1
|
Dong W, Liu J, Zhang Y, Huang M, Lin M, Peng X. DNA damages in hepatocytes are amended by an inflammation-driven rescue repair mechanism in chronic hepatitis B. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155391. [PMID: 38850878 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study has shown that intrahepatic necroinflammation favors the eliminations of HBV integration and clonal hepatocytes. Here, the effect of inflammation on host DNA damage eliminations in liver biopsy tissues from patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was further investigated. METHODS DNA damage markers, histone γ-H2AX and phosphorylated heterochromatin protein 1γ (p-HP1γ), and senescent marker p21 were detected using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent assays in liver biopsy samples from 69 CHB patients and 12 liver cirrhosis (LC) patients. Twenty paired hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgical samples were used as controls. RESULTS Both γ-H2AX and p-HP1γ were sensitively detected in nuclear and cytoplasmic/nuclear patterns. Nuclear γ-H2AX was superior as a DNA damage marker in hepatocytes. The level of nuclear γ-H2AX in CHB, comparable to those in LC and HCC, was correlated with liver fibrosis and coexisted with the senescent marker p21. However, hepatocytes carried an alleviated level of DNA damages, which was associated with the level of cytoplasmic γ-H2AX. Cytoplasmic γ-H2AX chiefly occurred in hepatocytes near necroinflammatory foci, was correlated with liver inflammation and usually indicated the decrease or disappearance of nuclear γ-H2AX. The lack of cytoplasmic γ-H2AX together with the high level of nuclear γ-H2AX was associated with the progression from large cell changes/dysplasia to small cell changes/dysplasia. CONCLUSIONS Hepatocytes in CHB already carry massive DNA damages and undergo cellular senescence. The DNA damages in those senescent hepatocytes are histopathologically demonstrated to be amended by a novel cytoplasmic γ-H2AX-indicated and inflammation-driven rescue repair mechanism, which may be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis if it works improperly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529000, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Yansong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Mingxing Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Minyi Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China.
| | - Xiaomou Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kitagawa K, Kim KS, Iwamoto M, Hayashi S, Park H, Nishiyama T, Nakamura N, Fujita Y, Nakaoka S, Aihara K, Perelson AS, Allweiss L, Dandri M, Watashi K, Tanaka Y, Iwami S. Multiscale modeling of HBV infection integrating intra- and intercellular viral propagation to analyze extracellular viral markers. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1011238. [PMID: 38466770 PMCID: PMC10957078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is caused by the persistence of closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. Despite available therapeutic anti-HBV agents, eliminating the cccDNA remains challenging. Thus, quantifying and understanding the dynamics of cccDNA are essential for developing effective treatment strategies and new drugs. However, such study requires repeated liver biopsy to measure the intrahepatic cccDNA, which is basically not accepted because liver biopsy is potentially morbid and not common during hepatitis B treatment. We here aimed to develop a noninvasive method for quantifying cccDNA in the liver using surrogate markers in peripheral blood. We constructed a multiscale mathematical model that explicitly incorporates both intracellular and intercellular HBV infection processes. The model, based on age-structured partial differential equations, integrates experimental data from in vitro and in vivo investigations. By applying this model, we roughly predicted the amount and dynamics of intrahepatic cccDNA within a certain range using specific viral markers in serum samples, including HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcrAg. Our study represents a significant step towards advancing the understanding of chronic HBV infection. The noninvasive quantification of cccDNA using our proposed method holds promise for improving clinical analyses and treatment strategies. By comprehensively describing the interactions of all components involved in HBV infection, our multiscale mathematical model provides a valuable framework for further research and the development of targeted interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosaku Kitagawa
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kwang Su Kim
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Scientific Computing, Pukyong National University, Busan, South Korea
| | - Masashi Iwamoto
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sanae Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hyeongki Park
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takara Nishiyama
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naotoshi Nakamura
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Fujita
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakaoka
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Aihara
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alan S. Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, United States of America
| | - Lena Allweiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems partner sites, Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems partner sites, Germany
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shingo Iwami
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Sciences, Chiba, Japan
- Institute of Mathematics for Industry, Kyushu University; Fukuoka, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University; Kyoto, Japan
- NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR), Tokyo, Japan
- Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS), RIKEN, Wako, Japan
- Science Groove Inc., Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kitagawa K, Kim KS, Iwamoto M, Hayashi S, Park H, Nishiyama T, Nakamura N, Fujita Y, Nakaoka S, Aihara K, Perelson AS, Allweiss L, Dandri M, Watashi K, Tanaka Y, Iwami S. Multiscale modeling of HBV infection integrating intra- and intercellular viral propagation for analyzing extracellular viral markers. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543822. [PMID: 37333409 PMCID: PMC10274663 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is caused by the persistence of closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nucleus of infected hepatocytes. Despite available therapeutic anti-HBV agents, eliminating the cccDNA remains challenging. The quantifying and understanding dynamics of cccDNA are essential for developing effective treatment strategies and new drugs. However, it requires a liver biopsy to measure the intrahepatic cccDNA, which is basically not accepted because of the ethical aspect. We here aimed to develop a non-invasive method for quantifying cccDNA in the liver using surrogate markers present in peripheral blood. We constructed a multiscale mathematical model that explicitly incorporates both intracellular and intercellular HBV infection processes. The model, based on age-structured partial differential equations (PDEs), integrates experimental data from in vitro and in vivo investigations. By applying this model, we successfully predicted the amount and dynamics of intrahepatic cccDNA using specific viral markers in serum samples, including HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and HBcrAg. Our study represents a significant step towards advancing the understanding of chronic HBV infection. The non-invasive quantification of cccDNA using our proposed methodology holds promise for improving clinical analyses and treatment strategies. By comprehensively describing the interactions of all components involved in HBV infection, our multiscale mathematical model provides a valuable framework for further research and the development of targeted interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosaku Kitagawa
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kwang Su Kim
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Scientific Computing, Pukyong National University; Busan, South Korea
| | - Masashi Iwamoto
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases; Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sanae Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University; Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hyeongki Park
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takara Nishiyama
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naotoshi Nakamura
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Fujita
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakaoka
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University; Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Aihara
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study, The University of Tokyo; Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alan S. Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos, USA
| | - Lena Allweiss
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems partner sites; Germany
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems partner sites; Germany
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases; Tokyo, Japan
- Research Center for Drug and Vaccine Development, National Institute of Infectious Diseases; Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Sciences; Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University; Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shingo Iwami
- interdisciplinary Biology Laboratory (iBLab), Division of Natural Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University; Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Sciences; Chiba, Japan
- Institute of Mathematics for Industry, Kyushu University; Fukuoka, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University; Kyoto, Japan
- NEXT-Ganken Program, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research (JFCR); Tokyo, Japan
- Science Groove Inc.; Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cai J, Li Y, Hu P, Xu R, Yuan H, Zhang W, Feng T, Liu R, Li W, Zhu C. Plerixafor and resatorvid inhibit hepatitis B virus in vitro by upregulating elongation factor Tu GTP-binding domain containing 2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1118801. [PMID: 36891156 PMCID: PMC9986551 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1118801] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increase in the demand for a functional cure has accelerated research on new methods of therapy for chronic hepatitis B, which is mainly focused on restoring antiviral immunity for controlling viral infections. Previously, we had described elongation factor Tu GTP-binding domain containing 2 (EFTUD2) as an innate immune regulator and suggested that it might be an antiviral target. Methods In this study, we generated the Epro-LUC-HepG2 cell model for screening compounds that target EFTUD2. Plerixafor and resatorvid were screened from 261 immunity and inflammation-related compounds due to their ability to highly upregulate EFTUD2. The effects of plerixafor and resatorvid on hepatitis B virus (HBV) were examined in HepAD38 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells. Results The dual-luciferase reporter assays showed that the EFTUD2 promoter hEFTUD2pro-0.5 kb had the strongest activity. In Epro-LUC-HepG2 cells, plerixafor and resatorvid significantly upregulated the activity of the EFTUD2 promoter and the expression of the gene and protein. In HepAD38 cells and HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, treatment with plerixafor and resatorvid strongly inhibited HBsAg, HBV DNA, HBV RNAs, and cccDNA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the anti-HBV effect was enhanced when entecavir was administered along with either of the previous two compounds, and the effect could be blocked by knocking down EFTUD2. Conclusion We established a convenient model for screening compounds that target EFTUD2 and further identified plerixafor and resatorvid as novel HBV inhibitors in vitro. Our findings provided information on the development of a new class of anti-HBV agents that act on host factors rather than viral enzymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Cai
