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Roca TP, Villar LM, Nogueira Lima FS, Vasconcelos MPA, Borzacov LMP, Silva EDCE, do Lago BV, da Silva MTL, Botelho Souza LF, Salcedo JMV, dos Santos ADO, Vieira DS. Genomic Variability of Hepatitis B Virus Circulating in Brazilian Western Amazon. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102100. [PMID: 36298655 PMCID: PMC9611064 DOI: 10.3390/v14102100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of clinically relevant mutations in the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome has been a matter of great debate because of the possibility of escape from the host’s immune system, the potential to cause more severe progression of liver diseases and the emergence of treatment-resistant variants. Here we characterized the circulating variants of HBV in Rondônia State, in the north of Brazil. Serum samples of 62 chronic HBV carriers were subjected to PCR assays and clinical data were collected. Mutations and genotypes were characterized through direct sequencing. The findings show the presence of subgenotypes A1 (54.83%, 34/62), D3 (16.13%, 10/62), F2 (16.13%, 10/62), A2 (4.84%, 3/62), D2 (3.23%, 2/62), D1 (1.61%, 1/62), D4 (1.61%, 1/62) and F4 (1.61%, 1/62). Deletions in the pre-S2 region were found in 13.79% (8/58) of the samples, mutations in the S gene in 59.68% (37/62) and RT mutations in 48.39% (30/62). We found a variable genotypic distribution in different locations and important mutations related to immune escape and drug resistance in Western Amazonia, which contributed to genetic surveillance and provided important information to help control the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tárcio Peixoto Roca
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
- Correspondence: (T.P.R.); (L.M.V.)
| | - Livia Melo Villar
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: (T.P.R.); (L.M.V.)
| | - Felipe Souza Nogueira Lima
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Bárbara Vieira do Lago
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Mayara Torquato Lima da Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Structural Bioengineering, Biophysics Institute Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
| | | | - Juan Miguel Villalobos Salcedo
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Research Center of Rondônia—CEPEM/RO, Porto Velho 76812-329, Brazil
| | | | - Deusilene Souza Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation of Rondônia—FIOCRUZ/RO, Porto Velho 76812-245, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Research Center of Rondônia—CEPEM/RO, Porto Velho 76812-329, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Experimental Biology, Federal University of Rondônia—PGBIOEXP/UNIR, Porto Velho 76801-059, Brazil
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Bezerra CS, Portilho MM, Barbosa JR, de Azevedo CP, Mendonça ACDF, da Cruz JNM, Frota CC, do Lago BV, Villar LM. Dried blood spot sampling for hepatitis B virus quantification, sequencing and mutation detection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1651. [PMID: 35102169 PMCID: PMC8803841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) diagnosis is performed on serum samples, but the access to this diagnosis is difficult in low-income regions. The use of dried blood spot (DBS) samples does not require special structure for collection, storage or transport. This study evaluates the use of DBS for detection, quantification and sequencing of HBV DNA using in-house techniques. Two study groups were included: 92 HBsAg + individuals and 49 negative controls. Serum and DBS samples were submitted to quantitative and qualitative in-house PCR for S/pol genes, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Total of 84 serum samples were successfully amplified. Of them, 63 paired DBS were also positive in qualitative PCR. Qualitative PCR in DBS presented a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 100% (Kappa = 0.689). Quantitative PCR in DBS presented a detection limit of 852.5 copies/mL (250 IU/mL), sensitivity of 77.63% and specificity of 100% (Kappa = 0.731). A total of 63 serum samples and 36 DBS samples were submitted to sequencing, revealing the circulation of genotypes A (65.08%), D (4.8%), E (3.2%) and F (27%) with 100% of correspondence between serum and DBS. All sequenced samples displayed polymorphisms in HBsAg gene. An HIV-coinfected patient presented the rtM204V/I-rtL180M double resistance mutation in serum and DBS. In conclusion, DBS is an alternative to detect, quantify and characterize HBV DNA, being a possibility of increasing diagnosis in low-income settings, closing gaps in HBV control.
