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Huang C, Jin Y, Sun RN, Hu KY, Yao LG, Guo YW, Yuan ZH, Li XW. Anti-HBV Activities of Cembranoids from the South China Sea Soft Coral Sinularia pedunculata and Their Structure Activity Relationship. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202401146. [PMID: 38772912 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202401146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health challenge that seriously endangers human health. Soft coral, as a major source of terpenoids, contains many structurally novel and highly bioactive compounds. Sixteen cembranoids (1-16), including a new one named sinupedunol B (16), were isolated from the South China Sea Soft coral Sinularia pedunculata. The structure of the sinupedunol B (16) was determined through a combination of spectroscopic analysis and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In this study, cembranoids isolated from Sinularia pedunculata were found of anti-HBV activity for the first time. Among them, flexilarin D (6) showed significant anti-HBV activity with an IC50 value of 5.57 μM without cytotoxicity. We then analyzed the structure-activity relationship (SAR). Furthermore, it is demonstrated that flexilarin D (6) can accelerate the formation of capsid, inhibit HBeAg, HBV core particle DNA, HBV total RNA and pregenomic RNA in a dose dependent manner. We also confirmed the anti-HBV activity of 6 in HepG2-NTCP infection system. Finally, we demonstrated the anti-HBV mechanism of these compounds by inhibiting the ENI/Xp enhancer/promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kong-Ying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li-Gong Yao
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, China
| | - Yue-Wei Guo
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, China
| | - Zheng-Hong Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC), Research Unit of Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection (CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microbes and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xu-Wen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, Shandong, 264117, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
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2
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Long X, Li Q, Liao S, Lin Y, Liao X. Nomogram for predicting overall survival of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients based on HBV infection and inflammatory-nutritional biomarkers. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1362566. [PMID: 39026969 PMCID: PMC11254806 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1362566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Methods This retrospective study included 236 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated at Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital between October 2013 and October 2022. Patients were grouped according to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify the prognostic factors independently associated with overall survival. Results were used to build a nomogram, which was assessed through internal validation using bootstrap resampling. Results Patients in the HBV-positive group (N = 37) showed significantly better overall survival than those in the HBV-negative group (N=199; P = 0.014). Overall survival was independently associated with the following factors: HBV infection status, sex, chemotherapy, metastatic sites, a combined index of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets, neutrophil-albumin ratio, as well as levels of CA125. The nomogram showed good predictive power, with an area under the curve of 0.808 for the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic. Calibration and decision curve analyses indicated good calibration and clinical usefulness of the nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Conclusion A nomogram based on the HBV infection status and inflammatory nutritional markers may help predict the overall survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and guide personalized clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiawei Long
- Department of First Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of First Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Sina Liao
- Department of First Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Youzhi Lin
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoli Liao
- Department of First Chemotherapy, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
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Yue B, Gao Y, Hu Y, Zhan M, Wu Y, Lu L. Harnessing CD8 + T cell dynamics in hepatitis B virus-associated liver diseases: Insights, therapies and future directions. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1731. [PMID: 38935536 PMCID: PMC11210506 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection playsa significant role in the etiology and progression of liver-relatedpathologies, encompassing chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventual hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC). Notably, HBV infection stands as the primary etiologicalfactor driving the development of HCC. Given the significant contribution ofHBV infection to liver diseases, a comprehensive understanding of immunedynamics in the liver microenvironment, spanning chronic HBV infection,fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, is essential. In this review, we focused on thefunctional alterations of CD8+ T cells within the pathogenic livermicroenvironment from HBV infection to HCC. We thoroughly reviewed the roles ofhypoxia, acidic pH, metabolic reprogramming, amino acid deficiency, inhibitory checkpointmolecules, immunosuppressive cytokines, and the gut-liver communication in shapingthe dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in the liver microenvironment. Thesefactors significantly impact the clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we comprehensivelyreviewed CD8+ T cell-based therapy strategies for liver diseases,encompassing HBV infection, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Strategies includeimmune checkpoint blockades, metabolic T-cell targeting therapy, therapeuticT-cell vaccination, and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered CD8+ T cells, along with the combined usage of programmed cell death protein-1/programmeddeath ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.Given that targeting CD8+ T cells at various stages of hepatitis Bvirus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV + HCC) shows promise, we reviewedthe ongoing need for research to elucidate the complex interplay between CD8+ T cells and the liver microenvironment in the progression of HBV infection toHCC. We also discussed personalized treatment regimens, combining therapeuticstrategies and harnessing gut microbiota modulation, which holds potential forenhanced clinical benefits. In conclusion, this review delves into the immunedynamics of CD8+ T cells, microenvironment changes, and therapeuticstrategies within the liver during chronic HBV infection, HCC progression, andrelated liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentSchool of MedicineFaculty of Medical ScienceJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
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Zhou R, Song Y, Xu C, Zhang Y, Wu X, Zhang L, Luo X, Zhao H, Liu M, Xu J, Wang L, Chen Z, Han Q. Altered counts and mitochondrial mass of peripheral blood leucocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18440. [PMID: 38890792 PMCID: PMC11187856 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) damages liver cells through abnormal immune responses. Mitochondrial metabolism is necessary for effector functions of white blood cells (WBCs). The aim was to investigate the altered counts and mitochondrial mass (MM) of WBCs by two novel indicators of mitochondrial mass, MM and percentage of low mitochondrial membrane potential, MMPlow%, due to chronic HBV infection. The counts of lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes in the HBV infection group were in decline, especially for lymphocyte (p = 0.034) and monocyte counts (p = 0.003). The degraded MM (p = 0.003) and MMPlow% (p = 0.002) of lymphocytes and MM (p = 0.005) of monocytes suggested mitochondrial dysfunction of WBCs. HBV DNA within WBCs showed an extensive effect on mitochondria metabolic potential of lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes indicated by MM; hepatitis B e antigen was associated with instant mitochondrial energy supply indicated by MMPlow% of neutrophils; hepatitis B surface antigen, antiviral therapy by nucleos(t)ide analogues and prolonged infection were also vital factors contributing to WBC alterations. Moreover, degraded neutrophils and monocytes could be used to monitor immune responses reflecting chronic liver fibrosis and inflammatory damage. In conclusion, MM combined with cell counts of WBCs could profoundly reflect WBC alterations for monitoring chronic HBV infection. Moreover, HBV DNA within WBCs may be a vital factor in injuring mitochondria metabolic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruo‐Ran Zhou
- Medical Center of Soochow UniversitySuzhou Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ya‐Hui Song
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Cheng‐Yu Xu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ying‐Ying Zhang
- Infectious Disease DepartmentThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xiang‐Wei Wu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xi‐Ni Luo
- Medical Center of Soochow UniversitySuzhou Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhao
- Medical Center of Soochow UniversitySuzhou Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Ming‐Ming Liu
- Infectious Disease DepartmentThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jun‐Chi Xu
- The Fifth People's Hospital of SuzhouSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zu‐Tao Chen
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Infectious Disease DepartmentThe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Qing‐Zhen Han
- Medical Center of Soochow UniversitySuzhou Medical College of Soochow UniversitySuzhouPeople's Republic of China
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake HospitalSuzhouPeople's Republic of China
