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Hu JL, Huang AL. Classifying hepatitis B therapies with insights from covalently closed circular DNA dynamics. Virol Sin 2024; 39:9-23. [PMID: 38110037 PMCID: PMC10877440 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The achievement of a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains limited to a minority of patients treated with currently approved drugs. The primary objective in developing new anti-HBV drugs is to enhance the functional cure rates for CHB. A critical prerequisite for the functional cure of CHB is a substantial reduction, or even eradication of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Within this context, the changes in cccDNA levels during treatment become as a pivotal concern. We have previously analyzed the factors influencing cccDNA dynamics and introduced a preliminary classification of hepatitis B treatment strategies based on these dynamics. In this review, we employ a systems thinking perspective to elucidate the fundamental aspects of the HBV replication cycle and to rationalize the classification of treatment strategies according to their impact on the dynamic equilibrium of cccDNA. Building upon this foundation, we categorize current anti-HBV strategies into two distinct groups and advocate for their combined use to significantly reduce cccDNA levels within a well-defined timeframe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Li Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Ai-Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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2
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Jones T, Tavis JE, Li Q, Riabova O, Monakhova N, Bradley DP, Lane TR, Makarov V, Ekins S. Antiviral Evaluation of Dispirotripiperazines against Hepatitis B Virus. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12459-12467. [PMID: 37611244 PMCID: PMC11017374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00974] [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] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic DNA virus that replicates by reverse transcription. It chronically infects >296 million people worldwide, including ∼850,000 in the USA, and kills 820,000 annually worldwide. Current nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) or pegylated interferon α therapies do not eradicate the virus and would benefit from a complementary antiviral drug. We performed a preliminary screen of 28 dispirotripiperazines against HBV, identifying 9 hits with EC50 of 0.7-25 μM. Compound 11826096 displays the most potent activity and represents a promising lead for future optimization. While the mechanism of action is unknown, preliminary assays limit possible targets to activities involved in RNA accumulation, translation, capsid assembly, and/or capsid stability. In addition, we built machine learning models to determine if they were able to predict the activity of this series of compounds. The novelty of these molecules indicated they were outside of the applicability domain of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thane Jones
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc., 840 Main Campus Dr., Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John E. Tavis
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Qilan Li
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Olga Riabova
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, Leninsky Prospekt 33-2, 119071, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Monakhova
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, Leninsky Prospekt 33-2, 119071, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel P. Bradley
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Thomas R. Lane
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc., 840 Main Campus Dr., Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Vadim Makarov
- Research Center of Biotechnology RAS, Leninsky Prospekt 33-2, 119071, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sean Ekins
- Collaborations Pharmaceuticals Inc., 840 Main Campus Dr., Lab 3510, Raleigh, NC, USA
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3
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Villeret F, Lebossé F, Radenne S, Samuel D, Roche B, Mabrut JY, Leroy V, Pageaux GP, Anty R, Thevenon S, Ahmed SS, Hamilton A, Heil M, Scholtès C, Levrero M, Testoni B, Zoulim F. Early intrahepatic recurrence of HBV infection in liver transplant recipients despite antiviral prophylaxis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100728. [PMID: 37122357 PMCID: PMC10131114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Prophylaxis with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) has decreased the rate of HBV recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), but the duration of this prophylaxis remains debated. Our aim was to investigate the recurrence of both intrahepatic and serum HBV markers after OLT in patients receiving long-term NUC and HBIG prophylaxis. Methods A total of 31 HBV-positive patients benefiting from OLT were prospectively enrolled in five French centres between 2012 and 2015. Tissue samples from the native liver, liver reperfusion biopsy, and 12-month post-OLT (M12) biopsy were collected. Intrahepatic HBV markers were quantified using Droplet Digital PCR. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBsAg were quantified using the Lumipulse platform. Results Among the 31 patients, 26 were HBeAg negative and 28 had undetectable serum HBV DNA at OLT. All patients received HBIG and NUC after OLT, and serum HBV DNA was undetectable at M12. Of the 27 available native livers, 26 had detectable total HBV DNA (median, 0.045 copies/cell), 21 were positive for cccDNA (0.001 copies/cell), and 19 were positive for 3.5-kb HBV RNA (0.0004 copies/cell). Among the 14 sequential reperfusion and M12 biopsies, seven were positive for HBV markers on the reperfusion sampling, and six of them were also positive at M12. Of the 27 patients with available serum samples at M12, eight were positive for HBcrAg and five were positive for HBsAg by ultrasensitive quantification, although they were negative by conventional techniques. Overall, among the 17 patients having a matched biopsy and serum sample at M12, only one had undetectable HBV markers in both the liver and serum. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a very early detection of viral genome in the graft and intrahepatic viral recurrence despite NUC and HBIG prophylaxis. Clinical Trials Registration This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02602847). Impact and Implications In this work, we show that, despite the recommended prophylaxis based on NUC and HBIG, HBV can infect the new liver very rapidly after transplantation. Twelve months after transplantation, the majority of patients had at least one HBV marker detected in either serum or the liver. Therefore, our results demonstrate early intrahepatic viral recurrence despite NUC and HBIG therapy and underline the importance of an optimal patient compliance to the antiviral prophylaxis to prevent viral rebound.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Villeret
- Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Fanny Lebossé
- Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvie Radenne
- Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Université Paris-Saclay, Unité Inserm 1193, Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Villejuif, France
| | - Bruno Roche
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Université Paris-Saclay, Unité Inserm 1193, Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Yves Mabrut
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Service de Chirurgie Générale et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Vincent Leroy
- Service d’Hépato-gastro-entérologie, Hôpital Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Rodolphe Anty
- Université Côte d’Azur, pôle digestif CHU de Nice, INSERM, U1065, C3M, Nice, France
| | - Sylvie Thevenon
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sinafa Si Ahmed
- Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Caroline Scholtès
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Service de Virologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Corresponding authors. Address: INSERM U1052, 151, Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France. Tel.: +33-4-72-68-19-70; Fax: +33-4-72-68-19-71.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Service d’Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Corresponding authors. Address: INSERM U1052, 151, Cours Albert Thomas, 69008 Lyon, France. Tel.: +33-4-72-68-19-70; Fax: +33-4-72-68-19-71.