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Olagbenro M, Anderson M, Gaseitsiwe S, Powell EA, Gededzha MP, Selabe SG, Blackard JT. In silico analysis of mutations associated with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in South Africa. Arch Virol 2021; 166:3075-3084. [PMID: 34468889 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-021-05196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (OBI) infection is defined by the presence of viral DNA in the liver and/or serum in absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). While multiple studies have identified mutations that are associated with OBI, only a small portion of these mutations have been functionally characterized in vitro. Using complementary in silico approaches, the effects of OBI-associated amino acid mutations on HBV protein function in HBV/HIV-positive ART-naïve South Africans were evaluated. Two OBI-associated mutations in the PreS1 region, one in the PreS2 region, and seven in the surface region of subgenotype A1 sequences were identified as deleterious. In subgenotype A2 sequences, 11 OBI-associated mutations in the PreS1 region, seven in the PreS2 region, and 31 in the surface region were identified as deleterious. In the polymerase region, 14 OBI-associated mutations in subgenotype A1 and 71 OBI-associated mutations in subgenotype A2 were identified as deleterious. This study utilized in silico approaches to characterize the likely impact of OBI-associated mutations on viral function, thereby identifying and prioritizing candidates and reducing the significant cost associated with functional studies that are essential for mechanistic studies of the OBI phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Olagbenro
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA
| | | | | | - Eleanor A Powell
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Maemu P Gededzha
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.,HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Selokela G Selabe
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jason T Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, ML 0595, Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0595, USA. .,HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Phan NMH, Faddy HM, Flower RL, Dimech WJ, Spann KM, Roulis EV. Low Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Gene amongst Australian Blood Donors. Viruses 2021; 13:1275. [PMID: 34208852 PMCID: PMC8310342 DOI: 10.3390/v13071275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants in the small surface gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which codes for viral surface antigen (HBsAg), can affect the efficacy of HBsAg screening assays and can be associated with occult HBV infection (OBI). This study aimed to characterise the molecular diversity of the HBV small surface gene from HBV-reactive Australian blood donors. HBV isolates from 16 HBsAg-positive Australian blood donors' plasma were sequenced and genotyped by phylogenies of viral coding genes and/or whole genomes. An analysis of the genetic diversity of eight HBV small surface genes from our 16 samples was conducted and compared with HBV sequences from NCBI of 164 international (non-Australian) blood donors. Genotypes A-D were identified in our samples. The region of HBV small surface gene that contained the sequence encoding the 'a' determinant had a greater genetic diversity than the remaining part of the gene. No escape mutants or OBI-related variants were observed in our samples. Variant call analysis revealed two samples with a nucleotide deletion leading to truncation of polymerase and/or large/middle surface amino acid sequences. Overall, we found that HBV small surface gene sequences from Australian donors demonstrated a lower level of genetic diversity than those from non-Australian donor population included in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Minh Hien Phan
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Helen M. Faddy
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland 4502, Australia
| | - Robert L. Flower
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Wayne J. Dimech
- Scientific & Business Relations, National Serology Reference Laboratory, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia;
| | - Kirsten M. Spann
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
| | - Eileen V. Roulis
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; (H.M.F.); (R.L.F.); (K.M.S.); (E.V.R.)