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Wu X, Zhao W, Miao Q, Shi S, Wei B, Luo L, Cai B. CCR2+TREM-1+ monocytes promote natural killer T cell dysfunction contributing towards HBV disease progression. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09495-4. [PMID: 38814567 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09495-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are amongst the most important innate immune cells against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Moreover, previous studies have shown that HBV infection induced TREM-1+ expression in monocyte and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Thus, this prompted us to elucidate the role of TREM-1+ monocytes in regulating the function of iNKT cells. Ninety patients and 20 healthy participants were enrolled in the study. The percentage and phenotype of iNKT cells and TREM-1+ monocytes were measured in the peripheral blood of healthy controls (HC), patients with chronic HBV infection (CHB), HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC), and HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) via flow cytometry. Moreover, co-culture experiments with iNKT cells and TREM-1 overexpressing THP-1 cells were performed to determine the role of TREM-1 in the regulation of NKT cell function. We observed that the percentage of iNKT cells and CD4-iNKT cells gradually decreased, whereas the percentage of CCR2+TREM-1+ monocytes increased with the progression of the disease. In addition, activation of the TREM-1 signaling pathway induced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines leading to pyroptosis of iNKT cells and secretion of IL-17 contributing towards disease progression. Therefore, this study suggests that blocking the activation of TREM-1 in monocytes could promote the elimination of HBV by inhibiting pyroptosis of iNKT cells and restoring their function. However, further studies are required to validate these results that would help in developing new treatment strategies for patients with HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wenling Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiang Miao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Shiya Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Limei Luo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bei Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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6
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Ma H, Yan QZ, Ma JR, Li DF, Yang JL. Overview of the immunological mechanisms in hepatitis B virus reactivation: Implications for disease progression and management strategies. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:1295-1312. [PMID: 38596493 PMCID: PMC11000084 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i10.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a clinically significant challenge in disease management. This review explores the immunological mechanisms underlying HBV reactivation, emphasizing disease progression and management. It delves into host immune responses and reactivation's delicate balance, spanning innate and adaptive immunity. Viral factors' disruption of this balance, as are interactions between viral antigens, immune cells, cytokine networks, and immune checkpoint pathways, are examined. Notably, the roles of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells are discussed, highlighting their influence on disease progression. HBV reactivation's impact on disease severity, hepatic flares, liver fibrosis progression, and hepatocellular carcinoma is detailed. Management strategies, including anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches, are critically analyzed. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy during immunosuppressive treatments is explored alongside novel immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and prevent reactivation. In conclusion, this comprehensive review furnishes a holistic view of the immunological mechanisms that propel HBV reactivation. With a dedicated focus on understanding its implications for disease progression and the prospects of efficient management strategies, this article contributes significantly to the knowledge base. The more profound insights into the intricate interactions between viral elements and the immune system will inform evidence-based approaches, ultimately enhancing disease management and elevating patient outcomes. The dynamic landscape of management strategies is critically scrutinized, spanning anti-viral and immunomodulatory approaches. The role of prophylactic anti-viral therapy in preventing reactivation during immunosuppressive treatments and the potential of innovative immunotherapeutic interventions to restore immune control and proactively deter reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Qing-Zhu Yan
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jing-Ru Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Dong-Fu Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jun-Ling Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
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Alexandrova R, Tsachev I, Kirov P, Abudalleh A, Hristov H, Zhivkova T, Dyakova L, Baymakova M. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection Among Immunocompromised Individuals: A Brief Narrative Review. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1021-1040. [PMID: 38505248 PMCID: PMC10948336 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s449221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to Hepeviridae family. HEV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are estimated 20 million HEV infections worldwide every year, leading to estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of HEV infection. The WHO estimates that HEV infection caused approximately 44,000 deaths in 2015, which represents 3.3% of mortality rates due to viral hepatitis. In low-income (LI) countries and lower-middle-income (LMI) countries, HEV is a waterborne infection induced by HEV genotype (gt) 1 and HEV gt 2 that cause large outbreaks and affect young individuals with a high mortality rate in pregnant women from South Asian countries and patients with liver diseases. HEV gt 3, HEV gt 4, and HEV gt 7 are responsible for sporadic infections with zoonotic transmission mainly through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from different animals. Acute HEV infection is relatively asymptomatic or mild clinical form, in rare cases the disease can be moderate/severe clinical forms and result in fulminant hepatitis or acute liver failure (ALF). Furthermore, HEV infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, including renal and neurological clinical signs and symptoms. Pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with comorbidities, and workers who come into close contact with HEV-infected animals are recognized as major risk groups for severe clinical form of HEV infection and fatal outcome. Chronic HEV infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals with the possibility of progression to cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radostina Alexandrova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Kirov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Abedulkadir Abudalleh
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Hristov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Zhivkova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lora Dyakova
- Department of Synaptic Signaling and Communication, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Conceição-Neto N, Pierson W, Vacca M, Beyens M, De Clerck B, Aerts L, Voeten B, De Pooter D, Verschueren L, Dockx K, Vandenberk M, De Troyer E, Verwilt K, Van Hove C, Verslegers M, Bosseler L, Crabbe M, Krishna V, Nájera I, Van Gulck E. Sustained Liver HBsAg Loss and Clonal T- and B-Cell Expansion upon Therapeutic DNA Vaccination Require Low HBsAg Levels. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1825. [PMID: 38140229 PMCID: PMC10747285 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suppression of HBV DNA, inhibition of HBV surface (HBsAg) production and therapeutic vaccination to reverse HBV-specific T-cell exhaustion in chronic HBV patients are likely required to achieve a functional cure. In the AAV-HBV mouse model, therapeutic vaccination can be effective in clearing HBV when HBsAg levels are low. Using a single-cell approach, we investigated the liver immune environment with different levels of HBsAg and sustained HBsAg loss through treatment with a GalNAc-HBV-siRNA followed by therapeutic vaccination. METHODS AAV-HBV-transduced C57BL/6 mice were treated with GalNAc-HBV-siRNA to lower HBsAg levels and then vaccinated using a DNA vaccine. We used single-cell RNA and V(D)J sequencing to understand liver immune microenvironment changes. RESULTS GalNAc-HBV-siRNA, followed by therapeutic vaccination, achieved sustained HBsAg loss in all mice. This was accompanied by CD4 follicular helper T-cell induction, polyclonal activation of CD8 T cells and clonal expansion of plasma cells that were responsible for antibody production. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel insights into liver immune changes at the single-cell level, highlighting the correlation between induced reduction of HBsAg levels and clonal expansion of CD4, CD8 T cells and plasma cells in the liver upon HBV siRNA and subsequent therapeutic vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nádia Conceição-Neto
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Wim Pierson
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Maurizio Vacca
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Matthias Beyens
- Discovery Therapeutics and Molecular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (M.B.); (K.V.); (C.V.H.)
| | - Ben De Clerck
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Liese Aerts
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Birgit Voeten
- Charles River Laboratories, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium (K.D.); (M.V.)
| | - Dorien De Pooter
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Lore Verschueren
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Koen Dockx
- Charles River Laboratories, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium (K.D.); (M.V.)
| | - Mathias Vandenberk
- Charles River Laboratories, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium (K.D.); (M.V.)
| | - Ewoud De Troyer
- SDS Discovery Statistics, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (E.D.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Kato Verwilt
- Discovery Therapeutics and Molecular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (M.B.); (K.V.); (C.V.H.)
| | - Carl Van Hove
- Discovery Therapeutics and Molecular Pharmacology, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (M.B.); (K.V.); (C.V.H.)
| | - Mieke Verslegers
- Preclinical Sciences and Translational Safety (PSTS) Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (M.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Leslie Bosseler
- Preclinical Sciences and Translational Safety (PSTS) Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (M.V.); (L.B.)
| | - Marjolein Crabbe
- SDS Discovery Statistics, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (E.D.T.); (M.C.)
| | - Vinod Krishna
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA 19002, USA;
| | - Isabel Nájera
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, 1600 Sierra Point Parkway, South San Francisco, CA 94005, USA;
| | - Ellen Van Gulck
- Infectious Diseases Discovery, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium; (N.C.-N.); (M.V.); (B.D.C.); (L.A.); (D.D.P.); (L.V.)
