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Kremsdorf D, Lekbaby B, Bablon P, Sotty J, Augustin J, Schnuriger A, Pol J, Soussan P. Alternative splicing of viral transcripts: the dark side of HBV. Gut 2021; 70:2373-2382. [PMID: 34535538 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of alternative splicing is one of the most efficient mechanisms to enlarge the proteomic diversity in eukaryotic organisms. Many viruses hijack the splicing machinery following infection to accomplish their replication cycle. Regarding the HBV, numerous reports have described alternative splicing events of the long viral transcript (pregenomic RNA), which also acts as a template for viral genome replication. Alternative splicing of HBV pregenomic RNAs allows the synthesis of at least 20 spliced variants. In addition, almost all these spliced forms give rise to defective particles, detected in the blood of infected patients. HBV-spliced RNAs have long been unconsidered, probably due to their uneasy detection in comparison to unspliced forms as well as for their dispensable role during viral replication. However, recent data highlighted the relevance of these HBV-spliced variants through (1) the trans-regulation of the alternative splicing of viral transcripts along the course of liver disease; (2) the ability to generate defective particle formation, putative biomarker of the liver disease progression; (3) modulation of viral replication; and (4) their intrinsic propensity to encode for novel viral proteins involved in liver pathogenesis and immune response. Altogether, tricky regulation of HBV alternative splicing may contribute to modulate multiple viral and cellular processes all along the course of HBV-related liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Kremsdorf
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Bouchra Lekbaby
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Bablon
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Jules Sotty
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Jérémy Augustin
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Schnuriger
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Département de Virologie, GHU Paris-Est, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Pol
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Metabolomics ann Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Patrick Soussan
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U938, Centre de Recherche de Saint Antoine, Sorbonne Université-Faculté Saint Antoine, Paris, France .,Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Département de Virologie, GHU Paris-Est, Paris, France
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2
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Cavallone D, Ricco G, Oliveri F, Colombatto P, Moriconi F, Coco B, Romagnoli V, Salvati A, Surace L, Bonino F, Brunetto MR. Do the circulating Pre-S/S quasispecies influence hepatitis B virus surface antigen levels in the HBeAg negative phase of HBV infection? Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2020; 51:1406-1416. [PMID: 32390175 DOI: 10.1111/apt.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virus, host factors and their interplay influence Hepatitis B surface Antigen serum levels during Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection course and treatment. AIM To study the Pre-S/S circulating quasispecies in a cohort of untreated, HBeAg negative, genotype-D, HBsAg carriers. METHODS We studied 260 carriers: 71 with HBeAg negative infection (ENI; HBV-DNA ≤2000 IU/mL); 42 Grey Zone (GZ; HBV-DNA ≤20 000 IU/mL); 82 chronic hepatitis (CH) and 65 cirrhosis (CI) (HBV-DNA > 20 000 IU/mL). Population sequencing was applied to identify Pre-S/S gene mutations responsible for any amino acid substitution or potential biological/antigenic implications (M-muts) on HBsAg. RESULTS HBsAg serum levels were lower in ENI + GZ than in CH + CI (2.61 [-1.10/4.06] vs 3.62 [2.41/4.92] log10 IU/mL, P < 0.001) and in CI than CH (3.48 [2.41/4.38] vs 3.66 [2.57/4.92] log10 IU/mL, P < 0.001). M-muts were found in 73 (28.1%) cases: 5 (7.0%) ENI, 3 (7.1%) GZ, 26 (31.7%) CH, 39 (60.0%) CI (P < 0.001) and mostly in Pre-S2 (17.6%) than Pre-S1 (5.8%) and Small-S (10.8%; P < 0.001). Overall HBsAg serum levels were higher in carriers with M-muts (3.56 [0.95/4.38] vs 3.17 [-1.10/4.92] log10 IU/mL, P < 0.001), but comparable in carriers with or without M-mut when considering separately ENI + GZ (2.84 [0.95/3.89] vs 2.61 [-1.10/4.06] log10 IU/mL, P = 0.330] and CH + CI (3.57 [2.67/4.38] vs 3.63 [2.41/4.92] log10 IU/mL, P = 0.37). Infection phase (β: 0.422, P < 0.001), age (β: -0.260, P < 0.001), ALT (β: -0.103, P = 0.045), liver stiffness (β: -0.118, P = 0.039) and HBV-DNA (β: 0.384, P < 0.001), but not M-mut were independently associated with HBsAg serum levels. CONCLUSIONS In HBeAg negative, genotype-D, carriers Pre-S/S heterogeneity increases with severity of liver disease, but does not influence HBsAg serum levels, that in low viraemic carriers are associated with an effective control of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cavallone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ricco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Oliveri
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Piero Colombatto
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Moriconi
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Coco
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Veronica Romagnoli
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Salvati
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lidia Surace
- Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Bonino