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
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Campos-Valdez M, Monroy-Ramírez HC, Armendáriz-Borunda J, Sánchez-Orozco LV. Molecular Mechanisms during Hepatitis B Infection and the Effects of the Virus Variability. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061167. [PMID: 34207116 PMCID: PMC8235420 DOI: 10.3390/v13061167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunopathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved during a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have made the approaches for research complex, especially concerning the patients’ responses in the course of the early acute stage. The study of molecular bases involved in the viral clearance or persistence of the infection is complicated due to the difficulty to detect patients at the most adequate points of the disease, especially in the time lapse between the onset of the infection and the viral emergence. Despite this, there is valuable data obtained from animal and in vitro models, which have helped to clarify some aspects of the early immune response against HBV infection. The diversity of the HBV (genotypes and variants) has been proven to be associated not only with the development and outcome of the disease but also with the response to treatments. That is why factors involved in the virus evolution need to be considered while studying hepatitis B infection. This review brings together some of the published data to try to explain the immunological and molecular mechanisms involved in the different stages of the infection, clinical outcomes, viral persistence, and the impact of the variants of HBV in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Campos-Valdez
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
| | - Hugo C. Monroy-Ramírez
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
| | - Juan Armendáriz-Borunda
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Guadalajara, Zapopan 45201, Jalisco, México
| | - Laura V. Sánchez-Orozco
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Instituto de Biología Molecular en Medicina, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, México; (M.C.-V.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.A.-B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-33-3954-5677
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Delfino CM, Giorgio M, García G, Puch SS, Outon E, Mathet VL. Drug-resistant and immune-escape hepatitis B virus mutants, occult hepatitis B infection and coinfections in public hospital patients from Argentina. Virus Genes 2021; 57:327-337. [PMID: 34091827 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-021-01850-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Argentina exhibits low serological prevalence for Hepatitis B virus (HBV); however, occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) has been reported in blood donors, Amerindians and individuals coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of HBV and to evaluate serological marker associations and coinfections with HCV and HIV in patients attending and treated in a public hospital in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total of 189 HBV reactive samples (HBsAg and/or anti-HBc) were analyzed for HBV DNA characterization. All reactive samples were tested for anti-HCV and HIV-antigen/antibody using CMIA assays. Thirty-six samples exhibited detectable HBV DNA, 7 of which were OBI. HBV sequences were classified as subgenotypes A1, A2, B2, D3, F1b, F3 and F4. Mutations related to the ability to escape the host's immune response, resistance to antiviral therapy and progression to disease were found in patients, partly due to the variable sensitivity of HBsAg, the reverse transcriptase, the basal core promoter and the preCore. HCV and HIV prevalence was 10% and most of the genotypes found in the sequences were genotype 1 and B/F recombinant subtype, respectively. Of the total samples analyzed, 7 exhibited coinfections. This study shows the frequency of OBI, subgenotype distribution, HBV mutations and coinfections, which may have important clinical implications in public hospital patients. Planned prevention, detection and treatment adherence are needed to reduce transmission and morbidity in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia María Delfino
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) - Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPAM), Paraguay 2155 P11 (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marianela Giorgio
- Laboratorio de Virología, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos "Dr. Pedro Fiorito", Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela García
- Laboratorio de Virología, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos "Dr. Pedro Fiorito", Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Sánchez Puch
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) - Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPAM), Paraguay 2155 P11 (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estela Outon
- Laboratorio de Virología, Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos "Dr. Pedro Fiorito", Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Verónica Lidia Mathet