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Agarwal K, Xu J, Gane EJ, Nguyen TT, Ding Y, Knox SJ, Alves K, Evanchik M, Zomorodi K, Ma J, Yan R, Huang Q, Colonno R, Stamm LM, Hassanein TI, Kim DJ, Lim YS, Yuen MF. Safety, pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity of ABI-H2158, a hepatitis B virus core inhibitor: A randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 study. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:209-222. [PMID: 36302125 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus infection (cHBV) is mostly indefinite, with new finite-duration therapies needed. We report safety, pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity of the investigational HBV core inhibitor ABI-H2158. This Phase 1a/b study (NCT03714152) had three parts: Part A, participants received a single ascending oral dose of ABI-H2158 (5-500 mg) or placebo; Part B, participants received multiple doses of ABI-H2158 300 mg once (QD) or twice (BID) daily or placebo, for 10 days; Part C, cHBV patients received ABI-H2158 (100, 300, or 500 mg QD or 300 mg BID) or placebo, for 14 days. Ninety-three participants enrolled. In Parts A/B, there were no serious adverse events (SAEs) or deaths, and all treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) were Grade 1. In Part C, two patients had Grade 3 TEAEs unrelated to ABI-H2158; there were no deaths, SAEs or Grade 4 TEAEs. In Part A, median time to maximum ABI-H2158 plasma concentration (Tmax ) and mean terminal elimination half-life (t½ ) were 1-4 and 9.8-20.7 h, and area under the plasma concentration-time curve increased dose proportionally. In Part B, Day 10 Tmax was 2 h, mean t½ was 15.5-18.4 h, and exposure accumulated 1.7- to 3.1-fold. In Part C, Day 14 Tmax was 1 h, exposure accumulated 1.4- to 1.8-fold, and ABI-H2158 was associated with >2 log10 declines in HBV nucleic acids. In conclusion, ABI-H2158 in cHBV patients following 14 days of dosing was well tolerated and demonstrated potent antiviral activity. Safety and pharmacokinetics supported future QD dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jia Xu
- Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | | | - Tuan T Nguyen
- T Nguyen Research and Education, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yanhua Ding
- Phase 1 Clinical Trials Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Steven J Knox
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katia Alves
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Marc Evanchik
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katie Zomorodi
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Julie Ma
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ran Yan
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Qi Huang
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Richard Colonno
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Luisa M Stamm
- Assembly Biosciences, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Dong Joon Kim
- Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Asan Medical Centre, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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5
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Mak LY, Wong D, Kuchta A, Hilfiker M, Hamilton A, Chow N, Mao X, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Hepatitis B virus pre-genomic RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen reductions at week 4 predict favourable hepatitis B surface antigen response upon long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue in chronic hepatitis B. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:146-162. [PMID: 35989092 PMCID: PMC9845664 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We investigated the dynamics of serum HBV pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and their predictability for favourable suppression of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). METHODS Serum viral biomarkers were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 of treatment. Patients were followed up thereafter and serum HBsAg level was measured at end of follow-up (EOFU). Favourable HBsAg response (FHR) was defined as ≤100 IU/mL or HBsAg seroclearance upon EOFU. RESULTS Twenty-eight hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 36 HBeAg-negative patients (median, 38.2 years old; 71.9% male) were recruited with median follow-up duration of 17.1 years (interquartile range, 12.8-18.2). For the entire cohort, 22/64 (34.4%) achieved FHR. For HBeAg-positive patients, serum HBV pgRNA decline at week 4 was significantly greater for patients with FHR compared to non-FHR (5.49 vs. 4.32 log copies/mL, respectively; P=0.016). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) for week 4 HBV pgRNA reduction to predict FHR in HBeAg-positive patients was 0.825 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.661-0.989). For HBeAg-negative patients, instead of increase in serum HBcrAg in non-FHR patients, FHR patients had median reduction in HBcrAg at week 4 (increment of 1.75 vs. reduction of 2.98 log U/mL; P=0.023). The AUROC for week 4 change of HBcrAg to predict FHR in HBeAg-negative patients was 0.789 (95% CI, 0.596-0.982). CONCLUSION Early on-treatment changes of serum HBV pgRNA and HBcrAg at 4 weeks predict HBsAg seroclearance or ≤100 IU/mL in NA-treated CHB patients upon long-term FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Ning Chow
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - XianHua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
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6
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Detectability of Hepatitis B Virus in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Among Naive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients With Negative Viremia. INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/ipc.0000000000001153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Surrogate Markers for Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:327-340. [PMID: 35445388 DOI: 10.1055/a-1830-2741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver disease worldwide. Chronic HBV infection is currently incurable because of the persistence of the viral template for the viral transcripts, covalently closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid (cccDNA). Detecting changes in cccDNA transcriptional activity is key to understanding fundamental virology, determining the efficacy of new therapies, and deciding the optimal clinical management of HBV patients. In this review, we summarize surrogate circulating biomarkers that have been used to infer cccDNA levels and activity in people with chronic hepatitis B. Moreover, we outline the current shortcomings of the current biomarkers and highlight the clinical importance in improving them and expanding their use.
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8
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Watanabe T, Hayashi S, Tanaka Y. Drug Discovery Study Aimed at a Functional Cure for HBV. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071393. [PMID: 35891374 PMCID: PMC9321005 DOI: 10.3390/v14071393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and, most importantly, chronic hepatitis B worldwide. Antiviral treatments have been developed to reduce viral loads but few patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) achieve a functional cure. The development of new therapeutic agents is desirable. Recently, many novel agents have been developed, including drugs targeting HBV-DNA and HBV-RNA. This review provides an overview of the developmental status of these drugs, especially direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Serological biomarkers of HBV infection are essential for predicting the clinical course of CHB. It is also important to determine the amount and activity of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. Hepatitis B core-associated antigen (HBcrAg) is a new HBV marker that has an important role in reflecting cccDNA in CHB, because it is associated with hepatic cccDNA, as well as serum HBV DNA. The highly sensitive HBcrAg (iTACT-HBcrAg) assay could be a very sensitive HBV activation marker and an alternative to HBV DNA testing for monitoring reactivation. Many of the drugs currently in clinical trials have shown efficacy in reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels. Combination therapies with DAAs and boost immune response are also under development; finding the best combinations will be important for therapeutic development.
