su TH, Tseng TC, Liu CJ, Kao JH. Combined viral quasispecies diversity and hepatitis B core-related antigen predict off-nucleos(t)ide analog durability in HBeAg-negative patients. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:582-592. [PMID: 33886088 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral quasispecies dynamics between pre- and post-nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy remains unclear. AIM This study aimed to investigate the HBV quasispecies evolution and its relationship with durability of off-therapy responses in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who stopped NA therapy. METHODS Fifty-four HBeAg-negative CHB patients who stopped NAs, including 19 virological controllers (VC) who maintained serum HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL beyond 1-year off-therapy, and 35 virological relapsers (VR) experiencing virological relapse within 1-year off-therapy were recruited. Viral quasispecies was analyzed by deep sequencing. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBsAg were also measured. RESULTS VC had significantly higher baseline viral quasispecies diversity of the precore/core gene, measured by nucleotide diversity, than VR. Low baseline viral nucleotide diversity (< 0.01) and high HBcrAg (≧ 2.0 KU/mL), but not HBsAg, at end of treatment (EOT) were significantly associated with higher risk of 1-year virological relapse (hazard ratio [HR] 6.09 and 3.31, respectively). Combination of low baseline viral nucleotide diversity and high HBcrAg at EOT could identify patients at high risk (HR 15.82). Further analysis of the evolution of HBV whole genome showed that HBV nucleotide diversity negatively correlated with serum HBV DNA levels. Notably, the viral quasispecies diversity between pre- and post-NA treatment remained relatively unchanged. CONCLUSION Higher baseline HBV quasispecies diversity associates with more durable off-therapy viral suppression in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. Combination of baseline viral nucleotide diversity and HBcrAg at EOT can identify patients at high risk for virological relapse after stopping NAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huei-Ru Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Chang-Te St., Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Chang-Te St., Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Ru Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Chang-Te St., Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yu Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Chang-Te St., Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, 1 Chang-Te St., Taipei, 10002, Taiwan.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lin SR, Yang TY, Peng CY, Lin YY, Dai CY, Wang HY, Su TH, Tseng TC, Liu IJ, Cheng HR, Shen YC, Wu FY, Liu CJ, Chen DS, Chen PJ, Yang HC, Kao JH. Whole genome deep sequencing analysis of viral quasispecies diversity and evolution in HBeAg seroconverters. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100254. [PMID: 33870157 PMCID: PMC8042178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims We aimed to investigate how viral quasispecies of the HBV whole genome evolves and diversifies in response to HBeAg seroconversion and viral control utilising next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods Fifty HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients, including 18 treatment-naïve and 32 interferon (IFN)-treated individuals, were recruited. Serial HBV whole genomes in serum were analysed by NGS to determine sequence characteristics and viral quasispecies. Results HBV quasispecies diversity, measured by nucleotide diversity, was negatively correlated with viral load and hepatitis activity. Spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters exhibited significantly greater viral quasispecies diversity than treatment-naïve non-seroconverters from >1 year before seroconversion (0.0112 vs. 0.0060, p <0.01) to >1 year after seroconversion (0.0103 vs. 0.0068, p <0.01). IFN-induced HBeAg seroconverters tended to have higher viral genetic diversity than non-seroconverters along with treatment. Particularly, the IFN responders, defined as IFN-induced HBeAg seroconversion with low viraemia, exhibited significantly greater genetic diversity of whole HBV genome at 6 months post-IFN treatment than IFN non-responders (0.0148 vs. 0.0106, p = 0.048). Moreover, spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters and IFN responders exhibited significantly higher evolutionary rates and more intra-host single-nucleotide variants. Interestingly, in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters and IFN responders, there were distinct evolutionary patterns in the HBV genome. Conclusions Higher HBV quasispecies diversity is associated with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion and IFN-induced HBeAg seroconversion with low viraemia, conferring a favourable clinical outcome. Lay summary HBeAg seroconversion is a landmark in the natural history of chronic HBV infection. Using next-generation sequencing, we found that the nucleotide diversity of HBV was negatively correlated with viral load and hepatitis activity. Patients undergoing HBeAg seroconversion had more diverse HBV genomes and a faster viral evolution rate. Our findings suggest HBeAg seroconversion is driven by host selection pressure, likely immune selection pressure. Deep sequencing of whole HBV genome uncovers the quasispecies changes in chronic hepatitis B patients. The nucleotide diversity of HBV negatively correlates with viraemia during HBeAg loss/seroconversion. Viral quasispecies diversity is greater in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters before and after seroconversion than in treatment-naïve non-seroconverters. Responders to IFN have greater viral quasispecies diversity than non-responders at 24 weeks after treatment. The genome positions of non-synonymous intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) of HBV tend to be located at possible T cell epitopes.