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET) - Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPAM), Paraguay 2155 P11 (C1121ABG), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Konopleva MV, Belenikin MS, Shanko AV, Bazhenov AI, Kiryanov SA, Tupoleva TA, Sokolova MV, Pronin AV, Semenenko TA, Suslov AP. Detection of S-HBsAg Mutations in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11060969. [PMID: 34072185 PMCID: PMC8228241 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11060969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genetic variability and its relationship with the disease pathogenesis are currently ongoing, stemming from growing evidence of the clinical significance of HBV mutations. It is becoming increasingly evident that patients with hematologic malignancies may be particularly prone to a higher frequency of such mutations. The present report is the first extensive study of the prevalence of escape mutations in S-HBsAg, performed using isolates from 59 patients from hospital hematology departments with diagnoses of leukemia (n = 32), lymphoma (n = 20), multiple myeloma (n = 3), and non-tumor blood diseases (n = 4). The isolates were serologically examined for the presence of HBV markers and sequenced using either next-generation sequencing (NGS) or Sanger sequencing. Occult hepatitis B was found in 5.1% of cases. Genetic analysis of the region corresponding to S-HBsAg demonstrated an exceptionally high mutation frequency in patients with leukemias (93.4%) and lymphomas (85.0%), along with the prominent mutation heterogeneity. Additionally, more than 15 mutations in one sample were found in patients with leukemias (6.3% of cases) and lymphomas (5.0% of cases). Most of the mutations were clinically significant. The study analyzes the mutation profile of HBV in different oncohematological diseases and the frequency of individual mutations. The data strongly suggest that the NGS method, capable of detecting minor populations of HBV mutations, provides a diagnostic advantage, lays the foundation for the development of screening methods, and allows for the study of the virological and pathogenetic aspects of hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V. Konopleva
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
| | - Maxim S. Belenikin
- Laboratory of Molecular Medical Diagnostics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, State University, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia;
| | - Andrei V. Shanko
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
| | - Alexey I. Bazhenov
- State Budget Institution “Research Institute of Emergency Medicine Named After N.V. Sklifosovsky” of the Moscow Department of Healthcare, 129010 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergei A. Kiryanov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
| | | | - Maria V. Sokolova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
| | - Alexander V. Pronin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
| | - Tatyana A. Semenenko
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
| | - Anatoly P. Suslov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named After Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia; (M.V.K.); (A.V.S.); (S.A.K.); (M.V.S.); (A.V.P.); (T.A.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Koyaweda GW, Ongus JR, Machuka E, Juma J, Macharia R, Komas NP, Pelle R. Detection of circulating hepatitis B virus immune escape and polymerase mutants among HBV-positive patients attending Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Central African Republic. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 90:138-144. [PMID: 31682960 PMCID: PMC6912157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies in the Central African Republic (CAR) have reported the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recombinant genotype E/D and a suspicion of immune escape mutants (IEMs), without further investigation into their impact on prevention and diagnosis. Consequently, this study investigated HBV mutations among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients attending Institut Pasteur de Bangui in the CAR. Methods Sera from a total of 118 HBsAg-positive patients with no previous history of HBV treatment or vaccination at the Institut Pasteur de Bangui, were sampled between 2017 and 2019. Subsequently, the region spanning the surface and polymerase genes of HBV was amplified by PCR and sequenced. HBV sequences were genotyped/subgenotyped by phylogenetic analysis and serotyped based on predicted amino acid residues at positions s122, s127, s140, s159, and s160. They were then analyzed for HBV IEMs and polymerase mutations. Results The region spanning the surface and polymerase genes was successfully amplified and sequenced for 51 samples. Of the HBV sequences, 49 were genotype E and two were genotype A subgenotype A1; these were serotyped as ayw4 and ayw1, respectively. Potential IEMs sY100C, sA128V, and sM133T, and several polymerase mutants were identified. Conclusions This study raises awareness of the need for further studies to be conducted on a large scale to better understand HBV mutations for improved disease control and prevention strategies in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliette Rose Ongus
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eunice Machuka
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Juma
- Biosciences eastern and central Africa International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosaline Macharia
- Center for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Narcisse Patrice Komas
- Institut Pasteur de Bangui, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Bangui, Central African Republic
| | - Roger Pelle
