1
|
Hangyu W, Panpan L, Jie S, Hongyan W, Linmiao W, Kangning H, Yichen S, Shuai W, Cheng W. Advancements in Antiviral Drug Development: Comprehensive Insights into Design Strategies and Mechanisms Targeting Key Viral Proteins. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1376-1384. [PMID: 38934770 PMCID: PMC11294656 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2403.03008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases have always been a threat to human survival and quality of life, impeding the stability and progress of human society. As such, researchers have persistently focused on developing highly efficient, low-toxicity antiviral drugs, whether for acute or chronic infectious diseases. This article presents a comprehensive review of the design concepts behind virus-targeted drugs, examined through the lens of antiviral drug mechanisms. The intention is to provide a reference for the development of new, virus-targeted antiviral drugs and guide their clinical usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Hangyu
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Li Panpan
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Shen Jie
- School of Medical Laboratory, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wang Hongyan
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wei Linmiao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Han Kangning
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Inflammatory Disease Research in Universities of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Shi Yichen
- School of Stomatology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, P.R. China
| | - Wang Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, Inner Mongolia 010110, P.R. China
| | - Wang Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia 010050, P.R. China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory for Pathogenesis and Diagnosis of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, Inner Mongolia 010110, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alshiban NM, Aleyiydi MS, Nassar MS, Alhumaid NK, Almangour TA, Tawfik YM, Damiati LA, Almutairi AS, Tawfik EA. Epidemiologic and clinical updates on viral infections in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102126. [PMID: 38966679 PMCID: PMC11223122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, the world has witnessed devastating pandemics affecting the global healthcare infrastructure and disrupting society and the economy worldwide. Among all pathogens, viruses play a critical role that is associated with outbreaks due to their wide range of species, involvement of animal hosts, easily transmitted to humans, and increased rates of infectivity. Viral disease outbreaks threaten public health globally due to the challenges associated with controlling and eradicating them. Implementing effective viral disease control programs starts with ongoing surveillance data collection and analyses to detect infectious disease trends and patterns, which is critical for maintaining public health. Viral disease control strategies include improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, eliminating arthropod vectors, vaccinations, and quarantine. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Health Authority (also known as Weqayah) in Saudi Arabia are responsible for public health surveillance to control and prevent infectious diseases. The notifiable viral diseases based on the Saudi MOH include hepatitis diseases, viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory viral diseases, exanthematous viral diseases, neurological viral diseases, and conjunctivitis. Monitoring trends and detecting changes in these viral diseases is essential to provide proper interventions, evaluate the established prevention programs, and develop better prevention strategies. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and to provide insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noura M. Alshiban
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munirah S. Aleyiydi
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S. Nassar
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada K. Alhumaid
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A. Almangour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya M.K. Tawfik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila A. Damiati
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Essam A. Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sun Q, Ni J, Li S, Ding H, Wang P, Song N, Wang X, Li M. Access to Reverse Glycosyl Azides and Rare Sugar-Based Glycosyl Azides via Radical Decarboxylative Azidation: Divergent Synthesis of 4'- C-Azidonucleosides as Potential Antiviral Agents. Org Lett 2024; 26:3997-4001. [PMID: 38687048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c01084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The radical decarboxylative azidation of structurally diverse uronic acids has been established as an efficient approach to reverse glycosyl azides and rare sugar-derived glycosyl azides under the action of Ag2CO3, 3-pyridinesulfonyl azide, and K2S2O8. The power of this method has been highlighted by the divergent synthesis of 4'-C-azidonucleosides using Vorbrüggen glycosylation of nucleobases with 4-C-azidofuranosyl acetates. The antiviral assessment of the resulting nucleosides revealed one compound as a potential inhibitor of covalently closed circular DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qikai Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jingxuan Ni
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han Ding
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ni Song
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education and One Health Institute, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