- Biostructure and Bio-imaging Institute of National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizia Rossana Brunetto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Hepatology Unit and Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Pathology of Hepatitis Viruses, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy.,Biostructure and Bio-imaging Institute of National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy
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3
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Manne V, Gochanour E, Kowdley KV. Current perspectives into the evaluation and management of hepatitis B: a review. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2019; 8:361-369. [PMID: 31489305 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.02.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is a widespread disease which affects millions of people worldwide. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathophysiology of hepatitis is critical to diagnosing CHB. Deciding which patients with CHB should be treated is an important decision as treatment can often lead to better outcomes in the appropriate patient population. The nucleos(t)ide analog inhibitors entecavir and tenofovir are currently the mainstay of treatment as they are able to successfully suppress the virus and lead to fewer complications. Novel therapies are currently being developed which may offer a potential cure for this disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignan Manne
- Liver Care Network, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric Gochanour
- Liver Care Network, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Care Network, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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4
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Wagatsuma T, Kuno A, Angata K, Tajiri K, Takahashi J, Korenaga M, Mizokami M, Narimatsu H. Highly Sensitive Glycan Profiling of Hepatitis B Viral Particles and a Simple Method for Dane Particle Enrichment. Anal Chem 2018; 90:10196-10203. [PMID: 30074767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus composed of three types of viral particles. The virions are called Dane particles and the others are noninfectious subviral particles (SVPs). In blood, SVPs are detected in abundance, about 1000-10000 fold higher than Dane particles. Dane particles are hazardous because of their strong infectivity, unlike SVPs. Dane particles are covered with an envelope of glycoprotein called HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). HBsAg glycosylation is involved in viral particle formation and secretion. In this study, we established a novel and highly sensitive method for viral glycan profiling of HBsAg using small aliquots of patient serum. Our lectin microarray system could sensitively profile the glycans exposed on HBV while retaining the intact viral particle structure under nonreducing conditions. Several typical lectins were chosen from the lectin microarray results. Specifically, jacalin, which recognizes O-glycan, showed specific and strong reactivity to the M-HBsAg required for Dane particle secretion. Employing the lectin-fractionation method using jacalin, HBV particles were fractionated into jacalin-bound and unbound fractions from patient serum. We measured HBsAg titer and viral DNA load in each fraction using clinical tests. Interestingly, the jacalin-bound fraction contained a major fraction of the HBV viral DNA load. Thus, in this study we have presented a glycan profiling method for HBsAg on the intact HBV particle and an easy and simple method to enrich Dane particles from patient serum by jacalin fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Wagatsuma
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience (RCMG) , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , AIST Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1, Umezono , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8568 , Japan
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology , National Center for Global Health and Medicine , 1-7-1, Kohnodai , Ichikawa , Chiba 272-8516 , Japan
| | - Atsushi Kuno
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience (RCMG) , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , AIST Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1, Umezono , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8568 , Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Angata
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience (RCMG) , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , AIST Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1, Umezono , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8568 , Japan
| | - Kazuto Tajiri
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Science , University of Toyama , 2630, Sugitani , Toyama , Toyama 930-0194 , Japan
| | - Junko Takahashi
- Japanese Red Cross Kinki Block Blood Center , Japanese Red Cross Society , 7-5-17, Saitoasagi , Ibaraki-city , Osaka 567-0085 , Japan
| | - Masaaki Korenaga
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology , National Center for Global Health and Medicine , 1-7-1, Kohnodai , Ichikawa , Chiba 272-8516 , Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology , National Center for Global Health and Medicine , 1-7-1, Kohnodai , Ichikawa , Chiba 272-8516 , Japan
| | - Hisashi Narimatsu
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience (RCMG) , National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology , AIST Tsukuba Central 2, 1-1-1, Umezono , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8568 , Japan
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5