- 1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuwen Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pingping Hu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruirui Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantong Feng
- Department of Infectious Disease, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhu
- 1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Hainan, China
- *Correspondence: Chuanlong Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schaefer J, Clow W, Bhandari R, Kimura M, Williams L, Pellegrini M. Killing in self-defense: proapoptotic drugs to eliminate intracellular pathogens. Curr Opin Immunol 2022; 79:102263. [PMID: 36375234 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2022.102263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular infections rely on host cell survival for replication and have evolved several mechanisms to prevent infected cells from dying. Drugs that promote apoptosis, a noninflammatory form of cell death, can dysregulate these survival mechanisms to kill infected cells via a mechanism that resists the evolution of drug resistance. Two such drug classes, known as SMAC mimetics and BH3 mimetics, have shown preclinical efficacy at mediating clearance of liver-stage malaria and chronic infections such as hepatitis-B virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Emerging toxicity and efficacy data have reinforced the broad applicability of these drugs and form the foundations for preclinical and clinical studies into their various usage cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Schaefer
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Infectious Disease and Immune Defence Division, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - William Clow
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Infectious Disease and Immune Defence Division, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Reet Bhandari
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Infectious Disease and Immune Defence Division, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Mari Kimura
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Infectious Disease and Immune Defence Division, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Lewis Williams
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Infectious Disease and Immune Defence Division, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Marc Pellegrini
- Walter & Eliza Hall Institute Infectious Disease and Immune Defence Division, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Core promoter mutation of nucleotides A1762T and G1764A of hepatitis B virus increases core promoter transactivation by hepatocyte nuclear factor 1. J Microbiol 2022; 60:1039-1047. [DOI: 10.1007/s12275-022-1675-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
7
|
Bhat S, Kazim SN. HBV cccDNA-A Culprit and Stumbling Block for the Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Its Presence in Hepatocytes Perplexed the Possible Mission for a Functional Cure. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:24066-24081. [PMID: 35874215 PMCID: PMC9301636 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is still a big health problem across the globe. It has been linked to the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and can trigger different types of liver damage. Existing medicines are unable to disable covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which may result in HBV persistence and recurrence. The current therapeutic goal is to achieve a functional cure, which means HBV-DNA no longer exists when treatment stops and the absence of HBsAg seroclearance. However, due to the presence of integrated HBV DNA and cccDNA functional treatment is now regarded to be difficult. In order to uncover pathways for potential therapeutic targets and identify medicines that could result in large rates of functional cure, a thorough understanding of the virus' biology is required. The proteins of the virus and episomal cccDNA are thought to be critical for the management and support of the HBV replication cycle as they interact directly with the host proteome to establish the best atmosphere for the virus while evading immune detection. The breakthroughs of host dependence factors, cccDNA transcription, epigenetic regulation, and immune-mediated breakdown have all produced significant progress in our understanding of cccDNA biology during the past decade. There are some strategies where cccDNA can be targeted either in a direct or indirect way and are presently at the point of discovery or preclinical or early clinical advancement. Editing of genomes, techniques targeting host dependence factors or epigenetic gene maintenance, nucleocapsid modulators, miRNA, siRNA, virion secretory inhibitors, and immune-mediated degradation are only a few examples. Though cccDNA approaches for direct targeting are still in the early stages of development, the assembly of capsid modulators and immune-reliant treatments have made it to the clinic. Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine their efficiency and safety in patients, as well as their effect on viral cccDNA. The influence of recent breakthroughs in the development of new treatment techniques on cccDNA biology is also summarized in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sajad
Ahmad Bhat
- Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Syed Naqui Kazim