- Song Li' Academician Workstation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hainan University, Sanya 572000, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Medicine, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266237, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Soriano V, Moreno-Torres V, Treviño A, de Jesús F, Corral O, de Mendoza C. Prospects for Controlling Hepatitis B Globally. Pathogens 2024; 13:291. [PMID: 38668246 PMCID: PMC11054959 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is highly prevalent globally. Over 250 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis B, and more than 800,000 patients die each year due to hepatitis B complications, including liver cancer. Although protective HBV vaccines are recommended for all newborns, global coverage is suboptimal. In adults, sexual transmission is by far the most frequent route of contagion. The WHO estimates that 1.5 million new HBV infections occur annually. Oral nucleos(t)ide analogues entecavir and tenofovir are the most frequent antivirals prescribed as HBV therapy. Almost all patients adherent to the medication achieve undetectable plasma viremia beyond 6 months of monotherapy. However, less than 5% achieve anti-HBs seroconversion, and viral rebound occurs following drug discontinuation. Therefore, nucleos(t)ide analogues need to be lifelong. New long-acting formulations of tenofovir and entecavir are being developed that will maximize treatment benefit and overcome adherence barriers. Furthermore, new antiviral agents are in development, including entry inhibitors, capside assembly modulators, and RNA interference molecules. The use of combination therapy pursues a functional HBV cure, meaning it is negative for both circulating HBV-DNA and HBsAg. Even when this goal is achieved, the cccDNA reservoir within infected hepatocytes remains a signal of past infection, and HBV can reactivate under immune suppression. Therefore, new gene therapies, including gene editing, are eagerly being pursued to silence or definitively disrupt HBV genomes within infected hepatocytes and, in this way, ultimately cure hepatitis B. At this time, three actions can be taken to push HBV eradication globally: (1) expand universal newborn HBV vaccination; (2) perform once-in-life testing of all adults to identify susceptible HBV persons that could be vaccinated (or re-vaccinated) and unveil asymptomatic carriers that could benefit from treatment; and (3) provide earlier antiviral therapy to chronic HBV carriers, as being aviremic reduces the risk of both clinical progression and transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Soriano
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, 28010 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Moreno-Torres
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, 28010 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Treviño
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, 28010 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Octavio Corral
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, 28010 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Majadahonda, 28222 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu H, Hua H, Dong Y, Zhang J, Xu H, Ge X, Lu Q, Feng J. Long-Term Strategies for Poorly Water-Soluble Peptides: Combining Fatty Acid Modification with PAS Fusion. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:2366-2374. [PMID: 38037956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Bulevirtide, an entry inhibitor for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV), is currently available on the European market. However, its clinical application is constrained by its short half-life and poor water solubility, rendering it unsuitable for fatty acid modification, aimed at achieving long-term effects. To address this limitation, we integrated a polypeptide chain consisting of Pro, Ala, and Ser at the C-terminus, which increased its hydrophilicity. To obtain the fusion sequence of A1 and A2, encompassing amino acids 1-47 of Bulevirtide and PAS, we used Escherichia coli fermentation expression. Subsequently, the N-terminal myristoyl groups of A1 and A2 were modified to yield Myr-A1 and Myr-A2, respectively. Five fatty acid moieties with the same hydrophilic spacers and different fatty acids were conjugated to analogs, generating 10 bioconjugations. The bioconjugates were then evaluated for their anti-HBV activity. Among them, HB-10 was selected for pharmacokinetic analysis and demonstrated a significantly prolonged half-life, with 5.88- and 13.18-fold increases in beagle dogs and rats, respectively. Additionally, higher drug doses resulted in substantially elevated liver concentrations. In conclusion, via fatty acid incorporation and PASylation, we successfully developed a novel Bulevirtide bioconjugate, HB-10, that exhibits an extended action duration. This compound holds substantial promise as a prospective long-acting entry inhibitor, warranting further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongxiang Zhu
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haoju Hua
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanzhen Dong
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Duomirui Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongjiang Xu
- Chia tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Xingfeng Ge
- Chia tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Qin Lu
- Chia tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jun Feng