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Chen BF. Hepatitis B virus pre-S/S variants in liver diseases. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:1507-1520. [PMID: 29662289 PMCID: PMC5897855 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i14.1507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is a global health problem. The clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B infection include asymptomatic carrier state, chronic hepatitis (CH), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Because of the spontaneous error rate inherent to viral reverse transcriptase, the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome evolves during the course of infection under the antiviral pressure of host immunity. The clinical significance of pre-S/S variants has become increasingly recognized in patients with chronic HBV infection. Pre-S/S variants are often identified in hepatitis B carriers with CH, LC, and HCC, which suggests that these naturally occurring pre-S/S variants may contribute to the development of progressive liver damage and hepatocarcinogenesis. This paper reviews the function of the pre-S/S region along with recent findings related to the role of pre-S/S variants in liver diseases. According to the mutation type, five pre-S/S variants have been identified: pre-S deletion, pre-S point mutation, pre-S1 splice variant, C-terminus S point mutation, and pre-S/S nonsense mutation. Their associations with HBV genotype and the possible pathogenesis of pre-S/S variants are discussed. Different pre-S/S variants cause liver diseases through different mechanisms. Most cause the intracellular retention of HBV envelope proteins and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which results in liver diseases. Pre-S/S variants should be routinely determined in HBV carriers to help identify individuals who may be at a high risk of less favorable liver disease progression. Additional investigations are required to explore the molecular mechanisms of the pre-S/S variants involved in the pathogenesis of each stage of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Fang Chen
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
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6
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Eschlimann M, Malvé B, Velay A, Fenaux H, Berger S, Frippiat JP, Zoulim F, Bensenane M, Bronowicki JP, Goehringer F, May T, Jeulin H, Schvoerer E. The variability of hepatitis B envelope is associated with HBs antigen persistence in either chronic or acute HBV genotype A infection. J Clin Virol 2017; 94:115-122. [PMID: 28822954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 240 million people are chronically infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Envelope proteins play a crucial role in viral cellular entry and immune recognition. The loss of HBs antigen (HBsAg) correlated with a good clinical prognosis is rarely achieved with or without treatment (3-16%). OBJECTIVES HBV envelope variability was investigated according to HBsAg persistence. STUDY DESIGN The cohort consisted of 15 HBV genotype A-infected patients divided into "resolvers", with HBsAg clearance, and "non-resolvers", with HBsAg persistence and in subgroups: acute (n=5, AHBV) or chronic infection (n=4, CHBV) and HBV/HIV coinfection (n=6, CHBV/HIV). HBV S and preS sequences were studied by direct and ultra-deep sequencing. Amino acid sequences were analyzed with bioinformatics for predicted antigenicity. RESULTS In S gene, the complexity was lower in AHBV than in chronic-infected patients (p=0.046). Major mutations, detected using direct sequencing, were more frequent in AHBV developing chronicity (p=0.01) than in AHBV resolvers. In the Major Hydrophilic Region, more frequent mutations were observed in non-resolvers versus resolvers (p=0.047) and non-resolvers tended to have more haplotypes with a reduced predicted antigenicity (p=0.07). Most of the mutations in preS/S region were found rather in epitopic than in non-epitopic areas (p=0.025). Interestingly, the mutation sY161F found in 3/8 non-resolvers was associated with a decrease in predicted antigenicity (28%; AnTheProt). CONCLUSIONS HBsAg persistence was correlated with mutations and deletions in areas playing a key role in immune recognition. These data suggest that variability in HBV envelope could favor immune escape in various clinical settings of HBV genotype A-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Eschlimann
- Université de Lorraine, EA 7300 Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54505, France.
| | - Brice Malvé
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Aurélie Velay
- Université de Lorraine, EA 7300 Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54505, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Honorine Fenaux
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Sibel Berger
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Université de Lorraine, EA 7300 Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54505, France.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Université de Lyon, Unité Inserm UI1052, Lyon, F-69424, France.
| | - Mouni Bensenane
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Jean-Pierre Bronowicki
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Service d'Hépato-gastroentérologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - François Goehringer
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Thierry May
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- Université de Lorraine, EA 7300 Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54505, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
| | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- Université de Lorraine, EA 7300 Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54505, France; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nancy, Laboratoire de Virologie, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, F-54511, France.