Collapse
Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AUC, area under curve
- BCP, basal core promoter
- C, core
- CHB, chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic hepatitis B
- EOT, end of treatment
- HBeAg seroconversion
- IFN, interferon
- IFN-NR, IFN-non-responders
- IFN-No-eSC, IFN-treated HBeAg non-seroconverters
- IFN-RS, IFN-responders
- IFN-eSC, IFN-treated HBeAg seroconverters
- Intra-host single nucleotide variants
- NGS, next-generation sequencing
- ORFs, open reading frames
- P, polymerase
- S, surface
- TN-No-eSC, treatment-naïve non-seroconverters
- TN-eSC, treatment-naïve HBeAg seroconverters
- dN, nonsynonymous substitution rate
- dS, synonymous substitution rate
- iSNVs, intra-host single-nucleotide variants
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ru Lin
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yu Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Digestive Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepato-Biliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hurng-Yi Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Jung Liu
- Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Ru Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Chi Shen
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang M, Li J, Zhang X, Han Y, Yu D, Zhang D, Yuan Z, Yang Z, Huang J, Zhang X. An integrated software for virus community sequencing data analysis. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:363. [PMID: 32414327 PMCID: PMC7227348 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A virus community is the spectrum of viral strains populating an infected host, which plays a key role in pathogenesis and therapy response in viral infectious diseases. However automatic and dedicated pipeline for interpreting virus community sequencing data has not been developed yet. RESULTS We developed Quasispecies Analysis Package (QAP), an integrated software platform to address the problems associated with making biological interpretations from massive viral population sequencing data. QAP provides quantitative insight into virus ecology by first introducing the definition "virus OTU" and supports a wide range of viral community analyses and results visualizations. Various forms of QAP were developed in consideration of broader users, including a command line, a graphical user interface and a web server. Utilities of QAP were thoroughly evaluated with high-throughput sequencing data from hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus, and the results showed highly accurate viral quasispecies characteristics related to biological phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS QAP provides a complete solution for virus community high throughput sequencing data analysis, and it would facilitate the easy analysis of virus quasispecies in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Wang
- Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Key Lab of Medicine Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yue Han
- Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Demin Yu
- Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Donghua Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhenghong Yuan
- Key Lab of Medicine Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhitao Yang
- Emergency Department, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jinyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Clinical Research Center, Ruijin Hospital North, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201821, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mei F, Ren J, Long L, Li J, Li K, Liu H, Tang Y, Fang X, Wu H, Xiao C, Huang T, Deng W. Analysis of HBV X gene quasispecies characteristics by next-generation sequencing and cloning-based sequencing and its association with hepatocellular carcinoma progression. J Med Virol 2019; 91:1087-1096. [PMID: 30712269 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the differences between next-generation sequencing (NGS) and cloning-based sequencing (CBS) in HBX quasispecies research and primitively investigate the relationship between the dominant HBX quasispecies and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A total of 12 serum samples were collected. Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was extracted, and the HBV X-region (HBX) was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were simultaneously tested with NGS and CBS to detect quasispecies of the HBX. RESULTS A total of 9348 eligible quasispecies sequences were obtained by NGS, which were much larger than the 98 of that by CBS. By the phylogenetic tree, the dominant quasispecies sequence of each sample could be found, although they had several nucleotides differences between the dominant quasispecies sequences found by CBS and NGS. By comparing the quasispecies heterogeneity, it was found that the quasispecies complexity value of HBV X-region obtained by NGS was higher than CBS (P < 0.05). The diversity values, including d, dS, dN, an d d N/ dS obtained by NGS were lower than by CBS (all of P < 0.01). The relativity of Spearman(rs) in d, dS, and dN were statistically significant (rs_ d = 0.865, P = 0.001; rs_ dS = 0.722, P = 0.014; and rs_ dN = 0.738, P = 0.011, respectively). There were 21 different bases between the HBX quasispecies of case A and control B. CONCLUSION The results of this can be used as guidance when researchers plan to choose a suitable method to study quasispecies, especially the HBV X gene quasispecies. Some high-risk mutations of HBX quasispecies were also found in this study and their relationship with HCC need deeper exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fanbiao Mei
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Ren
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Long Long
- The Faculty of Big Data, Guangxi Teachers Education University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jilin Li
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Kezhi Li
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Haizhou Liu
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanping Tang
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hanghang Wu
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chanchan Xiao
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Tianren Huang
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Experimental Research Department, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Prognosis, Prevention and Research Prospects of Progression to Severe Hepatitis B (Liver Failure). ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS B 2019. [PMCID: PMC7498886 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1603-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This chapter describes the factors involved in the disease prognosis, parameters of outcome evaluations, principles and techniques for progression prevention. In last section, the future perspectives in both basic and clinical investigations towards unmet medical needs in AECHB and HBV ACLF are discussed.Factors affecting the prognosis of patients with severe hepatitis B include those related to the virus (including viral load, HBeAg expression, and gene mutation), patient age, co-morbidity, TBil, INR, serum Cr, and the host genetic background. Indicators associated with patient prognosis include TBil, total cholesterol, albumin and prealbumin, hepatic encephalopathy, kidney damage, alpha-fetoprotein and vitamin D binding protein, blood sodium level, virus HBeAg expression and genotype, and blood glucose. In addition to TBil, INR, hepatic encephalopathy, Cr level and AFP as indicators for prognosis of severe hepatitis, some other parameters such as clinical signs, symptoms, serum levels of total cholesterol and albumin and natrium, and coagulation factors are all valuable in assessment. The roles of cell apoptosis, liver regeneration and immunological parameters in assessing patient prognosis are under study. Prognostic evaluating systems include MELD score, MELD-Na score, iMELD score, KCI and CTP score. Prevention of severe hepatitis B should be started in asymptomatic patients. Close observation, sufficient rest, adequate nutrition, meticulous nursing and psychological care, preventing and removing exacerbating factors, treating concomitant diseases, reasonable antiviral and comprehensive therapies are helpful to prevent CHB patients from developing to severe hepatitis. For patients who already have severe hepatitis B, the prevention and management of complications is important for lowering mortality rate. New research directions in acute-on-chronic liver failure include: (1) Additional well controlled studies using present or new liver systems are warranted. Other approaches include the use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor to treat infections as well as the potential of use of stem cells to restore immune integrity and enhance liver regeneration. (2) Using new cell lines and animal models to understand the molecular biology of HBV, the immune response and to develop novel therapies. (3) Development of new anti-HBV strategies, e.g. silencing or remove cccDNA, enhancing immunologic clearance of HBV infection, inhibiting virus entry or HBc expression and using CRISP to disrupt cccDNA.