- Jamia Millia Islamia Central University, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, New Delhi 110025, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tao Y, Wang M, Liao J, Cheng X, He M, Zhang D, Zhou T, Chen J, Chen E, Tang H. Dynamics of Serum Pregenome RNA in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving 96-Month Nucleos(t)ide Analog Therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:787770. [PMID: 35295596 PMCID: PMC8918695 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.787770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tissue covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) can reflect the activity of HBV replication. However, it is impractical to assess intrahepatic cccDNA in every outpatient. Serum pregenome RNA (pgRNA) is transcribed from intrahepatic cccDNA and may reflect the activity of intrahepatic cccDNA. We explored the dynamics and the potential role of serum pgRNA in patients receiving long-term NAs treatment. Methods Serum pgRNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg, and ALT levels were quantified, and the relationships between serum pgRNA and these common clinical indicators before and after the treatment were investigated. Results Serum pgRNA showed dynamic change during the 96-month NAs therapy, and serum pgRNA levels were positive and detectable in 19 patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA. Serum pgRNA showed strong and positive correlation with serum HBV DNA (r = 0.693, p < 0.001) and serum HBsAg levels (r = 0.621, p < 0.001) at baseline. Patients with HBeAg seroconversion had lower baseline serum pgRNA levels (p = 0.002). The area under the curve (AUC) of baseline serum pgRNA for predicting HBeAg seroconversion was 0.742 (95% CI: 0.606–0.850) with 63.16% sensitivity and 80.56% specificity. The cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate was higher in patients with low serum pgRNA (p = 0.001). Conclusion Serum pgRNA of low level at baseline or great decline at month 6 may independently predict the high incidence of undetectable serum pgRNA at year 4 following NAs therapy, and the baseline serum pgRNA may serve as a novel predictor for HBeAg seroconversion during NAs therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yachao Tao
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Menglan Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Liao
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing Cheng
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min He
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongmei Zhang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taoyou Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Shanghai RenDu Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Enqiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Enqiang Chen
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Division of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Hong Tang
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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
|
10
|
Ligat G, Verrier ER, Nassal M, Baumert TF. Hepatitis B virus-host interactions and novel targets for viral cure. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 49:41-51. [PMID: 34029994 PMCID: PMC7613419 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic infection with HBV is a major cause of advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nucleos(t)ide analogues effectively control HBV replication but viral cure is rare. Hence treatment has often to be administered for an indefinite duration, increasing the risk for selection of drug resistant virus variants. PEG-interferon-α-based therapies can sometimes cure infection but suffer from a low response rate and severe side-effects. CHB is characterized by the persistence of a nuclear covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which is not targeted by approved drugs. Targeting host factors which contribute to the viral life cycle provides new opportunities for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aiming at HBV cure. An improved understanding of the host immune system has resulted in new potentially curative candidate approaches. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding HBV-host interactions and highlight how this knowledge contributes to exploiting host-targeting strategies for a viral cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Ligat
- Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMRS 1110, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Eloi R Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMRS 1110, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Michael Nassal
- University Hospital Freiburg, Dept. of Internal Medicine 2/Molecular Biology, D79106 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques UMRS 1110, F-67000 Strasbourg, France; Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Huang CJ, Wang LHC, Wang YC. Identification of Therapeutic Targets for the Selective Killing of HBV-Positive Hepatocytes. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070649. [PMID: 34357116 PMCID: PMC8307716 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070649] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Most infected individuals become lifelong carriers of HBV as the drugs currently used to treat the patients can only control the disease, thereby achieving functional cure (loss of the hepatitis B surface antigen) but not complete cure (elimination of infected hepatocytes). Therefore, we aimed to identify the target genes for the selective killing of HBV-positive hepatocytes to develop a novel therapy for the treatment of HBV infection. Our strategy was to recognize the conditionally essential genes that are essential for the survival of HBV-positive hepatocytes, but non-essential for the HBV-negative hepatocytes. Using microarray gene expression data curated from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the known essential genes from the Online GEne Essentiality database, we used two approaches, comprising the random walk with restart algorithm and the support vector machine approach, to determine the potential targets for the selective killing of HBV-positive hepatocytes. The final candidate genes list obtained using these two approaches consisted of 36 target genes, which may be conditionally essential for the cell survival of HBV-positive hepatocytes; however, this requires further experimental validation. Therefore, the genes identified in this study can be used as potential drug targets to develop novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of HBV, and may ultimately help in achieving the elusive goal of a complete cure for hepatitis B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Jung Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