- China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tran S, Zou B, Kam L, Lee K, Huang DQ, Henry L, Cheung R, Nguyen MH. Updates in Characteristics and Survival Rates of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Nationwide Cohort of Real-World US Patients, 2003-2021. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:2147-2158. [PMID: 38076642 PMCID: PMC10700040 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s420603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aim Causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may change as treatments become available for some liver diseases. We examined the distribution of HCC cause and survival of a nationwide cohort of insured patients. Methods Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM), 2003-2021. Results A total of 34707 patients with HCC were included: mean age: 68.3±11.6 years, 61% male, 62% Caucasian, 74% cirrhosis. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was the most common etiology (38.9%), then hepatitis C virus (HCV) (25.3%), cryptogenic (18.0%), alcohol-associated liver disease (9.4%), other liver diseases (5.8%) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) at 2.6%. NAFLD patients were the oldest (mean age 71.1±11.2) and had the highest Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (mean 10.5±3.9), while HCV were the youngest (mean age 64.2±9.2 years) and HBV had the lowest CCI (mean 7.2±4.4) (both P<0.0001). The overall 5-year survival was 18.8% (95% CI 18.2-19.3) but was lower in the recent 2014-2021 period vs 2003-2013 (18.1% vs 19.5%, P=0.003). The 2014-2021 cohort (inclusive of HCV treatment advances) was significantly older, with more females, fewer Caucasians, more African Americans, more Hispanics, fewer Asians, more cirrhosis, more NAFLD, and higher CCI (all P<0.001). On multivariable analysis, males (aHR: 1.13), Caucasians (aHR: 1.46), African Americans (aHR: 1.53) and Hispanics (aHR: 1.28) vs Asians, 2014-2021 (vs 2003-2013) cohort (aHR: 1.12), NAFLD (aHR: 1.14) or cryptogenic liver disease (aHR: 1.45) were associated with increased mortality (all P<0.001). Conclusion HCC patients in more recent time 2014-2021 were more likely to be older, more likely to have nonviral etiology, and had worse survival compared to those from 2003 to 2013.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally Tran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Biyao Zou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Leslie Kam
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - KeeSeok Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda Henry
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ogunnaike M, Das S, Raut SS, Sultana A, Nayan MU, Ganesan M, Edagwa BJ, Osna NA, Poluektova LY. Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: New Approaches towards Cure. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1208. [PMID: 37627273 PMCID: PMC10452112 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Lifelong treatment with nucleotides/nucleoside antiviral agents is effective at suppressing HBV replication, however, adherence to daily therapy can be challenging. This review discusses recent advances in the development of long-acting formulations for HBV treatment and prevention, which could potentially improve adherence. Promising new compounds that target distinct steps of the virus life cycle are summarized. In addition to treatments that suppress viral replication, curative strategies are focused on the elimination of covalently closed circular DNA and the inactivation of the integrated viral DNA from infected hepatocytes. We highlight promising long-acting antivirals and genome editing strategies for the elimination or deactivation of persistent viral DNA products in development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mojisola Ogunnaike
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Srijanee Das
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Samiksha S. Raut
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Ashrafi Sultana
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Mohammad Ullah Nayan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Benson J. Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| | - Natalia A. Osna
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Larisa Y. Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (M.O.); (S.D.); (S.S.R.); (A.S.); (M.U.N.); (M.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Choi YM, Kim DH, Jang J, Kim BJ. A hepatitis B virus-derived peptide combined with HBsAg exerts an anti-HBV effect in an HBV transgenic mouse model as a therapeutic vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155637. [PMID: 37334373 PMCID: PMC10272379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For complete or functional cure of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, application of immunotherapy is now being attempted. Recently, we reported that a 6-mer hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived peptide, Poly6, exerts a strong anticancer effect in tumor-implanted mice through inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-producing DCs (Tip-DCs) in a type 1 interferon (IFN-I)-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a vaccine adjuvant. Methods In this study, we explored the potential of Poly6 in combination with HBsAg as a therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis B virus infection. We investigated the immunotherapeutic potential of Poly6 combined with HBsAg vaccination against hepatitis B virus infection in C57BL/6 mice or an HBV transgenic mouse model. Results In C57BL/6 mice, Poly6 enhanced DC maturation and DC migration capacity in an IFN-I-dependent manner. Moreover, the addition of Poly6 to alum in combination with HBsAg also led to enhanced HBsAg-specific cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant of HBsAg-based vaccines. In HBV transgenic mice, vaccination with Poly6 combined with HBsAg exerted a strong anti-HBV effect via induction of HBV-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In addition, it also induced HBV-specific effector memory T cells (TEM). Discussion Our data indicated that vaccination with Poly6 in combination with HBsAg exerts an anti-HBV effect in HBV transgenic mice, which is mainly mediated by HBV-specific CMI and humoral immune responses via IFN-I-dependent DC activation, suggesting the feasibility of Poly6 as an adjuvant for an HBV therapeutic vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Jang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center (SNUMRC), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ramos-Rincon JM, Pinargote-Celorio H, de Mendoza C, Ramos-Belinchón C, Barreiro P, Treviño A, Corral O, Soriano V. Impact of potent nucleos(t)ide therapy on hepatitis B hospitalisations in Spain. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:540-548. [PMID: 36320189 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17280] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major cause of decompensated cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. Newborn HBV vaccination was implemented in Spain two decades ago, and potent oral antivirals entecavir and tenofovir were introduced around 2007. AIM To assess the clinical benefits of these interventions nationwide. METHODS Including HBV as a diagnosis, we performed a retrospective study of all hospitalisations in Spain the Spanish National Registry of Hospital Discharges. Information was retrieved from 1997 to 2017. RESULTS From 73,939,642 nationwide hospital admissions during the study period, 129,634 (0.17%) included HBV as diagnosis. Their number doubled from 2007 to 2017 and the median age increased from 44 to 58 years. Most HBV admissions recorded chronic hepatitis B. In-hospital death occurred in 6.4%. Co-infection with HIV or hepatitis C virus occurred in 11.9% and 23.3%, respectively. Patients with HIV-HBV co-infection had significantly greater mortality than individuals with HBV mono-infection. The rate of HBV hospitalisations significantly increased over time with a transient drop around 2007, coincident with the arrival of new potent oral antivirals. Although the proportion of HBV hepatic decompensation events has declined, the rate of liver cancer continues to rise. The small subset of patients with hepatitis delta superinfection increasingly and disproportionately accounts for hepatic decompensation events and liver cancer. CONCLUSION Hospital admissions of individuals with HBV infection are increasing in Spain. While hepatic decompensation events declined following the introduction of potent oral nucleos(t)ide therapy, HBV-related liver cancer is rising. No benefit of oral antiviral therapies is seen on hepatitis delta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José-Manuel Ramos-Rincon
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL & Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Héctor Pinargote-Celorio
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL & Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro Research Institute & University Hospital, Majadahonda, Spain
| | | | - Pablo Barreiro
- Regional Public Health Laboratory, Hospital Isabel Zendal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Treviño
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Octavio Corral
- UNIR Health Sciences School & Medical Center, Madrid, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Soriano V, Aguilera A, Benito R, González-Díez R, Miró E, Liendo P, Rodríguez-Diaz JC, Cabezas T, Richart A, Ramos JM, Barea L, Álvarez C, Treviño A, Gómez-Gallego F, Corral O, de Mendoza C. Susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection in adults living in Spain. Liver Int 2023; 43:1015-1020. [PMID: 36809581 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15548] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A protective hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine has been available for four decades. Universal HBV vaccination of infants is recommended by the WHO since the 1990s. Furthermore, HBV immunization is advised for all adults with high-risk behaviours and no seroprotection. However, HBV vaccine coverage remains globally suboptimal. The advent of new more efficacious trivalent HBV vaccines has renewed the interest in HBV vaccination. At present, the extent of current HBV susceptibility in adults remains unknown in Spain. METHODS HBV serological markers were assessed on a large and representative sample of adults in Spain, including blood donors and individuals belonging to high-risk groups. Serum HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs were tested in specimens collected during the last couple of years. RESULTS From 13 859 consecutive adults tested at seven cities across the Spanish geography, overall 166 (1.2%) had positive HBsAg. Past HBV infection was recognized in 14% and prior vaccine immunization in 24%. Unexpectedly, 37% of blood donors and 63% of persons belonging to high-risk groups had no serum HBV markers and therefore were potentially HBV susceptible. CONCLUSION Roughly 60% of adults living in Spain seem to be HBV susceptible. Waning immunity might be more common than expected. Hence, HBV serological testing should be performed at least once in all adults regardless of risk exposures. HBV vaccine full courses or boosters should be administered to all adults lacking serological evidence of HBV protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Aguilera
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago & GI-1209 USC, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rafael Benito
- Hospital Universitario Lozano Blesa & Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alberto Richart
- Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Luisa Barea
- Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Álvarez
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Treviño
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Octavio Corral
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen de Mendoza
- Puerta de Hierro University Hospital & Research Institute, Majadahonda, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Feitelson MA, Arzumanyan A, Spector I, Medhat A. Hepatitis B x (HBx) as a Component of a Functional Cure for Chronic Hepatitis B. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092210. [PMID: 36140311 PMCID: PMC9496119 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients who are carriers of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are at high risk of chronic liver disease (CLD) which proceeds from hepatitis, to fibrosis, cirrhosis and to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The hepatitis B-encoded X antigen, HBx, promotes virus gene expression and replication, protects infected hepatocytes from immunological destruction, and promotes the development of CLD and HCC. For virus replication, HBx regulates covalently closed circular (ccc) HBV DNA transcription, while for CLD, HBx triggers cellular oxidative stress, in part, by triggering mitochondrial damage that stimulates innate immunity. Constitutive activation of NF-κB by HBx transcriptionally activates pro-inflammatory genes, resulting in hepatocellular destruction, regeneration, and increased integration of the HBx gene into the host genome. NF-κB is also hepatoprotective, which sustains the survival of infected cells. Multiple therapeutic approaches include direct-acting anti-viral compounds and immune-stimulating drugs, but functional cures were not achieved, in part, because none were yet devised to target HBx. In addition, many patients with cirrhosis or HCC have little or no virus replication, but continue to express HBx from integrated templates, suggesting that HBx contributes to the pathogenesis of CLD. Blocking HBx activity will, therefore, impact multiple aspects of the host–virus relationship that are relevant to achieving a functional cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Feitelson