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9
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Liao F, Xie J, Du R, Gao W, Lan L, Wang M, Rong X, Fu Y, Wang H. Replication and Expression of the Consensus Genome of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C from the Chinese Population. Viruses 2023; 15:2302. [PMID: 38140543 PMCID: PMC10747539 DOI: 10.3390/v15122302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C is a prevalent HBV genotype in the Chinese population. Although genotype C shows higher sequence heterogeneity and more severe liver disease than other genotypes, its pathogenesis and immunological traits are not yet fully elucidated. In this study, we first established and chemically synthesized the consensus sequence based on representative 138 full-length HBV genotype C genomes from the Chinese population. The pHBV1.3C plasmid system, containing a 1.3-fold full-length HBV genotype C consensus sequence, was constructed for subsequent validation. Next, we performed functional assays to investigate the replicative competence of pHBV1.3C in vitro through the transient transfection of HepG2 and Huh7 cells and validated the in vivo function via a hydrodynamic injection to BALB/c recipient mice. The in vitro investigation revealed that the extracellular HBV DNA and intracellular replicative intermediate (i.e., pregenomic RNA, pgRNA) were apparently measurable at 48 h, and the HBsAg and HBcAg were still positive in hepatoma cells at 96 h. We also found that HBsAg and HBeAg accumulated at the extracellular and intracellular levels in a time-dependent manner. The in vivo validation demonstrated that pHBV1.3C plasmids induced HBV viremia, triggered morphological changes and HBsAg- or HBcAg- positivity of hepatocytes, and ultimately caused inflammatory infiltration and focal or piecemeal necrosis in the livers of the murine recipients. HBV protein (HBsAg) colocalized with CD8+ T cells or CD4+ T cells in the liver. F4/80+ Kupffer cells were abundantly recruited around the altered murine hepatocytes. Taken together, our results indicate that the synthetic consensus sequence of HBV genotype C is replication-competent in vitro and in vivo. This genotype C consensus genome supports the full HBV life cycle, which is conducive to studying its pathogenesis and immune response, screening novel antiviral agents, and further optimizing testing and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfang Liao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Junmou Xie
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Rongsong Du
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Wenbo Gao
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Lanyin Lan
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Min Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Xia Rong
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Yongshui Fu
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Guangzhou Blood Center, Guangzhou 510091, China
- The Key Medical Laboratory of Guangzhou, Guangzhou 510091, China
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10
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Manea M, Apostol D, Constantinescu I. The Connection between MiR-122 and Lymphocytes in Patients Receiving Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2731. [PMID: 38004743 PMCID: PMC10673475 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
New molecular predictors for the response to treatment in HBV (hepatitis B virus) infection are assessed. Among them is miR-122. Our article searches the connection between miR-122 and the counts of lymphocytes in chronic HBV patients receiving treatment. We included the sera of 38 Romanian subjects with chronic HBV infection (20 receiving treatment and 18 not receiving treatment) and 5 healthy controls. The expression of miR-122 was determined using RT-PCR (real-time PCR) and a 2-ΔΔCT method. Two systematic analyses were also performed on databases (PUBMED, Web of Science, and Science Direct), eliminating systematic reviews, editorials, letters to editors, meta-analyses, reviews, conference proceedings, or pre-print manuscripts. We included human-based articles following the PRISMA criteria and the Newcastle Ottawa Assessment Scale for Case-Control and Cohort studies. R 4.2.2 was used for statistics, and MIENTURNET and STRING were used for the bioinformatic analysis. Our results showed a link between the variations in the expression of miR-122 and the counts of lymphocytes in HBV Romanian patients receiving therapy. Treatment influenced miR-122 and the lymphocyte numbers. This is the first study with these results, and it may lead to a new perspective on the inter-relationships between microRNAs and therapy in HBV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Manea
- Immunology and Transplant Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dimitri Apostol
- Immunology and Transplant Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Constantinescu
- Immunology and Transplant Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
- Centre of Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania
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11
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Xie Q, Zhao Z, Yang Y, Long D, Luo C. Radiomics-guided prognostic assessment of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence post-radical resection. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14983-14996. [PMID: 37606762 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The prognosis of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after radical resection has received widespread attention, but reliable prediction methods are lacking. Radiomics derived from enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging offers a potential avenue for practical prognostication in HCC patients. METHODS We recruited early-stage HCC patients undergoing radical resection. Statistical analyses were performed to identify clinicopathological and radiomic features linked to recurrence. Clinical, radiomic, and combined models (incorporating clinicopathological and radiomic features) were built using four algorithms. The performance of these models was scrutinized via fivefold cross-validation, with evaluation metrics including the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy (ACC), sensitivity (SEN), and specificity (SPE) being calculated and compared. Ultimately, an integrated nomogram was devised by combining independent clinicopathological predictors with the Radscore. RESULTS From January 2016 through December 2020, HCC recurrence was observed in 167 cases (64.5%), with a median time to recurrence of 26.7 months following initial resection. Combined models outperformed those solely relying on clinicopathological or radiomic features. Notably, among the combined models, those employing support vector machine (SVM) algorithms exhibited the most promising predictive outcomes (AUC: 0.840 (95% Confidence interval (CI): [0.696, 0.984]), ACC: 0.805, SEN: 0.849, SPE: 0.733). Hepatitis B infection, tumour size > 5 cm, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 400 ng/mL were identified as independent recurrence predictors and were subsequently amalgamated with the Radscore to create a visually intuitive nomogram, delivering robust and reliable predictive performance. CONCLUSION Machine learning models amalgamating clinicopathological and radiomic features provide a valuable tool for clinicians to predict postoperative HCC recurrence, thereby informing early preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qu Xie