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9
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Li Q, Zhang H, Qi Y, Wang J, Li J, Niu J. Antiviral effects of a niobium-substituted heteropolytungstate on hepatitis B virus-transgenic mice. Drug Dev Res 2019; 80:1062-1070. [PMID: 31396981 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
To study the efficacy of a polyoxometalate, Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O, as an antiviral treatment in HBV transgenic mice. HBV transgenic mice were treated with Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O by intragastric administration. Adefovir and distilled water were administered as controls. Serum HBV DNA, liver HBV RNA levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Serum HBsAg levels were measured by ELISA. The hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in liver cells was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Pathological changes in the liver tissues were also observed by light and electron microscopy. Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O significantly decreased serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O resulted in a 98% decrease in serum HBV DNA at 28 days, from 4.3 log10 copies/ml at baseline to 2.5 log10 copies/ml after treatment, and the inhibition rate of HBV DNA was higher than ADV at the same dose. The HBV replication levels in each group slightly increased at 7 days after withdrawal, but rebounded slightly more in the Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O treatment group compared to the H2 O control group (p < .05). There were no differences in HBV RNA levels. No significant differences were observed in the pathology, but there were decreased HBsAg levels in the Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O-treated group compared to the control group. The results demonstrated that Cs2 K4 Na[SiW9 Nb3 O40 ]·H2 O displayed potent anti-HBV activity in HBV transgenic mice and supported for future clinic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmei Li
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Pediatric nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanfei Qi
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Juan Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Wang Z, Kawaguchi K, Honda M, Sakai Y, Yamashita T, Mizukoshi E, Kaneko S. Distinct notch signaling expression patterns between nucleoside and nucleotide analogues treatment for hepatitis B virus infection. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 501:682-687. [PMID: 29752943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.04.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide analogues therapies are currently approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which effectively suppress HBV replication and correlate with the anti-HBV-specific immune response. Notch signaling serves pleiotropic roles in the immune system that also contribute to virus-specific immunity. In this study, we assessed Notch signal-related gene expression after administrating nucleoside or nucleotide analogues to HBV-replicating cells and clinical liver tissues. We found distinct Notch signaling expression patterns under nucleos(t)ide analogues therapies, with high expression for nucleotide analogues (adefovir pivoxil or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and low expression for nucleoside analogues (lamivudine or entecavir) in the presence of HBV infection. Furthermore, activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation was also observed after nucleotide analogue treatment. In conclusion, nucleoside and nucleotide analogues displayed different patterns of Notch signaling activity under HBV infection, and the induction of mTORC2-Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation may contribute to nucleotide analogues-mediated Notch signaling activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kawaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Masao Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yoshio Sakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Eishiro Mizukoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa, Japan
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11
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Liem KS, van Campenhout MJH, Xie Q, Brouwer WP, Chi H, Qi X, Chen L, Tabak F, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Low hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV DNA levels predict response to the addition of pegylated interferon to entecavir in hepatitis B e antigen positive chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2019; 49:448-456. [PMID: 30689258 PMCID: PMC6590282 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various treatment combinations of peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogues have been evaluated for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), but the optimal regimen remains unclear. AIMS To study whether PEG-IFN add-on increases response compared to entecavir (ETV) monotherapy, and whether the duration of ETV pretreatment influences response. METHODS Response was evaluated in HBeAg positive patients previously treated in two randomized controlled trials. Patients received ETV pretreatment for at least 24 weeks and were then allocated to 24-48 weeks of ETV+PEG-IFN add-on, or continued ETV monotherapy. Response was defined as HBeAg loss combined with HBV DNA <200 IU/mL 48 weeks after discontinuing PEG-IFN. RESULTS Of 234 patients, 118 were assigned PEG-IFN add-on and 116 continued ETV monotherapy. Response was observed in 38/118 (33%) patients treated with add-on therapy and in 23/116 (20%) with monotherapy (P = 0.03). The highest response to add-on therapy compared to monotherapy was observed in PEG-IFN naive patients with HBsAg levels below 4000 IU/mL and HBV DNA levels below 50 IU/mL at randomization (70% vs 34%; P = 0.01). Above the cut-off levels, response was low and not significantly different between treatment groups. Duration of ETV pretreatment was associated with HBsAg and HBV DNA levels (both P < 0.005), but not with response (P = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS PEG-IFN add-on to ETV therapy was associated with higher response compared to ETV monotherapy in patients with HBeAg positive CHB. Response doubled in PEG-IFN naive patients with HBsAg below 4000 IU/mL and HBV DNA below 50 IU/mL, and therefore identifies them as the best candidates for PEG-IFN add-on (Identifiers: NCT00877760, NCT01532843).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kin Seng Liem
- Toronto Centre for Liver DiseaseToronto General Hospital, University Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Margo J. H. van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious DiseasesRuijin Hospital, Jiaotong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Willem Pieter Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Heng Chi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Xun Qi
- Department of Hepatitis DiseaseShanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Hepatitis DiseaseShanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | | | - Bettina E. Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver DiseaseToronto General Hospital, University Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands,Institute of Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntario Canada
| | - Harry L. A. Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver DiseaseToronto General Hospital, University Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
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12
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Anikhindi SA, Kumar A, Sharma P, Singla V, Bansal N, Arora A. Ideal Cure for Hepatitis B Infection: The Target is in Sight. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:188-194. [PMID: 29892183 PMCID: PMC5992304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2017.10.002] [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: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most common causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite recent strides in pharmacotherapy, complete cure of HBV infection still remains an enigma. The biggest obstacle in HBV therapy is clearance of covalently closed circular deoxyribonucleic acid (cccDNA). We discuss about the role of cccDNA in HBV life cycle, efficacy and shortcomings of currently available antivirals as well as promising novel targets to achieve ideal HBV cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrihari A. Anikhindi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vikas Singla
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Naresh Bansal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
- Department of Pathology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
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13
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Potential use of serum HBV RNA in antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B in the era of nucleos(t)ide analogs. Front Med 2017; 11:502-508. [PMID: 29170915 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0590-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the efficacy of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) has been confirmed for treatment of chronic hepatitis B, long-term therapy has been recommended due to the high frequency of off-therapy viral DNA rebound and disease relapse. In this review, the RNA virion-like particles of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are integrated into the life cycle of HBV replication, and the potential significance of serum HBV RNA is systematically described. The production of HBV RNA virion-like particles should not be blocked by NA; in this regard, serum HBV RNA is found to be a suitable surrogate marker for the activity of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), particularly among patients receiving NA therapy. Therefore, the concept of virological response is redefined as persistent loss of serum HBV DNA and HBV RNA. In contrast to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) that can originate from either the cccDNA or the integrated HBV DNA fragment, serum HBV RNA, with pregenomic RNA origination, can only be transcribed from cccDNA. Therefore, the loss of serum HBV RNA would likely be a promising predicator for safe drug discontinuation. The clinical status of consistent loss of serum HBV RNA accompanied with low serum HBsAg levels might be implicated as a "para-functional cure," a status nearly close to the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B, to distinguish the "functional cure" characterized as serum HBsAg loss with or without anti-HBs seroconversion.