| | - Lily Hui-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chao Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Feng Y, Ran J, Feng YM, Miao J, Zhao Y, Jia Y, Li Z, Yue W, Xia X. Genetic diversity of hepatitis B virus in Yunnan, China: identification of novel subgenotype C17, an intergenotypic B/I recombinant, and B/C recombinants. J Gen Virol 2021; 101:972-981. [PMID: 30252642 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Yunnan is considered to be a geographical hotspot for the introduction, mutation and recombination of several viruses in China. However, there are limited data regarding the genotypic profiles of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in this region. In this study, we characterized 206 HBV strains isolated from chronic hepatitis B patients in Yunnan, China. Initial genotyping based on 1.5 kb sequences revealed that genotype C was the most prevalent at 52.4 % (108/206), followed by genotype B at 30.6 % (63/206) and unclassified genotypes at 17.0 % (35/206). To characterize the 35 unclassified strains, 32 complete HBV genomes were amplified and analysed; 17 isolates were classified within a known subgenotype, 8 were classified as B/C recombinants, 1 was classified as a B/I recombinant and 6 constituted a potentially novel C subgenotype that we designated as C17, based on the characteristics of a monophyletic cluster, >4 % genetic distances, no significant evidence of recombination and no epidemiological link among individuals. Thus, multiple subgenotypes - namely B1, B2, B4, C1, C2, C3, C4, C8 and C17 - and two distinct intergenotypic recombinants exist in Yunnan, China, highlighting the complex and diverse distribution pattern of HBV genotypic profiles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Feng
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Jieyu Ran
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Yue-Mei Feng
- Research Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Jing Miao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Wei Yue
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, PR China
| | - Xueshan Xia
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ligat G, Goto K, Verrier E, Baumert TF. Targeting Viral cccDNA for Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2020; 19:235-244. [PMID: 36034467 PMCID: PMC7613435 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-020-00534-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), is a major cause of advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. HBV replication is characterized by the synthesis of covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA which is not targeted by antiviral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) the key modality of standard of care. While HBV replication is successfully suppressed in treated patients, they remain at risk for developing HCC. While functional cure, characterized by loss of HBsAg, is the first goal of novel antiviral therapies, curative treatments eliminating cccDNA remain the ultimate goal. This review summarizes recent advances in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic strategies and their impact on cccDNA biology. Recent Findings Within the last decade, substantial progress has been made in the understanding of cccDNA biology including the discovery of host dependency factors, epigenetic regulation of cccDNA transcription and immune-mediated degradation. Several approaches targeting cccDNA either in a direct or indirect manner are currently at the stage of discovery, preclinical or early clinical development. Examples include genome-editing approaches, strategies targeting host dependency factors or epigenetic gene regulation, nucleocapsid modulators and immune-mediated degradation. Summary While direct-targeting cccDNA strategies are still largely at the preclinical stage of development, capsid assembly modulators and immune-based approaches have reached the clinical phase. Clinical trials are ongoing to assess their efficacy and safety in patients including their impact on viral cccDNA. Combination therapies provide additional opportunities to overcome current limitations of individual approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Ligat
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Kaku Goto
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Eloi Verrier