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kramvis A, Kostaki EG, Hatzakis A, Paraskevis D. Immunomodulatory Function of HBeAg Related to Short-Sighted Evolution, Transmissibility, and Clinical Manifestation of Hepatitis B Virus. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2521. [PMID: 30405578 PMCID: PMC6207641 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a global public health problem can be asymptomatic, acute or chronic and can lead to serious consequences of infection, including cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV, a partially double stranded DNA virus, belongs to the family Hepadnaviridae, and replicates via reverse transcription of an RNA intermediate. This reverse transcription is catalyzed by a virus-encoded polymerase that lacks proof reading ability, which leads to sequence heterogeneity. HBV is classified into nine genotypes and at least 35 subgenotypes, which may be characterized by distinct geographical distributions. This HBV diversification and distinct geographical distribution has been proposed to be the result of the co-expansion of HBV with modern humans, after their out-of-Africa migration. HBeAg is a non-particulate protein of HBV that has immunomodulatory properties as a tolerogen that allows the virus to establish HBV infection in vivo. During the natural course of infection, there is seroconversion from a HBeAg-positive phase to a HBeAg-negative, anti-HBe-positive phase. During this seroconversion, there is loss of tolerance to infection and immune escape-HBeAg-negative mutants can be selected in response to the host immune response. The different genotypes and, in some cases, subgenotypes develop different mutations that can affect HBeAg expression at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels. The ability to develop mutations, affecting HBeAg expression, can influence the length of the HBeAg-positive phase, which is important in determining both the mode of transmission and the clinical course of HBV infection. Thus, the different genotypes/subgenotypes have evolved in such a way that they exhibit different modes of transmission and clinical manifestation of infection. Loss of HBeAg may be a sign of short-sighted evolution because there is loss of tolerogenic ability of HBeAg and HBeAg-negative virions are less transmissible. Depending on their ability to lead to HBeAg seroconversion, the genotype/subgenotypes exhibit varying degrees of short-sighted evolution. The “arms race” between HBV and the immune response to HBeAg is multifaceted and its elucidation intricate, with transmissibility and persistence being important for the survival of the virus. We attempt to shed some light on this complex interplay between host and virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Evangelia-Georgia Kostaki
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boyd A, Moh R, Maylin S, Abdou Chekaraou M, Mahjoub N, Gabillard D, Anglaret X, Eholié SP, Delaugerre C, Danel C, Zoulim F, Lacombe K. Precore G1896A mutation is associated with reduced rates of HBsAg seroclearance in treated HIV hepatitis B virus co-infected patients from Western Africa. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1121-1131. [PMID: 29660214 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The nucleotide substitution G1896A on the precore (pc) region has been implicated in virological and serological responses during treatment in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. Whether this mutation affects the therapeutic course of HIV-HBV co-infected patients, especially from Western Africa, is unknown. In this prospective cohort study, 86 antiretroviral (ARV)-naïve HIV-HBV co-infected patients from Côte d'Ivoire, initiating ARV-treatment containing lamivudine (n = 53) or tenofovir (n = 33), had available baseline pc sequences. Association of the pcG1896A mutation with time to undetectable HBV-DNA, hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance (in HBeAg-positive patients), and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. At ARV-initiation, median HBV-DNA was 6.04 log10 copies/mL (IQR = 3.70-7.93) with 97.7% harbouring HBV genotype E. Baseline pcG1896A mutation was identified in 51 (59.3%) patients, who were more commonly HBeAg-negative (P < .001) and had basal core promotor A1762T/G1764A mutations (P < .001). Patients were followed for a median 36 months (IQR = 24-36). Cumulative proportion of undetectable HBV-DNA was significantly higher in patients with baseline mutation (pcG1896A = 86.6% vs no pcG1896A = 66.9%, P = .04), but not after adjusting for baseline HBV-DNA levels and anti-HBV agent (P = .2). No difference in cumulative proportion of HBeAg seroclearance was observed between mutation groups (pcG1896A = 57.1% vs no pcG1896A = 54.3%, P = .7). Significantly higher cumulative proportion of HBsAg seroclearance was observed in patients without this mutation (pcG1896A = 0% vs no pcG1896A = 36.9%, P < .001), even after adjusting for baseline HBsAg quantification and anti-HBV agent (P < .001). In conclusion, lacking the pcG1896A mutation before ARV initiation appeared to increase HBsAg seroclearance rates during treatment. The therapeutic implications of this mutation need further exploration in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Boyd
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - R Moh
- Programme PAC-CI, ANRS Research Site, Treichville University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Treichville University Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Medical School, University Felix Houphouet Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - S Maylin
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | | | - N Mahjoub
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - D Gabillard
- INSERM, U1219, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - X Anglaret
- Programme PAC-CI, ANRS Research Site, Treichville University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,INSERM, U1219, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - S P Eholié
- Programme PAC-CI, ANRS Research Site, Treichville University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Treichville University Teaching Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,Medical School, University Felix Houphouet Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - C Delaugerre
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France.,INSERM U941, Paris, France
| | - C Danel
- Programme PAC-CI, ANRS Research Site, Treichville University Hospital, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.,INSERM, U1219, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, ISPED, Bordeaux, France
| | - F Zoulim
- INSERM U1052- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, Lyon, France.,Department of Hepatology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - K Lacombe
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France.,INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Hôpital Saint Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Colagrossi L, Hermans LE, Salpini R, Di Carlo D, Pas SD, Alvarez M, Ben-Ari Z, Boland G, Bruzzone B, Coppola N, Seguin-Devaux C, Dyda T, Garcia F, Kaiser R, Köse S, Krarup H, Lazarevic I, Lunar MM, Maylin S, Micheli V, Mor O, Paraschiv S, Paraskevis D, Poljak M, Puchhammer-Stöckl E, Simon F, Stanojevic M, Stene-Johansen K, Tihic N, Trimoulet P, Verheyen J, Vince A, Lepej SZ, Weis N, Yalcinkaya T, Boucher CAB, Wensing AMJ, Perno CF, Svicher V. Immune-escape mutations and stop-codons in HBsAg develop in a large proportion of patients with chronic HBV infection exposed to anti-HBV drugs in Europe. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:251. [PMID: 29859062 PMCID: PMC5984771 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HBsAg immune-escape mutations can favor HBV-transmission also in vaccinated individuals, promote immunosuppression-driven HBV-reactivation, and increase fitness of drug-resistant strains. Stop-codons can enhance HBV oncogenic-properties. Furthermore, as a consequence of the overlapping structure of HBV genome, some immune-escape mutations or stop-codons in HBsAg can derive from drug-resistance mutations in RT. This study is aimed at gaining insight in prevalence and characteristics of immune-associated escape mutations, and stop-codons in HBsAg in chronically HBV-infected patients experiencing nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in Europe. Methods This study analyzed 828 chronically HBV-infected European patients exposed to ≥ 1 NA, with detectable HBV-DNA and with an available HBsAg-sequence. The immune-associated escape mutations and the NA-induced immune-escape mutations sI195M, sI196S, and sE164D (resulting from drug-resistance mutation rtM204 V, rtM204I, and rtV173L) were retrieved from literature and examined. Mutations were defined as an aminoacid substitution with respect to a genotype A or D reference sequence. Results At least one immune-associated escape mutation was detected in 22.1% of patients with rising temporal-trend. By multivariable-analysis, genotype-D correlated with higher selection of ≥ 1 immune-associated escape mutation (OR[95%CI]:2.20[1.32–3.67], P = 0.002). In genotype-D, the presence of ≥ 1 immune-associated escape mutations was significantly higher in drug-exposed patients with drug-resistant strains than with wild-type virus (29.5% vs 20.3% P = 0.012). Result confirmed by analysing drug-naïve patients (29.5% vs 21.2%, P = 0.032). Strong correlation was observed between sP120T and rtM204I/V (P < 0.001), and their co-presence determined an increased HBV-DNA. At least one NA-induced immune-escape mutation occurred in 28.6% of patients, and their selection correlated with genotype-A (OR[95%CI]:2.03[1.32–3.10],P = 0.001). Finally, stop-codons are present in 8.4% of patients also at HBsAg-positions 172 and 182, described to enhance viral oncogenic-properties. Conclusions Immune-escape mutations and stop-codons develop in a large fraction of NA-exposed patients from Europe. This may represent a potential threat for horizontal and vertical HBV transmission also to vaccinated persons, and fuel drug-resistance emergence. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3161-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luna Colagrossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucas E Hermans
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Carlo
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Suzan D Pas
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Alvarez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ziv Ben-Ari
- Liver Disease Centre, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Greet Boland
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nicola Coppola
- Malattie Infettive, Seconda Università degli studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Tomasz Dyda
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Federico Garcia
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital San Cecilio, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Hospitales Universitarios de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sukran Köse
- Izmir Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Henrik Krarup
- Section of Molecular Diagnostics, Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ivana Lazarevic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja M Lunar
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sarah Maylin
- Service de Microbiologie, University Paris Diderot, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | | | - Orna Mor
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Simona Paraschiv
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Matei Bals", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dimitros Paraskevis
- National Retrovirus Reference Centre, Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mario Poljak
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - François Simon
- Service de Microbiologie, University Paris Diderot, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Maja Stanojevic
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nijaz Tihic
- Institute of Microbiology, Polyclinic for Laboratory Diagnostics, University Clinical Centre Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Pascale Trimoulet
- Virology Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Université "Victor Segalen", Bordeaux, France
| | - Jens Verheyen
- Institute of Virology, University-Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Adriana Vince
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine and University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snjezana Zidovec Lepej
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine and University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Charles A B Boucher
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie M J Wensing
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo F Perno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Boyd A, Lacombe K, Lavocat F, Miailhes P, Lascoux-Combe C, Girard PM, Zoulim F. Low incidence of precore W28* mutant variants in treated hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients. Antiviral Res 2017; 149:174-178. [PMID: 29169914 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The precore (pc) W28* mutation arises from immune-selective pressures during the hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg)-positive phase of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and has been linked to severe liver-related morbidity. Here, we examined the determinants of harboring this mutation and its rate of emergence in treated patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV. In a three-year prospective cohort of 165 HIV-HBV co-infected patients, pcW28* mutation was determined via DNA-chip during yearly sampling. In a subgroup with liver biopsies, HBV covalently-closed circular (ccc)-DNA and total intrahepatic (IH)-DNA were quantified by real-time PCR. From respective inclusion to year-3 visits, median HBV-DNA levels decreased (5.88 log10 IU/mL to <1.78 log10 IU/mL, p < 0.001) and tenofovir-use increased (15.8%-71.4%, p < 0.001). At baseline, 47 of 162 (29.0%) patients had the pcW28* mutation and were more frequently HBeAg-negative (adjusted-OR = 4.37, 95%CI = 1.76-10.86) and had non-A HBV genotypes (adjusted-OR = 9.14, 95%CI = 4.05-20.66). No association with HIV-related factors was observed. In 114 patients without baseline mutation and available data, four developed incident pcW28* mutation by the end of follow-up (cumulative 3.5%, 95%CI = 1.3-9.1%). In the 32 patients with liver biopsies, 10 (31.3%) patients harboring the pcW28* mutation had significantly lower adjusted mean cccDNA (0.05 versus without = 0.43 copies/cell, p < 0.001) and total IH-DNA levels (2.31 versus without = 18.59 copies/cell, p = 0.006). In conclusion, the pcW28* mutation infrequently appeared in this co-infected study population with increased use of potent antivirals and suppressed levels of circulating virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Boyd
- INSERM, UMR_S1136, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, F75012, Paris, France
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), F75012, Paris, France; Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Lavocat
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM, Unité 1052, CNRS, UMR 5286, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Miailhes
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Lascoux-Combe
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Maire Girard
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP UMRS 1136), F75012, Paris, France; Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM, Unité 1052, CNRS, UMR 5286, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France; Hepatology Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bayliss J, Yuen L, Rosenberg G, Wong D, Littlejohn M, Jackson K, Gaggar A, Kitrinos KM, Subramanian GM, Marcellin P, Buti M, Janssen HLA, Gane E, Sozzi V, Colledge D, Hammond R, Edwards R, Locarnini S, Thompson A, Revill PA. Deep sequencing shows that HBV basal core promoter and precore variants reduce the likelihood of HBsAg loss following tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B. Gut 2017; 66:2013-2023. [PMID: 27534671 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2015-309300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss are important clinical outcomes for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with antiviral therapy. To date, there have been few studies that have evaluated viral sequence markers predicting serological response to nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment. DESIGN We used next-generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative HBV serology (HBeAg and HBsAg) to identify viral sequence markers associated with serological response to long-term tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy among HBeAg-positive patients. In the GS-US-174-0103 study, approximately half the patients seroconverted to anti-HBe by week 192 and 11% of patients exhibited HBsAg loss, the closest outcome to functional cure. The frequency of HBV variants that have previously been associated with HBV clinical outcomes was evaluated. HBV viral diversity in baseline sequences generated by NGS was calculated using Shannon entropy. RESULTS NGS analysis of HBV sequences from 157 patients infected with genotypes A to D showed the frequency of variants in the basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (PC) regions varied by genotype and that these mutations were associated with the absence of HBsAg loss. This was the case even when mutations were present at frequencies below the threshold of detection by population sequencing. Increased viral diversity across the HBV genome as determined by NGS was also associated with reduced likelihood of HBsAg loss. CONCLUSION Patients with detectable BCP and/or PC variants and higher viral diversity have a lower probability of HBsAg loss during long-term NA therapy. Strategies to achieve functional cure of HBV infection through combination therapy should consider using NGS to stratify patients according to BCP/PC sequence. Consideration should also be given to earlier initiation of therapy prior to the emergence of BCP/PC variants. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT00116805; Post result.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Bayliss