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7
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Lin YM, Chen BF. A putative hepatitis B virus splice variant associated with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. Virology 2017; 510:224-233. [PMID: 28750326 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) pre-S deletion was associated with chronic hepatitis (CH) and liver cirrhosis (LC); however, the type of pre-S deletion associated with these conditions and the mechanism of the generation of pre-S deletion remain unknown. Here, pre-S sequences from asymptomatic carriers (ASCs) and carriers with CH or LC were analyzed. The results indicated that deletion in the S promoter and the C-terminal half of the pre-S1 region was more frequent in CH and LC patients than in ASCs. RNA splicing analysis revealed that one type of pre-S1 deletion mutant, termed spPS1, was derived from splicing. This variant was associated with CH (12.7% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.06) and LC (14.5% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.032) when compared with ASC. In conclusion, spPS1, a putative splice variant; S promoter deletion mutant; and deletion in the C-terminal half of the pre-S1 region were closely associated with CH and LC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Lin
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bing-Fang Chen
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
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8
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Malve B, Eschlimann M, Galgey S, Fenaux H, Zoulim F, Goehringer F, Rabaud C, May T, Jeulin H, Schvoerer E. Impact of deletions and mutations in Hepatitis B virus envelope proteins on serological profile and clinical evolution. Virus Res 2017; 238:141-147. [PMID: 28673869 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope glycoproteins are essential for viral entry into the hepatocyte and are also targets for host immune response. The study of these proteins could allow us to highlight molecular hot points influencing HBV fitness, which would subsequently modify the clinical evolution of the disease, both under anti-viral therapy or without treatment. The present short communication underlines the importance of the high variability in HBV envelope proteins, in regard with the literature and in our hands, for HBV-infected patients either on anti-HBV treatment or not. We report mutations in antigenic areas of S protein, i.e. CD8+/CD4+ T-cell epitopes and B-cell epitopes in the major hydrophilic region (MHR), such as sI126N and sG145R possibly involved in the rare coexisting Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg)/anti-HBs serological pattern. We mostly report serial mutations in preS region including preS1 deletion (aa 1-6, 31-71, 38-73, 72-104) and preS2 deletion (aa132-141) in patients with various clinical evolutions. Some of these viral envelope mutations, due to immune selection pressure, may result in a worsening of the hepatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Malve
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Marine Eschlimann
- EA 7300 'Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes', Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Shaunagh Galgey
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Honorine Fenaux
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Unité Inserm UI1052, Université de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France.
| | - François Goehringer
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Christian Rabaud
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Thierry May
- Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Hélène Jeulin
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France; EA 7300 'Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes', Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
| | - Evelyne Schvoerer
- Laboratoire de Virologie, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France; EA 7300 'Stress, Immunité, Pathogènes', Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54500, France.
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9
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Ghouri YA, Mian I, Rowe JH. Review of hepatocellular carcinoma: Epidemiology, etiology, and carcinogenesis. J Carcinog 2017; 16:1. [PMID: 28694740 PMCID: PMC5490340 DOI: 10.4103/jcar.jcar_9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 1970s, the epidemic of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has spread beyond the Eastern Asian predominance and has been increasing in Northern hemisphere, especially in the United States (US) and Western Europe. It occurs more commonly in males in the fourth and fifth decades of life. Among all cancers, HCC is one of the fastest growing causes of death in the US and poses a significant economic burden on healthcare. Chronic liver disease due to hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus and alcohol accounts for the majority of HCC cases. Incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been on the risem and it has also been associated with the development of HCC. Its pathogenesis varies based on the underlying etiological factor although majority of cases develop in the setting of background cirrhosis. Carcinogenesis of HCC includes angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and tumor macroenvironment and microenvironment. There is a significant role of both intrinsic genetic risk factors and extrinsic influences such as alcohol or viral infections that lead to the development of HCC. Understanding its etiopathogenesis helps select appropriate diagnostic tests and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yezaz Ahmed Ghouri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Idrees Mian
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Julie H Rowe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
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10