- Room 409 Biolife Building, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-204-8434
| | - Alla Arzumanyan
- Room 409 Biolife Building, Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | | | - Arvin Medhat
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran 1975933411, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Codelivery of HBx-siRNA and Plasmid Encoding IL-12 for Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus and Reactivation of Antiviral Immunity. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071439. [PMID: 35890334 PMCID: PMC9318813 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is a critical cause of many serious liver diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The main challenges in hepatitis B treatment include the rebound of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related antigen levels after drug withdrawal and the immunosuppression caused by the virus. Herein, we demonstrate that the HBV-related antigen can be effectively inhibited and antiviral immunity can be successfully reactivated through codelivery of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting HBV X protein (HBx) and the plasmid encoding interleukin 12 (pIL-12) to hepatocytes and immune cells. After being treated by the siRNA/pIL-12 codelivery system, HBx mRNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are dramatically reduced in HepG2.215 cells. More importantly, the downregulated CD47 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and the upregulated interferon-β promoter stimulator-1 (IPS-1), retinoic acid-inducible gene-1 (RIG-1), CD80, and human leukocyte antigen-1 (HLA-1) in treated HepG2.215 cells indicate that the immunosuppression is reversed by the codelivery system. Furthermore, the codelivery system results in inhibition of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathways, as well as downregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and upregulation of p53, implying its potential in preventing the progression of HBV-induced HCC. In addition, J774A.1 macrophages treated by the codelivery system were successfully differentiated into the M1 phenotype and expressed enhanced cytokines with anti-hepatitis B effects such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Therefore, we believe that codelivery of siRNA and pIL-12 can effectively inhibit hepatitis B virus, reverse virus-induced immunosuppression, reactivate antiviral immunity, and hinder the progression of HBV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. This investigation provides a promising approach for the synergistic treatment of HBV infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Nagra N, Kozarek RA, Burman BE. Therapeutic Advances in Viral Hepatitis A-E. Adv Ther 2022; 39:1524-1552. [PMID: 35220557 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis remains a significant global health problem. All forms of viral hepatitis A through E (A-E) can lead to acute symptomatic infection, while hepatitis B and C can lead to chronic infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality related to progression to cirrhosis, end-stage-liver disease, and liver cancer. Viral hepatitis occurs worldwide, though certain regions are disproportionately affected. We now, remarkably, have highly effective curative regimens for hepatitis C, and safe and tolerable medications to suppress hepatitis B activity, and to prevent liver damage and slow disease progression. We have effective vaccines for hepatitis A and B which provide long-lasting immunity, while improved sanitation and awareness can curb outbreaks of hepatitis A and E. However, more effective and available preventive and curative strategies are needed to achieve global eradication of viral hepatitis. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and clinical features of each viral hepatitis with a primary focus on current and future therapeutic and curative options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navroop Nagra
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Richard A Kozarek
- Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Blaire E Burman
- Center for Digestive Health, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, 1100 9th Ave., Seattle, WA, 98101, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Batskikh S, Morozov S, Vinnitskaya E, Sbikina E, Borunova Z, Dorofeev A, Sandler Y, Saliev K, Kostyushev D, Brezgin S, Kostyusheva A, Chulanov V. May Previous Hepatitis B Virus Infection Be Involved in Etiology and Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Liver Diseases? Adv Ther 2022; 39:430-440. [PMID: 34762287 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-021-01983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral infections, especially with hepatotropic viruses, may trigger autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) and deteriorate their course. However, association of previous hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (presence of anti-HBc with or without anti-HBs or HBV DNA in serum) with AILDs is poorly studied so far. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of previous hepatitis B virus infection markers and its clinical significance in patients with autoimmune liver diseases. METHODS The study was based on the data obtained from 234 consecutive HBsAg-negative patients with AILDs [81 with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 122 with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and 31 with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)] and 131 subjects of the control group without liver diseases. Blood samples of the enrolled patients were tested for anti-HBc and HBV DNA. Samples of liver tissue were examined by standard morphologic protocol and, in anti-HBc positive subjects, for HBV DNA. We assessed estimated risks of AILDs according to anti-HBc positivity and association of anti-HBc positivity with stage of liver fibrosis. RESULTS Anti-HBc was detected in 14.5% participants in the control group vs 26.1% (p = 0.016) in patients with AILDs (including 27.1% subjects with PBC (p = 0.021 vs control group), in 29% of PSC and 23.5% in AIH. HBV DNA was detected in three patients with PBC and in one with AIH. Positive anti-HBc test result was associated with higher risk of AILDs-odds ratio (OR) = 2.078 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.179-3.665], especially in PBC: OR (95% CI) 2.186 (1.165-4.101). Odds of advanced stage of liver fibrosis (F3-F4 by METAVIR) in anti-HBc-positive subjects with PBC were also higher compared to those who had no previous HBV infection: OR (95% CI) 2.614 (1.153-5.926). CONCLUSIONS Significant proportions of patients with AILDs are anti-HBc positive, and some of them have OBI. Among patients with AILDs, anti-HBc-positivity is most widespread in the PBC group and in subjects with advanced stage of liver fibrosis. Our data may support the idea of an important role of previous HBV infection in the etiology and pathogenesis of AILDs (namely PBC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Batskikh
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Morozov
- Department Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Federal Research Center of Nutrition and Biotechnology, Kashirskoye Shosse, 21, 115446, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elena Vinnitskaya
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniya Sbikina
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Zanna Borunova
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Dorofeev
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Sandler
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Kirill Saliev
- Moscow Clinical Scientific Center n.a. A.S. Loginov, Entuziastov Shosse, 86, 111123, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kostyushev
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340, Sochi, Russia
| | - Sergey Brezgin
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340, Sochi, Russia
| | - Anastasiya Kostyusheva
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health, 127994, Moscow, Russia
- Division of Biotechnology, Scientific Center for Genetics and Life Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340, Sochi, Russia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119146, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Masaki T, Tani J, Morishita A. Can microRNA-96-5p serve as a therapeutic molecule in the near future? Hepatol Res 2022; 52:3-4. [PMID: 34981601 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Short term but highly efficient Cas9 expression mediated by excisional system using adenovirus vector and Cre. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24369. [PMID: 34934130 PMCID: PMC8692473 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03803-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 have both become common gene engineering technologies and have been applied to gene therapy. However, the problems of increasing the efficiency of genome editing and reducing off-target effects that induce double-stranded breaks at unexpected sites in the genome remain. In this study, we developed a novel Cas9 transduction system, Exci-Cas9, using an adenovirus vector (AdV). Cas9 was expressed on a circular molecule excised by the site-specific recombinase Cre and succeeded in shortening the expression period compared to AdV, which expresses the gene of interest for at least 6 months. As an example, we chose hepatitis B, which currently has more than 200 million carriers in the world and frequently progresses to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The efficiencies of hepatitis B virus genome disruption by Exci-Cas9 and Cas9 expression by AdV directly (Avec) were the same, about 80–90%. Furthermore, Exci-Cas9 enabled cell- or tissue-specific genome editing by expressing Cre from a cell- or tissue-specific promoter. We believe that Exci-Cas9 developed in this study is useful not only for resolving the persistent expression of Cas9, which has been a problem in genome editing, but also for eliminating long-term DNA viruses such as human papilloma virus.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kuroki A, Tay J, Lee GH, Yang YY. Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Peptides and Polymers. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2101113. [PMID: 34599850 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the human cost of the pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still being witnessed worldwide, the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents against emerging and re-emerging viruses is seen as a necessity to hamper the spread of infections. Various targets during the viral life-cycle can be considered to inhibit viral infection, from viral attachment to viral fusion or replication. Macromolecules represent a particularly attractive class of therapeutics due to their multivalency and versatility. Although several antiviral macromolecules hold great promise in clinical applications, the emergence of resistance after prolonged exposure urges the need for improved solutions. In the present article, the recent advancement in the discovery of antiviral peptides and polymers with diverse structural features and antiviral mechanisms is reviewed. Future perspectives, such as, the development of virucidal peptides/polymers and their coatings against SARS-CoV-2 infection, standardization of antiviral testing protocols, and use of artificial intelligence or machine learning as a tool to accelerate the discovery of antiviral macromolecules, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Kuroki