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lilly Yuen
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gillian Rosenberg
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren Wong
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Littlejohn
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathleen Jackson
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anuj Gaggar
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Valle d'Hebron (Ciberehd) University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver Diseases, Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ed Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vitina Sozzi
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danni Colledge
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Hammond
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosalind Edwards
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter A Revill
- Division of Molecular Research and Development, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhu YO, Aw PPK, de Sessions PF, Hong S, See LX, Hong LZ, Wilm A, Li CH, Hue S, Lim SG, Nagarajan N, Burkholder WF, Hibberd M. Single-virion sequencing of lamivudine-treated HBV populations reveal population evolution dynamics and demographic history. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:829. [PMID: 29078745 PMCID: PMC5660452 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4217-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral populations are complex, dynamic, and fast evolving. The evolution of groups of closely related viruses in a competitive environment is termed quasispecies. To fully understand the role that quasispecies play in viral evolution, characterizing the trajectories of viral genotypes in an evolving population is the key. In particular, long-range haplotype information for thousands of individual viruses is critical; yet generating this information is non-trivial. Popular deep sequencing methods generate relatively short reads that do not preserve linkage information, while third generation sequencing methods have higher error rates that make detection of low frequency mutations a bioinformatics challenge. Here we applied BAsE-Seq, an Illumina-based single-virion sequencing technology, to eight samples from four chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients - once before antiviral treatment and once after viral rebound due to resistance. RESULTS With single-virion sequencing, we obtained 248-8796 single-virion sequences per sample, which allowed us to find evidence for both hard and soft selective sweeps. We were able to reconstruct population demographic history that was independently verified by clinically collected data. We further verified four of the samples independently through PacBio SMRT and Illumina Pooled deep sequencing. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we showed that single-virion sequencing yields insight into viral evolution and population dynamics in an efficient and high throughput manner. We believe that single-virion sequencing is widely applicable to the study of viral evolution in the context of drug resistance and host adaptation, allows differentiation between soft or hard selective sweeps, and may be useful in the reconstruction of intra-host viral population demographic history.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan O Zhu
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore.
| | - Pauline P K Aw
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
| | | | - Shuzhen Hong
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
| | - Lee Xian See
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Lewis Z Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Andreas Wilm
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
| | - Chen Hao Li
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
| | - Stephane Hue
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | | | | | - Martin Hibberd
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore, 138672, Singapore.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Quer J, Rodríguez-Frias F, Gregori J, Tabernero D, Soria ME, García-Cehic D, Homs M, Bosch A, Pintó RM, Esteban JI, Domingo E, Perales C. Deep sequencing in the management of hepatitis virus infections. Virus Res 2017; 239:115-125. [PMID: 28040474 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis viruses represent a major public health problem worldwide. Procedures for characterization of the genomic composition of their populations, accurate diagnosis, identification of multiple infections, and information on inhibitor-escape mutants for treatment decisions are needed. Deep sequencing methodologies are extremely useful for these viruses since they replicate as complex and dynamic quasispecies swarms whose complexity and mutant composition are biologically relevant traits. Population complexity is a major challenge for disease prevention and control, but also an opportunity to distinguish among related but phenotypically distinct variants that might anticipate disease progression and treatment outcome. Detailed characterization of mutant spectra should permit choosing better treatment options, given the increasing number of new antiviral inhibitors available. In the present review we briefly summarize our experience on the use of deep sequencing for the management of hepatitis virus infections, particularly for hepatitis B and C viruses, and outline some possible new applications of deep sequencing for these important human pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josep Quer
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Research-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Frias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Gregori
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Research-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Roche Diagnostics, S.L., Sant Cugat del Vallés, Spain
| | - David Tabernero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Eugenia Soria
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Research-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Damir García-Cehic
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Research-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Homs
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Bosch
- Department of Microbiology, Enteric Virus Laboratory, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa María Pintó
- Department of Microbiology, Enteric Virus Laboratory, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Ignacio Esteban
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Research-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Domingo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Perales
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Internal Medicine Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut Research-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron (VHIR-HUVH), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (CSIC-UAM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yang G, Liu Z, Yang J, Luo K, Xu Y, He H, Fu Q, Yu S, Wang Z. Quasispecies characteristics in mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus by next-generation sequencing. J Infect 2017; 75:48-58. [PMID: 28483405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify within-host quasispecies characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in mothers and children infected via mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). METHODS Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed sequences within the non-overlapping pre-core/core (pre-C/C) gene in 37 mother-child pairs. RESULTS Phylogenetic and Highlighter analyses suggested that both a single strain and multiple distinct strains may be transmitted in MTCT of HBV. However, analysis of reassembled viral sequences revealed a relatively narrow distribution of variants in children, which was confirmed by a lower viral diversity in children than that in mothers. New closely related variants with combinations of two to five high-frequency mutations were observed in seven children with elevated ALT levels; the new variants out-competed the transmitted maternal variants to become the dominant strains in five of them. Furthermore, 30 mutations with a frequency >1% of all viruses within-host were present in those children; the mutations caused 19 amino-acid substitutions. Interestingly, almost all were located within the well-known T-cell or B-cell epitopes. CONCLUSIONS There are restrictive changes that occur in the early stages of chronic HBV infection through MTCT with different clinical consequences. These data might have important implications for future investigations of interrelated immunopathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juncheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangxian Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitang He