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Chen BF. Different pre-S deletion patterns and their association with hepatitis B virus genotypes. World J Gastroenterol 2017. [PMID: 27672298 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i35.8041.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the associations of different types of pre-S deletions with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes. METHODS The sequences of the pre-S region, basal core promoter (BCP) mutation, and precore (PC) mutation were examined through direct DNA sequencing or clonal analysis and sequencing in 273 HBV carriers, namely 55 asymptomatic carriers, 55 carriers with chronic hepatitis (CH), 55 with liver cirrhosis (LC), 53 with liver cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (LC-HCC), and 55 with noncirrhotic HCC. A total of 126 HBV carriers (46.2%) harbored pre-S deletions. The DNA sequences of pre-S deletion mutants from 43 age-matched genotype B (HBV/B)-infected carriers and 43 age-matched genotype C (HBV/C)-infected carriers were further examined, aligned, and compared. RESULTS No significant difference was observed in the mean age distribution (P = 0.464), male sex (P = 0.805), viral load (P = 0.635), or BCP mutation (P = 0.117) between the HBV/B and HBV/C groups. However, the rate of PC mutation was significantly higher in the HBV/B-infected carriers than in the HBV/C-infected carriers (P = 0.003). Both genotypes exhibited a high rate of deletion in the C-terminal half of the pre-S1 region and N-terminus of the pre-S2 region (86.0% and 79.1% in the HBV/B group; 69.8% and 72.1% in the HBV/C group, respectively). Epitope mapping showed that deletion in several epitope sites was frequent in both genotypes, particularly pS1-BT and pS2-B2. Conversely, the rate of pS2-B1 deletion was significantly higher in the HBV/B group (72.1% vs 37.2%, P = 0.002), and the rate of pS2-T deletion was significantly higher in the HBV/C group (48.8% vs 25.6%, P = 0.044). Functional mapping showed that the rate of deletion in three functional sites (the nucleocapsid binding site, start codon of M, and site for viral secretion) located in the N-terminus of the pre-S2 region was significantly higher in the HBV/B group (P < 0.05). One type of N-terminus pre-S1 deletion mutant with deletion of the start codon of the L protein was frequently observed in the HBV/C group (20.9% vs 9.3%, P = 0.228), particularly in the LC patients (42.9% vs 12.5%). Different patterns of pre-S deletions were also found between the HBV/B and HBV/C groups according to different clinical outcomes. In CH patients, deletion in the site for polymerized human serum albumin was more frequent in the HBV/B group (88.9% vs 36.4%, P = 0.028). In the LC-HCC patients, the rate of deletion in the pre-S2 region was significantly higher in the HBV/B group than in the HBV/C group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION HBV/B- and HBV/C-infected carriers exhibit different patterns of pre-S deletion, which may be associated with the progression of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Fang Chen
- Bing-Fang Chen, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan
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Chen BF. Different pre-S deletion patterns and their association with hepatitis B virus genotypes. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:8041-8049. [PMID: 27672298 PMCID: PMC5028817 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i35.8041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the associations of different types of pre-S deletions with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes.
METHODS The sequences of the pre-S region, basal core promoter (BCP) mutation, and precore (PC) mutation were examined through direct DNA sequencing or clonal analysis and sequencing in 273 HBV carriers, namely 55 asymptomatic carriers, 55 carriers with chronic hepatitis (CH), 55 with liver cirrhosis (LC), 53 with liver cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma (LC-HCC), and 55 with noncirrhotic HCC. A total of 126 HBV carriers (46.2%) harbored pre-S deletions. The DNA sequences of pre-S deletion mutants from 43 age-matched genotype B (HBV/B)-infected carriers and 43 age-matched genotype C (HBV/C)-infected carriers were further examined, aligned, and compared.
RESULTS No significant difference was observed in the mean age distribution (P = 0.464), male sex (P = 0.805), viral load (P = 0.635), or BCP mutation (P = 0.117) between the HBV/B and HBV/C groups. However, the rate of PC mutation was significantly higher in the HBV/B-infected carriers than in the HBV/C-infected carriers (P = 0.003). Both genotypes exhibited a high rate of deletion in the C-terminal half of the pre-S1 region and N-terminus of the pre-S2 region (86.0% and 79.1% in the HBV/B group; 69.8% and 72.1% in the HBV/C group, respectively). Epitope mapping showed that deletion in several epitope sites was frequent in both genotypes, particularly pS1-BT and pS2-B2. Conversely, the rate of pS2-B1 deletion was significantly higher in the HBV/B group (72.1% vs 37.2%, P = 0.002), and the rate of pS2-T deletion was significantly higher in the HBV/C group (48.8% vs 25.6%, P = 0.044). Functional mapping showed that the rate of deletion in three functional sites (the nucleocapsid binding site, start codon of M, and site for viral secretion) located in the N-terminus of the pre-S2 region was significantly higher in the HBV/B group (P < 0.05). One type of N-terminus pre-S1 deletion mutant with deletion of the start codon of the L protein was frequently observed in the HBV/C group (20.9% vs 9.3%, P = 0.228), particularly in the LC patients (42.9% vs 12.5%). Different patterns of pre-S deletions were also found between the HBV/B and HBV/C groups according to different clinical outcomes. In CH patients, deletion in the site for polymerized human serum albumin was more frequent in the HBV/B group (88.9% vs 36.4%, P = 0.028). In the LC-HCC patients, the rate of deletion in the pre-S2 region was significantly higher in the HBV/B group than in the HBV/C group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION HBV/B- and HBV/C-infected carriers exhibit different patterns of pre-S deletion, which may be associated with the progression of liver diseases.