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14
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Striki A, Manolakopoulos S, Deutsch M, Kourikou A, Kontos G, Kranidioti H, Hadziyannis E, Papatheodoridis G. Hepatitis B s antigen kinetics during treatment with nucleos(t)ides analogues in patients with hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B. Liver Int 2017; 37:1642-1650. [PMID: 28345181 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Serum hepatitis B s antigen (HBsAg) levels might be used as a predictor of virological breakthrough or of sustained off-treatment virological response in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We evaluated the changes of HBsAg in those patients under nucleos(t)ide analogue(s) [NA(s)] therapy for ≥12 months. METHODS We included 99 HBeAg-negative CHB patients treated with low-genetic barrier NA(s) for a mean of 66 months (lamivudine: 66, adefovir: 6, lamivudine plus adefovir: 11 and telbivudine: 16) and 86 HBeAg-negative CHB patients treated under entecavir or tenofovir for a mean of 30 months as the comparison group. RESULTS Compared to baseline, HBsAg levels decreased by a median of 162, 1525, 943, 1545, 2163 and 3859 IU/mL at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months of therapy with low-genetic barrier NA(s) respectively. The 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-month cumulative rates of HBsAg<100 IU/mL were 2%, 3%, 3%, 5%, 5% and 5%, and <1000 IU/mL 6%, 9%, 15%, 19%, 24% and 61% respectively. Baseline HBsAg levels were the only significant variable associated with the time to HBsAg drop <1000 IU/mL. HBsAg loss occurred in 3.0% of patients. The high-genetic barrier NAs were not found to offer a greater or faster HBsAg decline. CONCLUSIONS In HBeAg-negative CHB patients, long-term therapy with low-genetic barrier NA(s) decreases serum HBsAg levels, but the rate of decline is slow. Lower baseline HBsAg levels are significantly associated with on-therapy HBsAg drop <1000 IU/mL. Serum HBsAg decline is similar during therapy with low- or high-genetic barrier NAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasia Striki
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Melanie Deutsch
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kourikou
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Kontos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hariklia Kranidioti
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emilia Hadziyannis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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15
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Dandri M, Petersen J. Mechanism of Hepatitis B Virus Persistence in Hepatocytes and Its Carcinogenic Potential. Clin Infect Dis 2017; 62 Suppl 4:S281-8. [PMID: 27190317 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver disease associated with persistent infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to be a major health problem of global impact. Despite the existence of an effective vaccine, at least 240 million people are chronically infected worldwide, and are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although chronic HBV infection is considered the main risk factor for liver cancer development, the molecular mechanisms determining persistence of infection and long-term pathogenesis are not fully elucidated but appear to be multifactorial. Current therapeutic regimens based on the use of polymerase inhibitors can efficiently suppress viral replication but are unable to eradicate the infection. This is due both to the persistence of the HBV genome, which forms a stable minichromosome, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes, as well as to the inability of the immune system to efficiently counteract chronic HBV infection. In this regard, the unique replication strategies adopted by HBV and viral protein production also appear to contribute to infection persistence by limiting the effectiveness of innate responses. The availability of improved experimental systems and molecular techniques have started to provide new information about the complex network of interactions that HBV establishes within the hepatocyte and that may contribute to disease progression and tumor development. Thus, this review will mostly focus on events involving the hepatocyte: the only target cell where HBV infection and replication take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Dandri
- I Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf German Center for Infection Research, Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel site
| | - Joerg Petersen
- IFI Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine, Asklepios Clinic St Georg, Hamburg, Germany
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16
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major health burden worldwide; it can cause various degrees of liver damage and is strongly associated with the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular mechanisms determining HBV persistence are not fully understood, but these appear to be multifactorial and the unique replication strategy employed by HBV enables its maintenance in infected hepatocytes. Both the stability of the HBV genome, which forms a stable minichromosome, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the hepatocyte nucleus, and the inability of the immune system to resolve chronic HBV infection are believed to be key mechanisms of HBV chronicity. Since a true cure of HBV requires clearance of intranuclear cccDNA from infected hepatocytes, understanding the mechanisms involved in cccDNA biogenesis, regulation and stability is mandatory to achieve HBV eradication. This review will summarize the state of knowledge on these mechanisms including the impact of current treatments on the cccDNA stability and activity. We will focus on events challenging cccDNA persistence in dividing hepatocytes.