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunfang Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shouyi Yu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhanhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhou TC, Li X, Li L, Li XF, Zhang L, Wei J. Evolution of full-length genomes of HBV quasispecies in sera of patients with a coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies. Sci Rep 2017; 7:661. [PMID: 28386078 PMCID: PMC5428874 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00694-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the evolutionary changes of viral quasispecies are correlated to the pathological status of a disease, little is known in the coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to these antigens (anti-HBs). To examine evolutionary changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their relationship to the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies, HBV genomes in patients with a coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies (experimental group) and HBsAg positive without anti-HBs (control group) were assessed. Our results showed that quasispecies diversity was significantly higher in the experimental group for large HBsAg (LHBsAg), middle HBsAg (MHBsAg), and HBsAg genes. LHBsAg harbored dN/dS values eight times higher in the experimental group; however, the mean dN/dS ratios in genes HbxAg, Pol and PreC/C of the experimental patients had an opposite trend. Phylogenetic trees in the experimental group were more complex than the control group. More positive selection sites, mutations and deletions were observed in the experimental group in specific regions. Furthermore, several amino acid variants in epitopes were potentially associated with the immune evasion. In conclusion, cumulative evolutionary changes in HBV genome that facilitate immune evasion provide insights into the genetic mechanism of a coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Cheng Zhou
- Central lab, Liver disease research center, the second people's hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Central lab, Liver disease research center, the second people's hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Long Li
- Central lab, Liver disease research center, the second people's hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Li
- Clinical laboratory, the third people's hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Central lab, Liver disease research center, the second people's hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Jia Wei
- Central lab, Liver disease research center, the second people's hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Virological Determinants of Spontaneous Postpartum e Antigen Seroconversion and Surface Antigen Seroclearance in Pregnant Women Infected with Hepatitis B Virus. Arch Med Res 2016; 47:207-13. [PMID: 27387022 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We investigated the virological factors predicting spontaneous postpartum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). METHODS We invited 419 HBV infected women whose sera had been collected during their pregnancy from August 2002-July 2004 and archived at -30°C, to participate the follow-up in October 2009-March 2010. Various virological factors were determined and compared in women with or without the seroconversion and seroclearance. RESULTS A total of 264 (63.0%) antiviral naive women participated in the follow-up with an average observation period of 6.4 years (5.4-7.4). Of 76 women who were HBeAg positive during pregnancy, 42 (55.3%) seroconverted to anti-HBe during follow-up. Compared to pregnant women with HBV DNA ≥3 × 10(7) IU/mL or HBeAg ≥770 S/CO, those with HBV DNA <3 × 10(7) IU/mL or HBeAg <770 S/CO had higher conversion rate, with odds ratios (OR) of 7.32 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-26.78) and 5.94 (95% CI, 1.40-25.16), respectively. Thirty eight (14.4%) women cleared HBsAg; pregnant women with HBsAg levels of 100-999 and <100 IU/mL had higher HBsAg seroclearance rate with OR of 2.58 (95% CI, 1.03-6.43) and 13.33 (95% CI, 5.07-35.07), respectively, compared to those with HBsAg >1000 IU/mL. CONCLUSIONS HBeAg-positive pregnant women with HBV DNA <3 × 10(7) IU/mL or HBeAg <770 S/CO are more likely to undergo postpartum HBeAg seroconversion. HBsAg <100 IU/mL is a strong predictor of spontaneous postpartum HBsAg seroclearance.
Collapse
|
25
|
Homs M, Rodriguez-Frias F, Gregori J, Ruiz A, Reimundo P, Casillas R, Tabernero D, Godoy C, Barakat S, Quer J, Riveiro-Barciela M, Roggendorf M, Esteban R, Buti M. Evidence of an Exponential Decay Pattern of the Hepatitis Delta Virus Evolution Rate and Fluctuations in Quasispecies Complexity in Long-Term Studies of Chronic Delta Infection. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158557. [PMID: 27362848 PMCID: PMC4928832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic HDV infection can cause a severe form of viral hepatitis for which there is no specific treatment. Characterization of the hepatitis B or C viral quasispecies has provided insight into treatment failure and disease recurrence following liver transplantation, has proven useful to understand hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion, and has helped to predict whether hepatitis C infection will resolve or become chronic. It is likely that characterization of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) quasispecies will ultimately have similar value for the management of this infection. This study sought to determine the RNA evolution rates in serum of chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) treatment-naïve patients, using next-generation sequencing methods. The region selected for study encompassed nucleotide positions 910 to 1270 of the genome and included the amber/W codon. Amber/W is a substrate of the editing process by the ADAR1 host enzyme and is essential for encoding the 2 delta antigens (HDAg). The amber codon encodes the small (unedited) HDAg form and the W codon the large (edited) HDAg form. The evolution rate was analyzed taking into account the time elapsed between samples, the percentage of unedited and edited genomes, and the complexity of the viral population. The longitudinal studies included 29 sequential samples from CHD patients followed up for a mean of 11.5 years. In total, 121,116 sequences were analyzed. The HDV evolution rate ranged from 9.5x10-3 to 1.2x10-3 substitutions/site/year and showed a negative correlation with the time elapsed between samples (p<0.05). An accumulation of transition-type changes was found to be responsible for higher evolution rates. The percentages of unedited and edited genomes and the quasispecies complexity showed no relationships with the evolution rate, but the fluctuations in the percentages of genomes and in complexity suggest continuous adaptation of HDV to the host conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Homs
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodriguez-Frias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Josep Gregori
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Diseases Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Roche Diagnostics SL, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Alicia Ruiz
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Reimundo
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosario Casillas
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Diseases Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Tabernero
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Godoy
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salma Barakat
- Gastroenterology Department, National Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver disease, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Josep Quer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Diseases Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mar Riveiro-Barciela
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institut of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rafael Esteban