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Chiu AP, Tschida BR, Lo LH, Moriarity BS, Rowlands DK, Largaespada DA, Keng VW. Transposon mouse models to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of hepatitis B viral induced hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:12157-12170. [PMID: 26576100 PMCID: PMC4641133 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The major type of human liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and there are currently many risk factors that contribute to this deadly disease. The majority of HCC occurrences are associated with chronic hepatitis viral infection, and hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection is currently a major health problem in Eastern Asia. Elucidating the genetic mechanisms associated with HBV-induced HCC has been difficult due to the heterogeneity and genetic complexity associated with this disease. A repertoire of animal models has been broadly used to study the pathophysiology and to develop potential treatment regimens for HBV-associated HCC. The use of these animal models has provided valuable genetic information and has been an important contributor to uncovering the factors involved in liver malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis. Recently, transposon-based mouse models are becoming more widely used in liver cancer research to interrogate the genome by forward genetics and also used to validate genes rapidly in a reverse genetic manner. Importantly, these transposon-based rapid reverse genetic mouse models could become crucial in testing potential therapeutic agents before proceeding to clinical trials in human. Therefore, this review will cover the use of transposon-based mouse models to address the problems of liver cancer, especially HBV-associated HCC occurrences in Asia.
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Tejeda-Maldonado J, García-Juárez I, Aguirre-Valadez J, González-Aguirre A, Vilatobá-Chapa M, Armengol-Alonso A, Escobar-Penagos F, Torre A, Sánchez-Ávila JF, Carrillo-Pérez DL. Diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:362-376. [PMID: 25848464 PMCID: PMC4381163 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies leading to high mortality rates in the general population; in cirrhotic patients, it is the primary cause of death. The diagnosis is usually delayed in spite of at-risk population screening recommendations, i.e., patients infected with hepatitis B or C virus. Hepatocarcinogenesis hinges on a great number of genetic and molecular abnormalities that lead to tumor angiogenesis and foster their dissemination potential. The diagnosis is mainly based on imaging studies such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance, in which lesions present a characteristic classical pattern of early arterial enhancement followed by contrast medium “washout” in late venous phase. On occasion, when imaging studies are not conclusive, biopsy of the lesion must be performed to establish the diagnosis. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging method is the most frequently used worldwide and recommended by the international guidelines of HCC management. Currently available treatments include tumor resection, liver transplant, sorafenib and loco-regional therapies (alcoholization, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization). The prognosis of hepatocarcinoma is determined according to the lesion’s stage and in cirrhotic patients, on residual liver function. Curative treatments, such as liver transplant, are sought in patients diagnosed in early stages; patients in more advanced stages, were not greatly benefitted by chemotherapy in terms of survival until the advent of target molecules such as sorafenib.