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17
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Zhang XX, Li MR, Xi HL, Cao Y, Zhang RW, Zhang Y, Xu XY. Dynamic Characteristics of Serum Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Chinese Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving 7 Years of Entecavir Therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 129:929-35. [PMID: 27064037 PMCID: PMC4831527 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.179802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The ultimate goal of hepatitis B treatment is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. Several factors have been suggested to be associated with the rate of HBsAg reduction in antiviral-naive or lamivudine therapy cohorts. However, there are few studies evaluating the factors during long-term entecavir (ETV) therapy. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the factors to predict the outcome of ETV therapy for 7 years. Methods: A total of 47 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with ETV monotherapy were included in this study. Liver biochemistry, hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers, serum HBV DNA, and HBsAg titers were tested at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and yearly from 1 to 7. The associations between factors and HBsAg reduction were assessed using multivariate tests with repeated measure analysis of variance. Results: At baseline, serum HBsAg levels showed a positive correlation with baseline HBV DNA levels (r = 0.625, P < 0.001). The mean HBsAg titers after ETV treatment were significantly lower than the baseline titers (P ranges from 0.025 to 0.000,000,6). The HBsAg reduction rate during the 1st year was greater compared to after 1 year of treatment (P < 0.05). Multivariate test showed that hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance and/or HBsAg reduction ≥0.5 log10 IU/ml at 6 months had a high negative predictive value (96.77%) for HBsAg seroclearance (P = 0.002, P = 0.012, respectively). Conclusions: The HBsAg reduction rate during the 1st year was greater than that after 1 year of treatment. Further, HBeAg status and HBsAg levels at month 6 are the optimal factors for the early prediction of HBsAg seroclearance after long-term ETV therapy in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Yuan Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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18
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Lai CL, Wong D, Ip P, Kopaniszen M, Seto WK, Fung J, Huang FY, Lee B, Cullaro G, Chong CK, Wu R, Cheng C, Yuen J, Ngai V, Yuen MF. Reduction of covalently closed circular DNA with long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment in chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2017; 66:275-281. [PMID: 27639844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), a mini-chromosome essential for HBV replication, is supposed to be resistant to nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment. We investigated the effect of long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment on cccDNA. METHODS Among 129 patients who had been enrolled in previous international nucleos(t)ide analogue clinical trials and had liver biopsies at baseline and one year after treatment, we recruited 43 patients on long-term continuous treatment for 72 to 145months for a third liver biopsy. Serum HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, total intrahepatic HBV DNA (ihHBV DNA), cccDNA, HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) as well as histologic changes were examined. RESULTS At the time of the third biopsy, serum HBV DNA levels were undetectable in all but one patient. The median levels of HBsAg, ihHBV DNA, and cccDNA were 2.88logIU/ml, 0.03copies/cell, and 0.01copies/cell, respectively. Compared to baseline levels, there was reduction of HBsAg levels by 0.54log (71.46%), ihHBV DNA levels by 2.81log (99.84%), and cccDNA levels by 2.94log (99.89%), with 49% having cccDNA levels below the detection limit. One patient had undetectable HBsAg. The median pgRNA level, measured only in the third biopsy, was 0.021copies/cell, with 40% of patients having undetectable pgRNA. CONCLUSIONS Long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment induced marked depletion of cccDNA in the majority of patients while serum HBsAg levels, though reduced, were detectable in all but one patient. Whether cccDNA depletion is sustained and associated with better patient outcome requires further study. LAY SUMMARY It is generally presumed that a form of hepatitis B virus DNA, called covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which hides inside the nuclei of liver cells of patients with chronic hepatitis B, cannot be reduced by antiviral treatment. The present study showed that with prolonged treatment (median period 126months), cccDNA can be markedly reduced, with 49% of liver biopsies having undetectable cccDNA. This suggests that viral replication capacity would be very low after prolonged antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Lung Lai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Danny Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Philip Ip
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Fung-Yu Huang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Brian Lee
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, USA
| | - Giuseppe Cullaro
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Campus, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Chun Kong Chong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ringo Wu
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Charles Cheng
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - John Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent Ngai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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19
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Fung J. HBV therapeutic vaccines and cccDNA inhibitors - emergence of a cure. Liver Transpl 2016; 22:52-56. [PMID: 27576205 DOI: 10.1002/lt.24617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James Fung
- The Liver Transplant Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
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20
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a major health burden worldwide. Currently available antiviral treatment options for chronic hepatitis B include pegylated interferon alpha2a (PegIFN) or nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). The major advantages of NAs are good tolerance and potent antiviral activity associated with high rates of sustained on-treatment response to therapy. The advantages of PegIFN include a finite course of treatment, the absence of drug resistance, and an opportunity to obtain a durable post-treatment response to therapy. Furthermore, PegIFN is the only approved agent known to be active against hepatitis D virus (HDV). The use of these two antiviral agents with different mechanisms of action in combination against hepatitis B is theoretically an attractive approach for treatment. Although several studies have confirmed certain virological advantages of combination therapies, data supporting a long-term clinical benefit for patients are lacking and monotherapy with PegIFN or NAs remains the therapy of choice. Moreover, with the current treatment approaches, only a limited number of patients achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. HBsAg loss is considered a "functional cure", but does not mean viral eradication. There is a need for novel therapeutic approaches that enable not only suppression of viral replication, but resolution of HBV infection. A key challenge is to target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. The recent development and availability of innovative in vitro and in vivo systems and sensitive molecular techniques has opened new possibilities to study the complex network of interactions that HBV establishes with the host in the course of infection and to define new targets for antiviral strategies. Several new antiviral or immunomodulatory compounds have reached preclinical or clinical testing with the aim of silencing or eradicating cccDNA to achieve functional cure. Many of these strategies may also be effective for the treatment of HDV, which is dependent on HBsAg for its life cycle. This Clinical Trial Watch summarizes the most recent therapeutic strategies designed to directly target the viruses B and D or to improve immune responses during chronic HBV infection.