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jones LR, Sede M, Manrique JM, Quarleri J. Virus evolution during chronic hepatitis B virus infection as revealed by ultradeep sequencing data. J Gen Virol 2015; 97:435-444. [PMID: 26581478 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB) being a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer, HBV evolution during CHB is not fully understood. Recent studies have indicated that virus diversity progressively increases along the course of CHB and that some virus mutations correlate with severe liver conditions such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Using ultradeep sequencing (UDS) data from an intrafamilial case, we detected such mutations at low frequencies among three immunotolerant patients and at high frequencies in an inactive carrier. Furthermore, our analyses indicated that the HBV population from the seroconverter patient underwent many genetic changes in response to virus clearance. Together, these data indicate a potential use of UDS for developing non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring disease changes over time or in response to specific therapies. In addition, our analyses revealed that virus clearance seemed not to require the virus effective population size to decline. A detailed genetic analysis of the viral lineages arising during and after the clearance suggested that mutations at or close to critical elements of the core promoter (enhancer II, epsilon encapsidation signal, TA2, TA3 and direct repeat 1-hormone response element) might be responsible for a sustained replication. This hypothesis requires the decline in virus load to be explained by constant clearance of virus-producing hepatocytes, consistent with the sustained progress towards serious liver conditions experienced by many CHB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandro R Jones
- Laboratorio de Virología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales sede Trelew, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, 9 de Julio y Begrano S/N (9100) Trelew, Chubut, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. Rivadavia 1917 (C1083ACA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano Sede
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. Rivadavia 1917 (C1083ACA) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155-Piso 11 (C1121ABG) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta M Manrique
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. Rivadavia 1917 (C1083ACA) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Laboratorio de Virología y Genética Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales sede Trelew, Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco, 9 de Julio y Begrano S/N (9100) Trelew, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Jorge Quarleri
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155-Piso 11 (C1121ABG) Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Av. Rivadavia 1917 (C1083ACA) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Increased intrahepatic quasispecies heterogeneity correlates with off-treatment sustained response to nucleos(t)ide analogues in e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2015; 22:201-207. [PMID: 26493847 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Finite treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) remains a great challenge for chronic hepatitis B in the clinic. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intrahepatic quasispecies heterogeneity and the NAs off-treatment outcomes in a prospective cohort. Eighteen HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B who achieved the cessation criteria underwent liver biopsy, and stopped treatment thereafter. Patients were followed up prospectively for 1 year. The reverse transcriptase (RT) gene of intrahepatic hepatitis B virus (HBV) was cloned and sequenced. Intrahepatic quasispecies heterogeneity and specific gene mutations were analysed using bioinformatic methods. Ten patients achieved sustained response, and eight patients developed viral relapse. The intrahepatic quasispecies Shannon entropy and nucleotide diversity within either RT or the surface (S) region of patients with sustained response were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of patients who had a viral relapse. Intrahepatic quasispecies Shannon entropy at the nucleotide level predicted the sustained off-treatment response (area under receiver operating characteristics curve 0.925; 95% CI 0.807-1.000; p 0.003). More positive selection sites and N-glycosylation mutations within the S region were found in patients with sustained response than in the patients with viral relapse (p < 0.01). Most of the positive selection sites in patients with sustained response were located in reported HLA-I-restricted or HLA-II-restricted epitopes. Intrahepatic quasispecies heterogeneity at the end of treatment was correlated with off-treatment outcomes in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B. More immune escape mutations were found within the S region in patients with sustained response. The higher intrahepatic quasispecies heterogeneity indicated a more robust immune control over HBV, which in turn maintained a sustained response after withdrawal of NAs.
Collapse
|
28
|
Vanwolleghem T, Hou J, van Oord G, Andeweg AC, Osterhaus ADME, Pas SD, Janssen HLA, Boonstra A. Re-evaluation of hepatitis B virus clinical phases by systems biology identifies unappreciated roles for the innate immune response and B cells. Hepatology 2015; 62:87-100. [PMID: 25808668 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To identify immunological mechanisms that govern distinct clinical phases of a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection-immune tolerant (IT), immune active (IA), inactive carrier (IC), and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative (ENEG) hepatitis phases-we performed a systems biology study. Serum samples from untreated chronic HBV patients (n = 71) were used for multiplex cytokine measurements, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBeAg levels, HBV genotype, and mutant analysis. Leukocytes were phenotyped using multicolor flow cytometry, and whole-blood transcriptome profiles were generated. The latter were compared with liver biopsy transcriptomes from IA (n = 16) and IT (n = 3) patients. HBV viral load as well as HBeAg and HBsAg levels (P < 0.001), but not leukocyte composition, differed significantly between distinct phases. Serum macrophage chemotactic protein 1, interleukin-12p40, interferon (IFN)-gamma-inducible protein 10, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta levels were different between two or more clinical phases (P < 0.05). Comparison of blood transcriptomes identified 64 differentially expressed genes. The gene signature distinguishing IA from IT and IC patients was predominantly composed of highly up-regulated immunoglobulin-encoding genes. Modular repertoire analysis using gene sets clustered according to similar expression patterns corroborated the abundant expression of B-cell function-related genes in IA patients and pointed toward increased (ISG) transcript levels in IT patients, compared to subsequent phases. Natural killer cell activities were clustered in clinical phases with biochemical liver damage (IA and ENEG phases), whereas T-cell activities were higher in all phases, compared to IT patients. B-cell-related transcripts proved to be higher in biopsies from IA versus IT patients. CONCLUSION HBV clinical phases are characterized by distinct blood gene signatures. Innate IFN and B-cell responses are highly active during the IT and IA phases, respectively. This suggests that the presumed immune tolerance in chronic HBV infections needs to be redefined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gertine van Oord
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arno C Andeweg
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A D M E Osterhaus
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzan D Pas
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Aim of the study To identify distribution of HBV genotypes in particular regions of Poland. Material and methods The study included 270 treatment-naïve, HBV-infected individuals, enrolled in 7 centers of Poland. HBV genotyping was performed in 243 of them with the INNO-LiPA HBV Genotyping assay (Innogenetics). Results Genotype A present in 2/3 patients was demonstrated as the most predominant in Poland. It was followed by D (20%), H (5%) and mixed A + D (5%). Remaining patients were infected with genotype F, mixed D + G, A + C or D + F. Analysis of distribution demonstrated regional differences, with a higher rate of genotype D prevalence (about 30%) in the eastern (Białystok and Lublin) and south-western (Wrocław) parts compared to other regions, where the prevalence rate was below 15%. The highest prevalence of genotype A (exceeding 80%) was observed in central Poland (Bydgoszcz, Łódź). Conclusions The presented data reveal the current distribution of HBV genotypes across Poland, which is the first and the largest such epidemiological analysis.