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Xu R, Peng C, Xiao S, Zhuang W. IFRD1 polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population. Med Oncol 2014; 31:135. [PMID: 25073439 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The association between gene polymorphisms of IFRD1 and gastric cancer is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between IFRD1 polymorphisms and gastric cancer in Chinese population. Fifty-three consecutive patients with the diagnosis of gastric cancer were defined as the case group, and another 50 healthy donors were denoted as the control group. About 4 ml of peripheral blood was collected from each donor for extracting DNA. Finally, IFRD1 rs7818, rs3807213, and rs6968084 SNPs were detected with polymerase chain reaction. C/C genotype distribution frequencies of rs6968084 and rs7817 in gastric cancer patients were similar with the controls (OR 0.192, 95 % CI 0.513-2.769, P = 0.683 and OR 2.075, 95 % CI 0.744-5.792, P = 0.16, respectively). Patients with gastric cancer had a significantly higher frequency of rs3807213 C allele and rs3807213 C/C genotype than controls. (OR 4.028, 95 % CI 1.513-10.72, P = 0.004) (OR 3.759, 95 % CI 1.521-9.294, P = 0.003). This study suggests that the SNPs of IFRD1 rs7818 and rs6968084 have nothing to do with the gastric cancer susceptibility. The allele gene C and genotype C/C of rs3807213 SNP are involved in susceptibility to gastric cancer, but there were no relations when subgroup stratified all the three SNPs according to pathological stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guo Xue Rd., Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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Induction of apurinic endonuclease 1 overexpression by endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatoma cells. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:12442-57. [PMID: 25026174 PMCID: PMC4139852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150712442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with poor prognosis due to resistance to conventional chemotherapy and limited efficacy of radiotherapy. Previous studies have noted the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress or apurinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) expression in many tumors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) and APE1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Here we investigate the expression of APE1 during ER stress in HepG2 and Huh-7 cell lines. Tunicamycin or brefeldin A, two ER stress inducers, increased APE1 and GRP78, an ER stress marker, expression in HepG2 and Huh-7 cells. Induction of APE1 expression was observed through transcription level in response to ER stress. APE1 nuclear localization during ER stress was determined using immunofluorescence assays in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, expression of Hepatitis B virus pre-S2∆ large mutant surface protein (pre-S2∆), an ER stress-induced protein, also increased GRP78 and APE1 expression in the normal hepatocyte NeHepLxHT cell line. Similarly, tumor samples showed higher expression of APE1 in ER stress-correlated liver cancer tissue in vivo. Our results demonstrate that ER stress and HBV pre-S2∆ increased APE1 expression, which may play an important role in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents or tumor development. Therefore, these data provide an important chemotherapeutic strategy in ER stress and HBV pre-S2∆-associated tumors.
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Kim BK, Choi SH, Ahn SH, Chung AR, Park YK, Han KH, Kim S, Kim HS, Park JH, Kim KS, Lee HS, Cho YS, Kim KH, Ahn SH. Pre-S mutations of hepatitis B virus affect genome replication and expression of surface antigens. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:843-50. [PMID: 24783251 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS In chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, quantitative HBV surface antigen (qHBsAg) is useful for monitoring viral replication and treatment responses. We aimed to determine whether pre-S mutations have any effect on circulating qHBsAg. METHODS Plasmids expressing 1–8 amino acid deletion in pre-S1 ("pre-S1Δ1-8") and 3-25 amino acid deletion in pre-S2 ("pre-S2Δ3-25") were constructed. At 72 h posttransfection into Huh7 cells, qHBsAg were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. To mimic milieus of quasispecies, we co-transfected either pre-S1Δ1-8 or pre-S2Δ3-25 with wild type (WT). RESULTS Pre-S mutations affected transcription and replication ability of HBV because of altered overlapping polymerase. Compared with WT, extracellular qHBsAg in pre-S1Δ1-8 and pre-S2Δ3-25 were on average 3.87-fold higher and 0.92-fold lower, respectively, whereas intracellular qHBsAg in pre-S1Δ1-8 and pre-S2Δ3-25 were 0.57-fold lower and 1.60-fold higher, respectively. Immunofluorescence staining of cellular HBsAg showed that pre-S1Δ1-8 had less staining and that pre-S2Δ3-25 had denser staining. As ratios of either pre-S1Δ1-8 or pre-S2Δ3-25:WT increased from 0:10 to 10:0 gradually, relative extracellular qHBsAg increased from 1.0 to 3.85 in pre-S1Δ1-8 co-transfection, whereas those decreased from 1.0 to 0.88 in pre-S2Δ3-25 co-transfection. CONCLUSION Pre-S mutations exhibit different phenotypes of genome replication and HBsAg expression according to their locations. Thus, qHBsAg level for diagnosis and prognostification in chronic HBV infection should be used more cautiously, considering emergences of pre-S deletion mutants.