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Medical Laboratory Sciences Department, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Abdullahi A, Fopoussi OM, Torimiro J, Atkins M, Kouanfack C, Geretti AM. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection and Re-activation During Nucleos(t)ide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor-Sparing Antiretroviral Therapy in a High-HBV Endemicity Setting. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy251. [PMID: 30377627 PMCID: PMC6201150 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We monitored the evolution of markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in virologically suppressed HIV-positive patients switching to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)–sparing antiretroviral therapy within a randomized trial in Cameroon. Methods HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA, and antibodies against surface (anti-HBs), core (total anti-HBc), and e-antigen (anti-HBe) were measured retrospectively in samples collected at study entry and over 48 weeks after NRTI discontinuation. Results Participants (n = 80, 75% females) had a plasma HIV-1 RNA <60 copies/mL, a median CD4 count of 466 cells/mm3, and undetectable HBsAg and HBV DNA at study entry. After NRTI discontinuation, 3/20 (15.0%) anti-HBc-negative patients showed evidence indicative or suggestive of incident HBV infection (163 cases/1000 person-years); 6/60 (10.0%) anti-HBc-positive patients showed evidence indicative or suggestive of HBV reactivation (109 cases/1000 person-years). In one case of reactivation, anti-HBs increased from 14 to >1000 IU/L; sequencing showed HBV genotype A3 and 3 escape mutations in surface (Y100C, K122R, Y161FY). Alongside new-onset detection of HBsAg or HBV DNA, 1 patient experienced acute hepatitis and 6 patients experienced mild or marginal increases in serum transaminase levels. Conclusions Evolving treatment strategies for sub-Saharan Africa must be accompanied by the formulation and implementation of policy to guide appropriate assessment and management of HBV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Abdullahi
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Olga Mafotsing Fopoussi
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Chantal Biya International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Judith Torimiro
- Chantal Biya International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Mark Atkins
- Department of Microbiology, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Kouanfack
- Day Hospital, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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10
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Anderson M, Choga WT, Moyo S, Bell TG, Mbangiwa T, Phinius BB, Bhebhe L, Sebunya TK, Makhema J, Marlink R, Kramvis A, Essex M, Musonda RM, Blackard JT, Gaseitsiwe S. In Silico Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Occult Associated Mutations in Botswana Using a Novel Algorithm. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9090420. [PMID: 30134551 PMCID: PMC6162659 DOI: 10.3390/genes9090420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infections (OBI) represent a reservoir of undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis B virus (HBV), hence the need to identify mutations that lead to this phenotype. Functionally characterizing these mutations by in vitro studies is time-consuming and expensive. To bridge this gap, in silico approaches, which predict the effect of amino acid (aa) variants on HBV protein function, are necessary. We developed an algorithm for determining the relevance of OBI-associated mutations using in silico approaches. A 3 kb fragment of subgenotypes A1 and D3 from 24 chronic HBV-infected (CHB) and 24 OBI participants was analyzed. To develop and validate the algorithm, the effects of 68 previously characterized occult-associated mutations were determined using three computational tools: PolyPhen2, SNAP2, and PROVEAN. The percentage of deleterious mutations (with impact on protein function) predicted were 52 (76.5%) by PolyPhen2, 55 (80.9%) by SNAP2, and 65 (95.6%) by PROVEAN. At least two tools correctly predicted 59 (86.8%) mutations as deleterious. To identify OBI-associated mutations exclusive to Botswana, study sequences were compared to CHB sequences from GenBank. Of the 43 OBI-associated mutations identified, 26 (60.5%) were predicted by at least two tools to have an impact on protein function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use in silico approaches to determine the impact of OBI-associated mutations, thereby identifying potential candidates for functional analysis to facilitate mechanistic studies of the OBI phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motswedi Anderson
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | | | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Trevor Graham Bell
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Tshepiso Mbangiwa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Bonolo B Phinius
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Lynette Bhebhe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Theresa K Sebunya
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Richard Marlink
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Rutgers Global Health Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA.
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit (HVDRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Max Essex
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | | | - Jason T Blackard
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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11
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Zhu HL, Li X, Li J, Zhang ZH. Genetic variation of occult hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:3531-3546. [PMID: 27053845 PMCID: PMC4814639 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i13.3531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), characterized as the persistence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegativity and low viral load in blood or liver, is a special form of HBV infection. OBI may be related mainly to mutations in the HBV genome, although the underlying mechanism of it remains to be clarified. Mutations especially within the immunodominant “α” determinant of S protein are “hot spots” that could contribute to the occurrence of OBI via affecting antigenicity and immunogenicity of HBsAg or replication and secretion of virion. Clinical reports account for a large proportion of previous studies on OBI, while functional analyses, especially those based on full-length HBV genome, are rare.