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 117597 Singapore
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Joyce Tay
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore 117597 Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging 31 Biopolis Ways, The Nanos Singapore 138669 Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Philips CA, Ahamed R, Abduljaleel JK, Rajesh S, Augustine P. Critical Updates on Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in 2021. Cureus 2021; 13:e19152. [PMID: 34733599 PMCID: PMC8557099 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global healthcare burden in the form of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. There is no definite cure for the virus and even though extensive vaccination programs have reduced the burden of liver disease in the future population, treatment options to eradicate the virus from the host are still lacking. In this review, we discuss in detail current updates on the structure and applied biology of the virus in the host, examine updates to current treatment and explore novel and state-of-the-art therapeutics in the pipeline for management of chronic HBV. Furthermore, we also specifically review clinical updates on HBV-related acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF). Current treatments for chronic HBV infection have seen important updates in the form of considerations for treating patients in the immune tolerant phase and some clarity on end points for treatment and decisions on finite therapy with nucleos(t)ide inhibitors. Ongoing cutting-edge research on HBV biology has helped us identify novel target areas in the life cycle of the virus for application of new therapeutics. Due to improvements in the area of genomics, the hope for therapeutic vaccines, vector-based treatments and focused management aimed at targeting host integration of the virus and thereby a total cure could become a reality in the near future. Newer clinical prognostic tools have improved our understanding of timing of specific treatment options for the catastrophic syndrome of ACLF secondary to reactivation of HBV. In this review, we discuss in detail pertinent updates regarding virus biology and novel therapeutic targets with special focus on the appraisal of prognostic scores and treatment options in HBV-related ACLF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac A Philips
- Clinical and Translational Hepatology, The Liver Institute, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Rizwan Ahamed
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Jinsha K Abduljaleel
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Sasidharan Rajesh
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| | - Philip Augustine
- Gastroenterology and Advanced Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Center of Excellence in Gastrointestinal Sciences, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, IND
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bartoli A, Gabrielli F, Tassi A, Cursaro C, Pinelli A, Andreone P. Treatments for HBV: A Glimpse into the Future. Viruses 2021; 13:1767. [PMID: 34578347 PMCID: PMC8473442 DOI: 10.3390/v13091767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus is responsible for most of the chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. As actual therapeutic strategies have had little success in eradicating the virus from hepatocytes, and as lifelong treatment is often required, new drugs targeting the various phases of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) lifecycle are currently under investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of potential future treatments for HBV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bartoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Gabrielli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Tassi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Ambra Pinelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.G.); (A.T.); (C.C.); (A.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the novel hepatitis B virus capsid assembly modulator GST-HG141 in healthy Chinese subjects: a first-in-human single- and multiple-dose escalation trial. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0122021. [PMID: 34280012 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01220-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus capsid assembly modulators (HBV CAMs) are promising, clinically validated therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of GST-HG141, a novel HBV CAM, were evaluated in healthy Chinese volunteers. Method: This phase Ia study included two parts: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled single-ascending-dose (SAD) (50, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 mg) study comprising a food-effect investigation (300 mg), and a multiple-ascending-dose (MAD) (100 or 200 mg BID) study. Result: GST-HG141 reached the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) at 1.25-3.00 h (median Tmax). The exposure exhibited a linear increase, while the mean half-life (t1/2) ranged from 13.096 h to 22.121 h. The exposure of GST-HG141 (300 mg) was higher after food intake by about 2.4-fold. In the MAD study, steady-state was reached at around day 5, and the mean trough steady-state concentrations were 423 and 588 ng/mL for 50 and 100mg cohorts, respectively. The ratios of GST-HG141 accumulation were <1.5. GST-HG141 was well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. The rates of adverse events (AEs) in the GST-HG141 cohort did not differ from those of the placebo cohort. Conclusion: GST-HG141 was tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects. The safety and PK profiles of GST-HG141 support the further evaluation of its efficacy in individuals with CHB.