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, Inserm U1110, 3 Rue Koeberlé, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lokhande KB, Doiphode S, Vyas R, Swamy KV. Molecular docking and simulation studies on SARS-CoV-2 M pro reveals Mitoxantrone, Leucovorin, Birinapant, and Dynasore as potent drugs against COVID-19. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:7294-7305. [PMID: 32815481 PMCID: PMC7484567 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1805019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which began from Wuhan City, Hubei, China, and declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by World Health Organization (WHO) on 30th January 2020. The present study describes how the available drug candidates can be used as a potential SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor by molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies. Drug repurposing strategy is applied by using the library of antiviral and FDA approved drugs retrieved from the Selleckchem Inc. (Houston, TX, http://www.selleckchem.com) and DrugBank database respectively. Computational methods like molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used. The molecular docking calculations were performed using LeadIT FlexX software. The molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns were performed to study conformational stability for all complex systems. Mitoxantrone and Leucovorin from FDA approved drug library and Birinapant and Dynasore from anti-viral drug libraries interact with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro at higher efficiency as a result of the improved steric and hydrophobic environment in the binding cavity to make stable complex. Also, the molecular dynamics simulations of 100 ns revealed the mean RMSD value of 2.25 Å for all the complex systems. This shows that lead compounds bound tightly within the Mpro cavity and thus having conformational stability. Glutamic acid (Glu166) of Mpro is a key residue to hold and form a stable complex of reported lead compounds by forming hydrogen bonds and salt bridge. Our findings suggest that Mitoxantrone, Leucovorin, Birinapant, and Dynasore represents potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Bharat Lokhande
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Sayali Doiphode
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
| | - Renu Vyas
- Bioinformatics Research Group, MIT School of Bioengineering Science and Research, MIT- ADT University, Pune, India
| | - K Venkateswara Swamy
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, India.,Bioinformatics Research Group, MIT School of Bioengineering Science and Research, MIT- ADT University, Pune, India
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Molecular, Evolutionary, and Structural Analysis of the Terminal Protein Domain of Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase, a Potential Drug Target. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050570. [PMID: 32455999 PMCID: PMC7291194 DOI: 10.3390/v12050570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 250 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, which claim nearly a million lives annually. The target of all current HBV drug therapies (except interferon) is the viral polymerase; specifically, the reverse transcriptase domain. Although no high-resolution structure exists for the HBV polymerase, several recent advances have helped to map its functions to specific domains. The terminal protein (TP) domain, unique to hepadnaviruses such as HBV, has been implicated in the binding and packaging of the viral RNA, as well as the initial priming of and downstream synthesis of viral DNA—all of which make the TP domain an attractive novel drug target. This review encompasses three types of analysis: sequence conservation analysis, secondary structure prediction, and the results from mutational studies. It is concluded that the TP domain of HBV polymerase is comprised of seven subdomains (three unstructured loops and four helical regions) and that all three loop subdomains and Helix 5 are the major determinants of HBV function within the TP domain. Further studies, such as modeling inhibitors of these critical TP subdomains, will advance the TP domain of HBV polymerase as a therapeutic drug target in the progression towards a cure.
Collapse
|
16
|
Goh B, Choi J, Kang JA, Park SG, Seo J, Kim TY. Development of a mass spectrometric screening assay for hepatitis B virus entry inhibitors. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2019; 178:112959. [PMID: 31722821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) involved in bile acid transport in the liver is an entry receptor of hepatitis B virus (HBV). In the present study, we introduce a mass spectrometric screening assay for targeting HBV entry inhibitors that can reduce NTCP transporter activity by employing taurocholic acid (TCA) labeled with stable isotope (2,2,4,4-d4-TCA, d4-TCA) and NTCP-overexpressing human liver cancer cell lines such as HepG2 and Huh-7. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed mass spectrometric NTCP activity assay have been validated with known HBV inhibitors including cyclosporine A (CsA) and pre-S1 peptide (PreS/2-48Myr or myrcludex B analog) that suppress the entry of HBV into hepatocytes by targeting NTCP. For the inhibitor screening assay, NTCP-overexpressing HepG2 or Huh-7 cells are treated with either a combination of TCA and an inhibitor (CsA or PreS/2-48Myr) or d4-TCA alone to serve as a reference. The activity of an HBV inhibitor is determined by relative quantification between TCA and d4-TCA in a 1:1 mixture of inhibitor-treated cells and untreated control cells using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. With our new approach, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for CsA and PreS/2-48Myr have been determined at micromolar and nanomolar concentrations, respectively, which is consistent with the previous results obtained with other conventional HBV entry inhibitor assay methods. Our assay method does not require HBV infection or radioactive 3H-TCA and provides a facile way to identify viral entry inhibitors via measuring bile acid transport activity of NTCP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byoungsook Goh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physics and Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Jieun Choi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physics and Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Jung-Ah Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Sung-Gyoo Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physics and Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea.