Collapse
|
30
|
Yano Y, Azuma T, Hayashi Y. Variations and mutations in the hepatitis B virus genome and their associations with clinical characteristics. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:583-92. [PMID: 25848482 PMCID: PMC4381181 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is major global issue, because chronic HBV infection is strongly associated with liver cancer. HBV spread worldwide with various mutations and variations. This variability, called quasispecies, is derived from no proof-reading capacity of viral reverse transcriptase. So far, thousands of studies reported that the variety of genome is closely related to the geographic distribution and clinical characteristics. Recent technological advances including capillary sequencer and next generation sequencer have made in easier to analyze mutations. The variety of HBV genome is related to not only antigenicity of HBs-antigen but also resistance to antiviral therapies. Understanding of these variations is important for the development of diagnostic tools and the appropriate therapy for chronic hepatitis B. In this review, recent publications in relation to HBV mutations and variations are updated and summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Yano
- Yoshihiko Yano, Takeshi Azuma, Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takeshi Azuma
- Yoshihiko Yano, Takeshi Azuma, Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Hayashi
- Yoshihiko Yano, Takeshi Azuma, Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kusunoki-cho, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. On the basis of virus-host interactions, the natural history of HBV carriers can be divided into four chronological phases. In the first immune tolerance phase, HBV carriers are positive for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and have high HBV replication activity, normal ALT levels as well as minimal liver disease. Ample evidence has shown that patients in the immune tolerance phase have very low viral evolution and minimal risk of fibrosis progression. However, recent immunological studies argued that HBV-specific immune responses already exist in a proportion of immune-tolerant patients and the immune activities are comparable to those in the immune clearance phase. Regarding antiviral therapy, whether these immune-tolerant patients are indicated for treatment remains debated. Previous studies showed that HBeAg-positive patients with normal or near-normal ALT levels, who are assumed to be in the immune tolerance phase, have a lower HBeAg seroconversion rate receiving either pegylated interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment. The latest clinical trial focusing on-treatment response of immune-tolerant patients with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based therapy also confirmed the results. The HBeAg seroconversion rates are <5% at 4 years of treatment. Considering the minimal risk of disease progression and low treatment response rates in immune-tolerant patients, current antiviral therapy should not be recommended unless the patients have advanced liver fibrosis. In addition, novel agents targeting the HBV template known as covalently closed circular DNA and aiming to reduce or eliminate it are urgently required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T-C Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzuchi Hospital, The Buddhist Tzuchi Medical Foundation, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Homs M, Caballero A, Gregori J, Tabernero D, Quer J, Nieto L, Esteban R, Buti M, Rodriguez-Frias F. Clinical application of estimating hepatitis B virus quasispecies complexity by massive sequencing: correlation between natural evolution and on-treatment evolution. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112306. [PMID: 25393280 PMCID: PMC4231103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate HBV quasispecies (QA) complexity in the preCore/Core regions in relation to HBeAg status, and explore QA changes under natural evolution and nucleoside analogue (NUC) treatment. METHODS Ultra-deep pyrosequencing of HBV preCore/Core regions in 30 sequential samples (baseline [diagnosis], treatment-free, and treatment-nonresponse) from 10 retrospectively selected patients grouped according to HBeAg status over time: HBeAg+ (N = 4), HBeAg- (N = 2), and fluctuating HBeAg (transient seroreversion/seroconversion pattern) (N = 4). QA complexity was defined by Shannon entropy, mutation frequency, nucleotide diversity, and mutation frequency of amino acids (MfAA) in preCore and Core. RESULTS The QA was less complex in HBeAg+ than in HBeAg- or fluctuating HBeAg. High complexity in preCore was associated with decreased viral replication (preCore MfAA negatively correlated with HBV-DNA, p = 0.005). QA complexity in the treatment-free period negatively correlated with values seen during treatment. Specific variants were mainly selected in the Core region in HBeAg- and fluctuating HBeAg patients, suggesting higher immune pressure than in HBeAg+. CONCLUSIONS The negative correlation between QA natural evolution and on-treatment evolution indicates the importance of pre-treatment QA study to predict QA changes in NUC nonresponders. Study of QA complexity could be useful for managing HBV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Homs
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Caballero
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Gregori
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Diseases, Research Institute Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Tabernero
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Quer
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Diseases, Research Institute Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Nieto
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Esteban
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodriguez-Frias
- Centro de investigación biomédica en red: enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Warner BG, Abbott WGH, Rodrigo AG. Frequency-dependent selection drives HBeAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 2014:1-9. [PMID: 24481244 PMCID: PMC4204619 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eot023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
HBeAg seroconversion is an important stage in the evolution of a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection that usually leads to control of viral replication and a reduced risk for liver cirrhosis and cancer. Since current therapies for the HBV-associated liver inflammation that is known as chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Rarely induce permanent HBeAg seroconversion, there is a need to understand the mechanisms responsible for the purpose of identifying new therapeutic targets. Currently, the most widely accepted hypothesis is that the patient’s humoral and cellular immune responses to the HBV initiate HBeAg seroconversion. Although we accept that this hypothesis cannot be excluded, we propose an alternative that is consistent with published data on HBeAg seroconversion. We postulate, as others have, that the HBeAg suppresses the immune response to the HBV. However, production of the HBeAg incurs a metabolic cost to the hepatocyte which reduces the replicative capacity of the virus. Consequently, HBeAg-negative viruses replicate faster than HBeAg-positive viruses. HBeAg-negative variants arise de novo; and when their frequency in the population is low they have a replicative advantage. However, they also benefit from the immunosuppressive effects of the HBeAg-positive viruses in the population. As HBeAg-negative variants increase in frequency and HBeAg levels fall, the immune system recognizes the HBV, and HBeAg seroconversion occurs as a consequence of frequency-dependent selection acting on HBeAg-negative variants. This hypothesis explains the wide inter-individual variation in age of seroconversion, the increased rate of seroconversion during anti-viral treatment and the phenomena of both spontaneous and post-treatment HBeAg reversions (in which patients cycle between the HBeAg-positive and negative phases of their infection).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brook G Warner
- Bioinformatics Institute, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92-019, Auckland, New Zealand; The New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Private Bag 92-024, Auckland, New Zealand; Biology Department, Duke University, 125 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rodriguez-Frias F, Buti M, Tabernero D, Homs M. Quasispecies structure, cornerstone of hepatitis B virus infection: Mass sequencing approach. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:6995-7023. [PMID: 24222943 PMCID: PMC3819535 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i41.6995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a DNA virus with complex replication, and high replication and mutation rates, leading to a heterogeneous viral population. The population is comprised of genomes that are closely related, but not identical; hence, HBV is considered a viral quasispecies. Quasispecies variability may be somewhat limited by the high degree of overlapping between the HBV coding regions, which is especially important in the P and S gene overlapping regions, but is less significant in the X and preCore/Core genes. Despite this restriction, several clinically and pathologically relevant variants have been characterized along the viral genome. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches enable high-throughput analysis of thousands of clonally amplified regions and are powerful tools for characterizing genetic diversity in viral strains. In the present review, we update the information regarding HBV variability and present a summary of the various NGS approaches available for research in this virus. In addition, we provide an analysis of the clinical implications of HBV variants and their study by NGS.
Collapse
|