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21
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Nguyen LH, Hoang J, Nguyen NH, Vu VD, Wang C, Trinh HN, Li J, Zhang JQ, Nguyen MH. Ethnic differences in incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in a real-life multicenter clinical cohort of 4737 patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2016; 44:390-9. [PMID: 27363288 PMCID: PMC5316284 DOI: 10.1111/apt.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity is associated with increased risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBsAg seroclearance is thought to be rare in general, but cohort data from US patients are limited. AIM To determine the incidence of HBsAg seroclearance in a real-life US cohort. METHODS In total, 4737 patients with chronic hepatitis B from five primary care, gastroenterology and multispecialty centres, and a university medical centre were retrospectively enrolled between 2001 and 2014 with data obtained by manual review of individual patient medical records. Seroclearance was determined by loss of HBsAg seropositivity. Persistent HBsAg was confirmed by direct serology or by proxy with positive hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) or HBV DNA levels. RESULTS HBsAg seroclearance occurred in 52 patients over 16 844 person-years (0.31% annually, 1.2% overall). Median follow-up was 32 months, and mean age 45 ± 14 years. Incidence of HBsAg seroclearance was higher in non-Asians, age >45, males, and those with baseline HBV DNA ≤10 000 IU/mL. On multivariate Cox proportional modelling, non-Asian ethnicity (HR 2.8), male sex (HR 2.1), baseline HBVDNA ≤10 000 (HR 2.0) and age >45 (HR 1.8) were significant independent predictors of seroclearance. CONCLUSION HBsAg seroclearance rates were lower than previously described in this real-life cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B, especially among Asian, female and younger patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long H. Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Hoang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nghia H. Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Vinh D. Vu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | | | - Mindie H. Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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22
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Jung KS, Park JY, Chon YE, Kim HS, Kang W, Kim BK, Kim SU, Kim DY, Han KH, Ahn SH. Clinical outcomes and predictors for relapse after cessation of oral antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:830-9. [PMID: 26687058 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about stopping rules of nucelos(t)ide analog (NA) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS A total of 113 consecutive patients with CHB (45 HBeAg-positive and 68 HBeAg-negative CHB patients), who met the cessation criteria of NA treatment as per the Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) guideline, were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was to evaluate virological relapse (VR) rate within 1 year, which was defined as reappearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA > 2000 IU/mL after cessation of NA treatment. In this cohort, entecavir was used in 81 (71.7 %) and lamivudine in 32 (28.3 %) patients. RESULTS Within 1 year after NA treatment, VR occurred in 26 (57.8 %) HBeAg-positive patients and in 37 (54.4 %) HBeAg-negative patients. In univariate and subsequent multivariate analysis, age > 40 years [odds ratio (OR) 10.959; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.211-54.320; P = 0.003) and a pre-treatment HBV DNA level >2000,000 IU/mL (OR 9.285; 95 % CI 1.545-55.795; P = 0.036) were identified as independent risk factors for VR in HBeAg-positive patients, and age > 40 years (OR 6.690; 95 % CI 1.314-34.057; P = 0.022) and an end-of-treatment HBcrAg level >3.7 log IU/mL (OR 3.751; 95 % CI 1.187-11.856; P = 0.024) were identified in HBeAg-negative patients. During follow up, neither hepatic decompensation nor hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurred, and HBV DNA suppression was achieved in all patients who received antiviral re-treatment. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that the APASL stopping rule could be applied if a candidate was properly selected using individual risk factors. However, regular monitoring should be performed after cessation of NA treatment and long-term outcomes need to be evaluated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sik Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Eun Chon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Hyon-Suk Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonseok Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Project of Medical Science, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Liver Cirrhosis Clinical Research Center, Seoul, Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 Project of Medical Science, Seoul, Korea.
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Hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance during nucleoside analogue therapy: surface antigen kinetics, outcomes, and durability. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:487-95. [PMID: 26446756 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1128-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is the recommended treatment end point for nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B, yet the underlying kinetics and durability of HBsAg seroclearance in NA-treated patients have not been well described. METHODS We compared the HBsAg kinetics and long-term serologic outcomes of 51 chronic hepatitis B patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance during NA therapy with those of 51 HBsAg-positive controls, matched for age, sex, hepatitis B e antigen status, NA type, and treatment duration. Viral profiles before and after HBsAg seroclearance during and after NA treatment cessation were determined. RESULTS The median time to HBsAg seroclearance and the median follow-up duration after HBsAg seroclearance were 61.2 and 51.6 months respectively. Patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance maintained high median rates of HBsAg reduction throughout therapy (first 6 months, 0.40 IU/mL/year; after year 1, 0.39 IU/mL/year; p = 0.809). For controls, the median rate of HBsAg reduction was significantly slower with time (first 6 months and after year 1, 0.19 and 0.05 IU/mL/year; p = 0.006). The difference in the median HBsAg reduction rates after year 1 between the two groups was significant (p < 0.001). The cumulative rates of antibody to HBsAg development and HBsAg seroreversion 72 months after HBsAg seroclearance were 68.9 and 8.3% (one patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy; one patient with pre-S/S variant), respectively. Among 22 patients who discontinued therapy after HBsAg seroclearance, 21 remained HBsAg negative with undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA and one patient with reactivation had the pre-S/S variant. CONCLUSION NA-treated patients achieving HBsAg seroclearance uniquely maintained high rates of HBsAg reduction throughout treatment, with HBsAg seroclearance durable in most of the patients after treatment cessation.