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12
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Powell EA, Gededzha MP, Rentz M, Rakgole NJ, Selabe SG, Seleise TA, Mphahlele MJ, Blackard JT. Mutations associated with occult hepatitis B in HIV-positive South Africans. J Med Virol 2014; 87:388-400. [PMID: 25164924 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B is characterized by the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) but the presence of HBV DNA. Because diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) typically includes HBsAg detection, occult HBV remains largely undiagnosed. Occult HBV is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, reactivation to chronic HBV during immune suppression, and transmission during blood transfusion and liver transplant. The mechanisms leading to occult HBV infection are unclear, although viral mutations are likely a significant factor. In this study, sera from 394 HIV-positive South Africans were tested for HBV DNA and HBsAg. For patients with detectable HBV DNA, the overlapping surface and polymerase open reading frames (ORFs) were sequenced. Occult-associated mutations-those mutations found exclusively in individuals with occult HBV infection but not in individuals with chronic HBV infection from the same cohort or GenBank references-were identified. Ninety patients (22.8%) had detectable HBV DNA. Of these, 37 had detectable HBsAg, while 53 lacked detectable surface antigen. The surface and polymerase ORFs were cloned successfully for 19 patients with chronic HBV and 30 patients with occult HBV. In total, 235 occult-associated mutations were identified. Ten occult-associated mutations were identified in more than one patient. Additionally, 15 amino acid positions had two distinct occult-associated mutations at the same residue. Occult-associated mutations were common and present in all regions of the surface and polymerase ORFs. Further study is underway to determine the effects of these mutations on viral replication and surface antigen expression in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor A Powell
- Division of Digestive Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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13
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HBV whole-genome mutation profile in HIV-1/HBV coinfected patients in a long-term follow-up study. Infection 2014; 42:675-87. [PMID: 24700252 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-014-0616-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)-infected patients frequently harbour hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV, respectively). Possible modifications of the natural history of hepatitis B may occur. The aim of this study was to characterise HBV diversity and evolutionary and mutational viral genome profiles in HIV-1/HBV coinfections. METHODS HIV-1 and HBV markers determinations (Roche, FRG; Abbott, USA) and HBV genome-length retrospective analysis were performed in follow-up isolates from patients who were either stably HBsAg-negative with a low level of HBV DNA (occult hepatitis B infection, OBI) or HBsAg-positive with a high level of HBV DNA. Phylogenetic analysis (maximum likelihood method, MEGA5), statistical analysis and evolutionary rates calculation (d S/d N) were applied. RESULTS Positive selection pressures in the PreS/S region and a significantly higher number of mutations in this region including the major hydrophilic region (MHR) and the "a" determinant were shown in HBsAg-negative (possibly OBI) compared to stably HBsAg-positive HIV-1/HBV subgenotypes D3/A2 coinfected patients. Mutants previously described in HIV-1/HBV coinfected patients were found. Known mutants Y100C, P127T and P120A associated to Y134H and S143T and new S mutants, which may potentially affect HBsAg expression and secretion and anti-HBs binding, were detected in baseline sera persisting up to the end of 9 years follow-up. Known mutations of BCP, Pre-C, C and X regions were also characterised. Natural mutants strictly known as being involved in diagnostic failure were not detected; however, numerous corresponding sites showed amino acid variations. CONCLUSIONS Evolutionary and genotypic differences observed, particularly in the PreS/S region, between HBsAg-negative (OBI) and HBsAg-positive HIV-1/HBV coinfected patients, may contribute, in association with mutations of other genomic regions, to the HBsAg-negative phenotype.