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Naturally occurring hepatitis B virus B-cell and T-cell epitope mutants in hepatitis B vaccinated children. ScientificWorldJournal 2013; 2013:571875. [PMID: 24379746 PMCID: PMC3860134 DOI: 10.1155/2013/571875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To control hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a universal HBV vaccination program for infants was launched in Taiwan in 1984. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of B-cell and T-cell epitope variations of HBsAg and polymerase in HBV infection in vaccinated children. One hundred sixty-three sera from vaccinated children were enrolled randomly. HBV serum markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and core antigen (anti-HBc), were detected by ELISA. Nucleotide sequences encoding the S and the pre-S regions of HBsAg were analyzed in all HBsAg positive sera. Five children were HBsAg positive. Sequence analysis of S, pre-S, and overlapped polymerase (P) genes showed that HBV isolates of HBsAg-positive vaccinees were variants; no G145R but G145A and other substitutions were found in the “a” determinant. Fifteen, six, and eight amino acid substitutions within B-cell and T-cell epitopes of S, pre-S, and P regions were detected, respectively. Several immune-epitope mutants, such as S45T/A, N131T, I194V, and S207N in S, were detected in all isolates. In conclusion, our results suggested that these naturally occurring immunoepitope mutants, which changed their immunogenicity leading to escape from immune response, might cause HBV infection.
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Kao JH, Liu CJ, Jow GM, Chen PJ, Chen DS, Chen BF. Fine mapping of hepatitis B virus pre-S deletion and its association with hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver Int 2012; 32:1373-81. [PMID: 22676233 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2012.02826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naturally occurring pre-S deletion mutants have been identified in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIMS This study investigated whether specific deletions within the pre-S region were associated with HCC development. METHODS The virologic characteristics of 56 HBV chronic carriers and 112 age-matched patients with HBV-related HCC were examined. RESULTS The HCC patients had a significantly higher frequency of high viral load, basal core promoter mutation and pre-S deletion than chronic carriers. Sequencing analysis showed that the deleted regions were clustered mainly in the C terminus of pre-S1 (70.5%) and the N terminus of pre-S2 (72.7%) in HCC patients. Immuno-epitope mapping of these pre-S deletion sequences showed that all the deletion regions encompassed T- and B- cell epitopes and the B-cell epitope at amino acid 1-6 of pre-S2 was significantly deleted in HCC patients (60.0% vs. 0.0%; P = 0.036). Functional mapping of these deletion mutants showed that most of HCC patients lost one or more functional sites and the deletion of site for viral secretion (aa 1-5 of pre-S2 domain) was significantly detected in HCC patients than chronic carriers (62.5% vs. 0.0%; P = 0.029). Computational protein function prediction indicated that these mutants may have different molecular functions and participate in other biological processes compared with wild-type pre-S. CONCLUSIONS Deletion of B-cell epitope at amino acid 1-6 of pre-S2 region and the site for virion secretion are significantly associated with the development of HCC in HBV carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Makondo E, Bell TG, Kramvis A. Genotyping and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus from human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals in southern Africa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46345. [PMID: 23029487 PMCID: PMC3460816 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are hyperendemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The HBV genotypes prevailing in HIV-infected Africans are unknown. Our aim was to determine the HBV genotypes in HIV-infected participants and to identify clinically significant HBV mutations. From 71 HBV DNA+ve HIV-infected participants, 49 basic core promoter/precore (BCP/PC) and 29 complete S regions were successfully sequenced. Following phylogenetic analysis of 29 specimens in the complete S region, 28 belonged to subgenotype A1 and one to D3. Mutations affecting HBeAg expression at the transcriptional (1762T1764A), translational (Kozak 1809–1812, initiation 1814–1816, G1896A with C1858T), or post translational levels (G1862T), were responsible for the high HBeAg-negativity observed. The G1862T mutation occurred only in subgenotype A1 isolates, which were found in one third (7/21) of HBsAg−ve participants, but in none of the 18 HBsAg+ve participants (p<0.05). Pre-S deletion mutants were detected in four HBsAg+ve and one HBsAg−ve participant/s. The following mutations occurred significantly more frequently in HBV isolated in this study than in strains of the same cluster of the phylogenetic tree: ps1F25L, ps1V88L/A; ps2Q10R, ps2 R48K/T, ps2A53V and sQ129R/H, sQ164A/V/G/D, sV168A and sS174N (p<0.05). ps1I48V/T occurred more frequently in females than males (p<0.05). Isolates with sV168A occurred more frequently in participants with viral loads >200 IU per ml (p<0.05) and only sS174N occurred more frequently in HBsAg−ve than in HBsAg+ve individuals (p<0.05). Prior to initiation of ART, ten percent, 3 of 29 isolates sequenced, had drug resistance mutations rtV173L, rtL180M+rtM204V and rtV214A, respectively. This study has provided important information on the molecular characteristics of HBV in HIV-infected southern Africans prior to ART initiation, which has important clinical relevance in the management of HBV/HIV co-infection in our unique setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Programme, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- * E-mail:
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