Collapse
|
21
|
Inoue J, Sato K, Ninomiya M, Masamune A. Envelope Proteins of Hepatitis B Virus: Molecular Biology and Involvement in Carcinogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:1124. [PMID: 34208172 PMCID: PMC8230773 DOI: 10.3390/v13061124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The envelope of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is required for the entry to hepatocytes, consists of a lipid bilayer derived from hepatocyte and HBV envelope proteins, large/middle/small hepatitis B surface antigen (L/M/SHBs). The mechanisms and host factors for the envelope formation in the hepatocytes are being revealed. HBV-infected hepatocytes release a large amount of subviral particles (SVPs) containing L/M/SHBs that facilitate escape from the immune system. Recently, novel drugs inhibiting the functions of the viral envelope and those inhibiting the release of SVPs have been reported. LHBs that accumulate in ER is considered to promote carcinogenesis and, especially, deletion mutants in the preS1/S2 domain have been reported to be associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize recent reports on the findings regarding the biological characteristics of HBV envelope proteins, their involvement in HCC development and new agents targeting the envelope.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574, Japan; (K.S.); (M.N.); (A.M.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Prifti GM, Moianos D, Giannakopoulou E, Pardali V, Tavis JE, Zoidis G. Recent Advances in Hepatitis B Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:417. [PMID: 34062711 PMCID: PMC8147224 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection affects over 250 million chronic carriers, causing more than 800,000 deaths annually, although a safe and effective vaccine is available. Currently used antiviral agents, pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, have major drawbacks and fail to completely eradicate the virus from infected cells. Thus, achieving a "functional cure" of the infection remains a real challenge. Recent findings concerning the viral replication cycle have led to development of novel therapeutic approaches including viral entry inhibitors, epigenetic control of cccDNA, immune modulators, RNA interference techniques, ribonuclease H inhibitors, and capsid assembly modulators. Promising preclinical results have been obtained, and the leading molecules under development have entered clinical evaluation. This review summarizes the key steps of the HBV life cycle, examines the currently approved anti-HBV drugs, and analyzes novel HBV treatment regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Erofili Giannakopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pardali
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - John E. Tavis
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lee S, Kim E, Moon SJ, Jung J, Lee S, Yu KS. Comparative pharmacokinetics between tenofovir disoproxil phosphate and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in healthy subjects. Transl Clin Pharmacol 2021; 29:45-52. [PMID: 33855000 PMCID: PMC8020360 DOI: 10.12793/tcp.2021.29.e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tenofovir is the representative treatment for human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus infection. This study was conducted to assess the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and safety characteristics after a single administration of tenofovir disoproxil phosphate compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in healthy male subjects. An open-label, randomized, single administration, two-treatment, two-sequence crossover study was conducted in 37 healthy volunteers. Serial blood samples were collected up to 72 hours. Non-compartmental analysis was used to calculate the PK parameters. The 90% confidence intervals (90% CIs) of the geometric mean ratio (GMR) were calculated for comparing tenofovir disoproxil phosphate to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Safety assessments were performed including clinical laboratory tests, adverse events, etc. during the study. The GMR and 90% CIs were 1.0514 (0.9527-1.1603) for Cmax and 1.0375 (0.9516-1.1311) for AUClast, respectively, and both fell within the conventional bioequivalence range of 0.8-1.25. Both tenofovir salt forms were tolerable. This study demonstrated that tenofovir disoproxil phosphate (292 mg) was bioequivalent to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300 mg).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangmi Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Eunwoo Kim
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Seol Ju Moon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54907, Korea
| | - Jina Jung
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical Company, Seoul 05545, Korea
| | - SeungHwan Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyung-Sang Yu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Studies on the Efficacy, Potential Cardiotoxicity and Monkey Pharmacokinetics of GLP-26 as a Potent Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly Modulator. Viruses 2021; 13:v13010114. [PMID: 33467678 PMCID: PMC7830897 DOI: 10.3390/v13010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While treatment options are available for hepatitis B virus (HBV), there is currently no cure. Anti-HBV nucleoside analogs and interferon-alpha 2b rarely clear HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), requiring lifelong treatment. Recently, we identified GLP-26, a glyoxamide derivative which modulates HBV capsid assembly. The impact of GLP-26 on viral replication and integrated DNA was assessed in an HBV nude mouse model bearing HBV transfected AD38 xenografts. At day 45 post-infection, GLP-26 reduced HBV titers by 2.3–3 log10 versus infected placebo-treated mice. Combination therapy with GLP-26 and entecavir reduced HBV log10 titers by 4.6-fold versus placebo. Next, we examined the pharmacokinetics (PK) in cynomolgus monkeys administered GLP-26 via IV (1 mg/kg) or PO (5 mg/kg). GLP-26 was found to have 34% oral bioavailability, with a mean input time of 3.17 h. The oral dose produced a mean peak plasma concentration of 380.7 ng/mL, observed 0.67 h after administration (~30-fold > in vitro EC90 corrected for protein binding), with a mean terminal elimination half-life of 2.4 h and a mean area under the plasma concentration versus time curve of 1660 ng·hr/mL. GLP-26 was 86.7% bound in monkey plasma. Lastly, GLP-26 demonstrated a favorable toxicity profile confirmed in primary human cardiomyocytes. Thus, GLP-26 warrants further preclinical development as an add on to treatment for HBV infection.
Collapse
|