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14
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Mantovani N, Cicero M, Santana LC, Silveira C, do Carmo EP, Abrão PRF, Diaz RS, Caseiro MM, Komninakis SV. Detection of lamivudine-resistant variants and mutations related to reduced antigenicity of HBsAg in individuals from the cities of Santos and São Paulo, Brazil. Virol J 2013; 10:320. [PMID: 24165277 PMCID: PMC3898369 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Continuous long-term treatment is recommended to reduce the hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load. However, as a consequence, resistance mutations can emerge and be transmitted to other individuals. The polymerase (POL) gene overlaps the surface (S) gene. Thus, during treatment, mutations in the POL gene may lead to changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of lamivudine and vaccine escape mutations in HBsAg-positive blood donors from the city of Santos and in untreated HBV mono-infected patients from the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods HBV DNA was extracted from 80 serum samples, of which 61 were from volunteer blood donors and 19 were from untreated HBV patients. A fragment of the POL/S genes containing 593 base pairs was amplified using nested PCR. Thirty four were PCR-positive and sequencing was performed using an ABI Prism 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Alignments and mutation mapping were performed using BioEdit software. Results HBV DNA from 21 blood donors and 13 untreated patient samples were characterized using nucleotide sequencing PCR products from the POL/S genes. We were able to detect one sample with the resistance mutation to lamivudine rtM204V + rtL180M (2.94%), which was found in a volunteer blood donor that has never used antiviral drugs. The other samples showed only compensatory mutations, such as rtL80F (5.88%), rtL80V (2.94%), rtL82V + rtV207L (2.94%), rtT128P (5.88%), rtT128N/S (2.94%) and rtS219A (5.88%). We found modifications in the S gene in 14 of the 34 samples (41.16%). The mutations detected were as follows: sM133L + sI195T (2.94%), sI195M (2.94%), sP120T (2.94%), sY100S/F (2.94%), sY100C (17.64%), sI/T126P + sQ129P (2.94%), sM198I + sF183C (2.94%) and sS210R (5.88%). Conclusions Our results suggest the transmission of lamivudine-resistant forms. Thus, the evaluation of HBV-infected subjects for lamivudine resistance would improve treatment regime. Moreover, the mutations in the S gene may impair HBsAg antigenicity and contribute to HBsAg failure detection and vaccine escape.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shirley Vasconcelos Komninakis
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, Federal University of São Paulo, R, Pedro de Toledo, n, 781, 16° andar, São Paulo, SP Cep 04039-032, Brazil.
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15
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Specific amino acid substitutions in the S protein prevent its excretion in vitro and may contribute to occult hepatitis B virus infection. J Virol 2013; 87:7882-92. [PMID: 23658444 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00710-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is defined as low plasma level of HBV DNA with undetectable HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) outside the preseroconversion window period. The mechanisms leading to OBI remain largely unknown. The potential role of specific amino acid substitutions in the S protein from OBI in HBsAg production and excretion was examined in vitro. HBsAg was quantified in culture supernatants and cell extracts of HuH-7 cells transiently transfected with plasmids containing the S gene of eight HBsAg(+) controls and 18 OBI clones. The intracellular (IC)/extracellular (EC) HBsAg production ratio was ∼1.0 for the majority of controls. Three IC/EC HBsAg patterns were observed in OBI strains clones: pattern 1, an IC/EC ratio of 1.0, was found in 5/18 OBI clones, pattern 2, detectable IC but low or undetectable EC HBsAg (IC/EC, 7.0 to 800), was found in 6/18 OBIs, and pattern 3, low or undetectable IC and EC HBsAg, was found in 7/18 clones. Intracellular immunofluorescence staining showed that in pattern 2, HBsAg was concentrated around the nucleus, suggesting retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. The substitution M75T, Y100S, or P178R was present in 4/6 pattern 2 OBI clones. Site-directed-mutagenesis-corrected mutations reversed HBsAg excretion to pattern 1 and, when introduced into a control clone, induced pattern 2 except for Y100S. In a control and several OBIs, variants of a given quasispecies expressed HBsAg according to different patterns. However, the P178R substitution present in all cloned sequences of two OBI strains may contribute significantly to the OBI phenotype.