| | - Tae-Young Kim
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physics and Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea; School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Meier-Stephenson V, Bremner WTR, Dalton CS, van Marle G, Coffin CS, Patel TR. Comprehensive Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus Promoter Region Mutations. Viruses 2018; 10:E603. [PMID: 30388827 PMCID: PMC6265984 DOI: 10.3390/v10110603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 250 million people are infected chronically with hepatitis B virus (HBV), the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. HBV persists, due, in part, to its compact, stable minichromosome, the covalently-closed, circular DNA (cccDNA), which resides in the hepatocytes' nuclei. Current therapies target downstream replication products, however, a true virological cure will require targeting the cccDNA. Finding targets on such a small, compact genome is challenging. For HBV, to remain replication-competent, it needs to maintain nucleotide fidelity in key regions, such as the promoter regions, to ensure that it can continue to utilize the necessary host proteins. HBVdb (HBV database) is a repository of HBV sequences spanning all genotypes (A⁻H) amplified from clinical samples, and hence implying an extensive collection of replication-competent viruses. Here, we analyzed the HBV sequences from HBVdb using bioinformatics tools to comprehensively assess the HBV core and X promoter regions amongst the nearly 70,000 HBV sequences for highly-conserved nucleotides and variant frequencies. Notably, there is a high degree of nucleotide conservation within specific segments of these promoter regions highlighting their importance in potential host protein-viral interactions and thus the virus' viability. Such findings may have key implications for designing antivirals to target these areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Meier-Stephenson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Alberta RNA Research & Training Institute, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - William T R Bremner
- Department of Ecosystem & Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Chimone S Dalton
- Department of Ecosystem & Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Guido van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada.
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Alberta RNA Research & Training Institute, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3M4, Canada.
- DiscoveryLab, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hattori SI, Matsuda K, Tsuchiya K, Gatanaga H, Oka S, Yoshimura K, Mitsuya H, Maeda K. Combination of a Latency-Reversing Agent With a Smac Mimetic Minimizes Secondary HIV-1 Infection in vitro. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2022. [PMID: 30283406 PMCID: PMC6156138 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Latency-reversing agents (LRAs) are considered a potential tool to cure human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, but when they are taken alone, virus production by reactivated cells and subsequent infection will occur. Hence, it is crucial to simultaneously take appropriate measures to prevent such secondary HIV-1 infection. In this regard, a strategy to minimize the production of infectious viruses from LRA-reactivated cells is worth pursuing. Here, we focused on a second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) mimetic, birinapant, to induce apoptosis in latent HIV-1-infected cells. When birinapant was administered alone, it only slightly increased the expression of caspase-3. However, in combination with an LRA (e.g., PEP005), it strongly induced the expression of caspase-3 followed by enhanced apoptosis. Importantly, the combination eliminated reactivated cells and drastically reduced HIV-1 production. Finally, we found that birinapant decreased the mRNA expression of HIV-1 that was induced by PEP005 in the primary CD4+ T-cells from HIV-1-carrying patients as well. These results suggest that the combination of an LRA and an “apoptosis-inducing” agent, such as a Smac mimetic, is a possible treatment option to decrease HIV-1 reservoirs without the occurrence of HIV-1 production by reactivated cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichiro Hattori
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouki Matsuda
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoto Tsuchiya
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Gatanaga
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Oka
- AIDS Clinical Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Yoshimura
- AIDS Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuya
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.,Experimental Retrovirology Section, HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kenji Maeda
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kim WR. Emerging Therapies Toward a Functional Cure for Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2018; 14:439-442. [PMID: 30166962 PMCID: PMC6111501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W Ray Kim
- Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology and Hepatology) Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, California
| |
Collapse
|