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Liang X, Fan R, Sun J, Shaikh J, Taneja A, Gupta S, Hamed K. Effect of Telbivudine Versus Other Nucleos(t)ide Analogs on HBeAg Seroconversion and Other Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Network Meta-Analysis. Adv Ther 2016; 33:519-31. [PMID: 26921204 PMCID: PMC4846711 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-016-0305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A comprehensive and up-to-date network meta-analysis (NMA) helps to determine the comparative efficacies of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this NMA was to assess the efficacy of telbivudine versus adefovir, entecavir, lamivudine, and tenofovir in nucleos(t)ide-naïve hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with CHB. METHODS A systematic review was conducted to search Medline, Medline-In Process, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for publications of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). NMA was performed to compare the efficacy outcomes of telbivudine versus other approved NAs at 1- and 2-year time points. RESULTS A total of 75 RCTs were included in the systematic review. At the 1-year time point, telbivudine was associated with significantly higher rates of: (1) HBeAg seroconversion than adefovir [odds ratio (OR) 1.99 (95% credible interval (CrI): 1.05, 3.45)], entecavir [OR 2.00 (95% CrI: 1.44, 2.82)] and lamivudine [OR 1.49 (95% CrI: 1.10, 2.03)]; (2) HBeAg loss than entecavir [OR 1.85 (95% CrI: 1.28, 2.76)] and lamivudine [OR 1.62 (95% CrI: 1.20, 2.24)]; (3) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization than lamivudine [OR 1.50 (95% CrI: 1.05, 2.21)]; and (4) hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA suppression than adefovir [OR 2.77 (95% CrI: 1.28, 5.45)] and lamivudine [OR 2.97 (95% CrI: 1.99, 4.53)]. At the 2-year time point, the relative efficacy outcomes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION At 1 year, telbivudine was superior to adefovir, entecavir and lamivudine in HBeAg seroconversion, and to entecavir and lamivudine in HBeAg loss. Telbivudine was also superior to lamivudine in ALT normalization and to adefovir and lamivudine in suppressing HBV DNA levels. FUNDING Novartis Pharma AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xieer Liang
- Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Kamal Hamed
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA.
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Brahmania M, Feld J, Arif A, Janssen HLA. New therapeutic agents for chronic hepatitis B. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016; 16:e10-21. [PMID: 26795693 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)00436-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The treatment goal for chronic hepatitis B is true eradication of the hepatitis B virus, but this is rarely achieved with first-line treatment regimens because of an inability to disrupt covalently closed circular DNA and an inadequate host immune response. Therefore, new antiviral agents are needed to target various stages of the hepatitis B virus lifecycle and modulation of the immune system. This Review provides a summary of available regimens with their strengths and limitations, and highlights future therapeutic strategies to target the virus and host immune response. These new agents can hopefully lead to a finite duration of treatment, and provide a functional and durable cure for chronic hepatitis B infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Brahmania
- Toronto Centre for Liver Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ambreen Arif
- Toronto Centre for Liver Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Diseases, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center University Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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Loggi E, Vitale G, Conti F, Bernardi M, Andreone P. Chronic hepatitis B: Are we close to a cure? Dig Liver Dis 2015; 47:836-41. [PMID: 26138799 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2015.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 300 million people worldwide are persistently infected with the hepatitis B virus and are at risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis, which can progress to end-stage liver disease. Despite the effectiveness of the current vaccination policy, the prevalence of the disease remains high, and the burden for health services is considerable. The currently available antiviral strategies are either poorly effective or only effective for non-curative suppression of viral replication. Recent efforts have been focused on improving the cure rate for chronic hepatitis B and developing strategies to eliminate infected cells. Several approaches are under evaluation, and these include targeting the virus at different stages of its life cycle and boosting the antiviral immune response. This article reviews these latest approaches and comments on their feasibility and potential translation into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Loggi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Conti
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in ∼350 million people worldwide who have an increased risk of end-stage liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. SOURCES OF DATA Several peer-reviewed papers featuring new approaches to anti-HBV management. Additionally, we also reviewed recent abstract presentations at international congresses. AREAS OF AGREEMENT There has been great progress in CHB therapy with the development of standard and pegylated interferon (i.e. PEG-IFN) as well as nucleos/tide analogs (NAs). IFN has both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects and through immune-mediated destruction of infected hepatocytes offers the possibility of finite therapy. However, this 'killing for a cure' antiviral strategy may not be tolerated in many, especially in cirrhotic patients. NAs inhibit viral reverse transcriptase, have few side effects and prevent liver disease progression, but cannot offer a cure as they have little effect on the resilient HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) intermediate. Moreover, NAs such as tenofovir and entecavir offer a high genetic barrier to resistance, but are expensive and not readily available in many global regions. GROWING POINTS Despite significant treatment advances, there is increased recognition of the need for improved anti-HBV treatments, and new virologic tests for monitoring treatment response. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen, intrahepatic cccDNA levels and viral genotype in selecting treatment candidates and refining NA stopping rules. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING NEW RESEARCH Potential new therapies include viral entry inhibitors, RNA interference technologies (i.e. RNAi) and small molecules that modulate cccDNA transcription, as well as novel immunomodulatory therapies to boost HBV-specific T cell responses. The ultimate goal of new tests and anti-HBV therapies is to reduce the burden and expense of life-long CHB treatment, as 'only diamonds are forever'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla S Coffin
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Tavis JE, Lomonosova E. The hepatitis B virus ribonuclease H as a drug target. Antiviral Res 2015; 118:132-8. [PMID: 25862291 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of hepatitis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. An outstanding vaccine is available; however, the number of infections remains high. Current anti-HBV treatments with interferon α and nucleos(t)ide analogs clear the infection in only a small minority of patients, and either induce serious side-effects or are of very long duration. HBV is a small, enveloped DNA virus that replicates by reverse transcription via an RNA intermediate. The HBV ribonuclease H (RNaseH) is essential for viral replication, but it has not been exploited as a drug target. Recent low-throughput screening of compound classes with anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus RNaseH activity led to identification of HBV RNaseH inhibitors in three different chemical families that block HBV replication. These inhibitors are promising candidates for development into new anti-HBV drugs. The RNaseH inhibitors may help improve treatment efficacy enough to clear the virus from the liver when used in combination with existing anti-HBV drugs and/or with other novel inhibitors under development. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "An unfinished story: from the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis B."