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16
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Hashemi A, Roohvand F, Ghahremani MH, Aghasadeghi MR, Vahabpour R, Motevali F, Memarnejadian A. Optimization of transfection methods for Huh-7 and Vero cells: A comparative study. CYTOL GENET+ 2012; 46:347-353. [PMID: 32214542 PMCID: PMC7088699 DOI: 10.3103/s0095452712060035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Availability of an efficient transfection protocol is the first determinant in success of gene transferring studies in mammalian cells which is accomplished experimentally for every single cell type. Herein, we provide data of a comparative study on optimization of transfection condition by electroporation and chemical methods for Huh-7 and Vero cells. Different cell confluencies, DNA/reagent ratios and total transfection volumes were optimized for two chemical reagents including jetPEI™ and Lipofectamine™ 2000. Besides, the effects of electric field strength and pulse length were investigated to improve electroporation efficiency. Transfection of cells by pEGFP-N1 vector and tracking the expression of GFP by FACS and Fluorescence Microscopy analysis were the employed methods to evaluate transfection efficiencies. Optimized electroporation protocols yielded 63.73 ± 2.36 and 73.9 ± 1.6% of transfection in Huh-7 and Vero cells respectively, while maximum achieved level of transfection by jetPEI™ was 14.2 ± 0.69 and 28 ± 1.11% Huh-7 and Vero cells, respectively. Post transfectional chilling of the cells did not improve electrotransfection efficiency of Huh-7 cells. Compared to chemical based reagents, electroporation showed superior levels of transfection in both cell lines. The presented protocols should satisfy most of the experimental applications requiring high transfection efficiencies of these two cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Hashemi
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - F. Roohvand
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- NRGB, Pasteur institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, Iran
| | - M. H. Ghahremani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M. R. Aghasadeghi
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - R. Vahabpour
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - F. Motevali
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- NRGB, Pasteur institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, Iran
| | - A. Memarnejadian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Martin CM, Welge JA, Rouster SD, Shata MT, Sherman KE, Blackard JT. Mutations associated with occult hepatitis B virus infection result in decreased surface antigen expression in vitro. J Viral Hepat 2012; 19:716-23. [PMID: 22967103 PMCID: PMC3442934 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2012.01595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by the absence of detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum, despite detectable HBV DNA. Investigations of the mechanisms underlying the development of occult HBV infection are lacking in the current literature, although viral mutations in the surface region, resulting in decreased HBsAg expression or secretion, represent one potential mechanism. Wild-type HBsAg expression vectors were constructed from genotype-matched chronic HBV sequences. Site-directed mutagenesis was then utilized to introduce three genotype A mutations - M103I, K122R and G145A - associated with occult HBV infection in vivo, alone and in combination, into the wild-type HBsAg vectors. Transfection of Huh7 and HepG2 cell lines was performed, and cell culture supernatants and cell lysates were collected over 7 days to assess the effects of these mutations on extracellular and intracellular HBsAg levels. The G145A mutation resulted in significantly decreased extracellular and intracellular HBsAg expression in vitro. The most pronounced reduction in HBsAg expression was observed when all three mutations were present. The mutations evaluated in vitro in the current study resulted in decreased HBsAg expression and potentially increased hepatic retention and/or decreased hepatic secretion of synthesized HBsAg, which could explain the lack of HBsAg detection that is characteristic of occult HBV infection in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Martin
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Jeffrey A. Welge
- Departments of Psychiatry and Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Susan D. Rouster
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Mohamed Tarek Shata
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Kenneth E. Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Jason T. Blackard
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, Address requests for reprints to: Jason Blackard, PhD Division of Digestive Diseases University of Cincinnati College of Medicine ML 0595, 231 Albert Sabin Way Cincinnati, OH 45267 Phone: (513) 558-4389 Fax: (513) 558-1744
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