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Liver Center, United States.
| | - Elena Lomonosova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University Liver Center, United States
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Orlando R, Foggia M, Maraolo AE, Mascolo S, Palmiero G, Tambaro O, Tosone G. Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection: from the past to the future. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 34:1059-70. [PMID: 25678010 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-015-2341-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
About 3-5 % of the world's population is chronically infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and is at risk of developing liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The risk of dying prematurely because of chronic HBV infection is higher in younger people. The current strategies to prevent HBV infection involve immunization (active and/or passive) and antiviral chemoprophylaxis. The vaccines available for active immunization, containing hepatitis B surface antigen, are safe and confer long-term immunity in most healthy subjects. Since the vaccination is unsatisfactory in some patients, e.g., those with chronic kidney disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection, type I diabetes mellitus, and celiac disease, new strategies of vaccination are required. The neonatal, infant, and adolescent routine program vaccination in about 180 countries has greatly decreased the disease burden. Passive immunization with specific HBV immunoglobulins is recommended after single acute exposure, in infants born to infected mothers, and in HBV-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation combined with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (chemoprophylaxis). Chemoprophylaxis is also indicated in HBV carrier candidates for immunosuppressive treatment and in patients with occult B infection undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Since HBV is not eradicable by an immune response or by antiviral drugs developed so far, the only preventive strategy remains global neonatal vaccination in all countries, firstly in HBV-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Orlando
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
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Shi M, Sun WL, Hua YY, Han B, Shi L. Effects of entecavir on hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients with hepatitis B. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117741. [PMID: 25647607 PMCID: PMC4315599 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 48-week entecavir therapy on serum and intrahepatic hepatitis B virus, covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) levels in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients. A total of 120 patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis were treated with entecavir for 48 weeks. Serum HBV markers, total HBV DNA, and HBV cccDNA levels were measured at baseline and week 48. Biopsies from 20 patients were available for both intrahepatic total HBV DNA and cccDNA testing at these timepoints. HBV cccDNA levels were decreased from a median level of 5.1×106 copies/mL at baseline to a median level of 2.4×103 copies/mL at week 48. Reduction magnitudes of HBV cccDNA in patients with normalized alanine aminotransferase levels and those undergoing HBeAg seroconversion were significantly greater than those in alanine aminotransferase-abnormal and HBeAg positive patients. Intrahepatic HBV cccDNA was decreased significantly after 48 weeks of treatment, but could not be eradicated. In conclusion, treatment of HBeAg-positive hepatitis B patients with entecavir for 48 weeks decreased serum and intrahepatic HBV cccDNA significantly, and the magnitude of HBV cccDNA reduction was related to total HBV DNA decrease, alanine aminotransferase normalization, and HBeAg seroconversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, No. 6 Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Wan-Li Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, No. 6 Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China
| | - Yan-Yan Hua
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, No. 6 Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China
| | - Bo Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, No. 6 Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China
| | - Long Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, No. 6 Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China
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Habersetzer F, Moenne-Loccoz R, Meyer N, Schvoerer E, Simo-Noumbissie P, Dritsas S, Baumert TF, Doffoël M. Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen in a real-life clinical cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Liver Int 2015; 35:130-9. [PMID: 25145784 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is the main indicator of viral cure in patients infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). We sought to identify the parameters associated with HBsAg loss in a well-characterized real-life clinical cohort of chronically HBV-infected patients. METHODS Patients with chronic HBV infection were prospectively included, classified according to the disease stage, and followed up to determine parameters associated with HBsAg clearance. RESULTS In total, 315 patients were followed up for a mean of almost 6 years. At study entry, 109 (34.6%) were inactive HBsAg carriers, 204 (64.8%) had chronic active hepatitis (CAH), and two (0.6%) were immune-tolerant carriers. During follow-up, 128 (62.7%) of the 204 patients with CAH received antiviral therapy. Sixty-nine had HBeAg-positive CAH: 55 (79.7%) were treated and 14 (20.3%) untreated. One hundred thirty-five had HBeAg-negative CAH: 73 (54.1%) were treated and 62 (45.9%) untreated. Inactive carriers showed an annual HBsAg clearance incidence rate of 23.4 cases per 1000 persons-years, which was higher than that of CAH groups. The clearance incidence rates (in cases per 1000 persons-years) of CAH groups were: treated HBeAg-positive (20.7), untreated HBeAg-positive (19.1), treated HBeAg-negative (10.1), and untreated HBeAg-negative (8.1). Older age (P = 0.001) and inactive carrier status (P = 0.019) were independent predictors of HBsAg clearance. CONCLUSION In a well-characterized real-life clinical cohort of chronically HBV-infected patients in various disease phases, older age, and inactive HBsAg carrier status were the only predictors of HBsAg clearance, whereas anti-HBV therapy only marginally increased annual incidence of HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Habersetzer
- Service d'Hépatogastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, F-67091, France; Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, F-67000, France; Unité Inserm 1110, Strasbourg, F-67000, France
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32
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Yang HC, Kao JH. Persistence of hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA in hepatocytes: molecular mechanisms and clinical significance. Emerg Microbes Infect 2014; 3:e64. [PMID: 26038757 PMCID: PMC4185362 DOI: 10.1038/emi.2014.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is the transcriptional template of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Extensive research over the past decades has unveiled the important role of cccDNA in the natural history and antiviral treatment of chronic HBV infection. cccDNA can persist in patients recovering from acute HBV infection for decades. This explains why HBV reactivation occasionally occurs in patients with resolved hepatitis B receiving intensive immunosuppressive agents. In addition, although advances in antiviral treatment dramatically improve the adverse outcomes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), accumulating evidence demonstrates that current antiviral treatments alone, be they nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) or interferon (IFN), fail to cure most CHB patients because of the persistent cccDNA. NA suppresses HBV replication by directly inhibiting viral polymerase, while IFN enhances host immunity against HBV infection. Viral rebound often occurs after discontinuation of antiviral treatment. The loss of cccDNA can be induced by non-cytolytic destruction of cccDNA or immune-mediated killing of infected hepatocytes. It is known that NA has no direct effect on viral transcription or cccDNA stability. Therefore, the long half-life of hepatocytes leads to a very slow decline in cccDNA in patients under antiviral therapy. Novel antiviral agents targeting cccDNA or cccDNA-containing hepatocytes are thus required for curing chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China ; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China ; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China ; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China ; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China ; Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei 10002, Taiwan, China
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