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Gastric Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zeyin Zhao
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, Hunan, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanzhen Yang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Gastric Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Long
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong Luo
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Gastric Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Akbar SMF, Al Mahtab M, Yoshida O, Aguilar J, Gerardo GN, Hiasa Y. Development of Therapy Based on the Exploration of Biological Events Underlying the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1944. [PMID: 37509583 PMCID: PMC10376977 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 296 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately 15-25% of these people develop complications such as advanced chronic liver diseases (ACLDs). Mortality due to HBV-related complications accounted for an estimated 882,000 deaths in 2019. Potent preventive vaccines have already restricted new HBV infections, and several drugs are available to treat chronic HBV infections. However, the positive impacts of these drugs have been recorded in only a few patients with chronic HBV infection. These drugs do not show long-term efficacy and cannot halt the progression to complications. Thus, more effective and evidence-based therapeutic strategies need to be urgently developed for patients with chronic HBV infection. CHB is a pathological entity induced by HBV that progresses due to impaired host immunity. This indicates the inherent limitations of antiviral-drug-based monotherapy for treating patients with chronic HBV infection. Additionally, commercially available antiviral drugs are not available to patients in developing and resource-constrained countries, posing a challenge to achieving the following WHO goal: "Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030". As such, this review aimed to provide insights regarding evidence-based and effective management strategies for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Interventional Hepatology Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Julio Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | | | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
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13
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Laupèze B, Vassilev V, Badur S. A role for immune modulation in achieving functional cure for chronic hepatitis B among current changes in the landscape of new treatments. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:1135-1147. [PMID: 37847193 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2268503] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is rarely cured using available treatments. Barriers to cure are: 1) persistence of reservoirs of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and antigen production (HBV DNA); 2) high burden of viral antigens that promote T cell exhaustion with T cell dysfunction; 3) CHB-induced impairment of immune responses. AREAS COVERED We discuss options for new therapies that could address one or more of the barriers to functional cure, with particular emphasis on the potential role of immunotherapy. EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY Ideally, a sterilizing cure for CHB would translate into finite therapies that result in loss of HBV surface antigen and eradication of HBV DNA. Restoration of a functional adaptive immune response, a key facet of successful CHB treatment, remains elusive. Numerous strategies targeting the high viral DNA and antigen burden and aiming to restore the host immune responses will enter clinical development in coming years. Most patients are likely to require combinations of several drugs, personalized according to virologic and disease characteristics, patient preference, accessibility, and affordability. The management of CHB is a global health priority. Expedited drug development requires collaborations between regulatory agencies, scientists, clinicians, and within the industry to facilitate testing of the best drug combinations.
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14
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Osmani Z, Boonstra A. Recent Insights into the Role of B Cells in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:815. [PMID: 37375505 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis infections, caused by the hepatitis B or C virus, are a major global health problem causing an estimated one million deaths each year. Immunological studies have classically focused on T cells, while B cells have largely been neglected. Emerging evidence, however, highlights a role for B cells in the immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B and C infections. B cell responses appear to be altered across different clinical phases of chronic HBV infection and across stages of disease in chronic HCV infection. These B cell responses show signs of a more activated state with a simultaneous enrichment of phenotypically exhausted atypical memory B cells. Despite the fact that studies show an activating B cell signature in chronic viral hepatitis infection, antibody responses to HBsAg remain impaired in chronic HBV infection, and glycoprotein E2-specific neutralizing antibody responses remain delayed in the acute phase of HCV infection. At the same time, studies have reported that a subset of HBV- and HCV-specific B cells exhibit an exhausted phenotype. This may, at least in part, explain why antibody responses in chronic HBV and HCV patients are suboptimal. Here, we summarize recent findings and discuss upcoming research questions while looking forward to how new single-cell technologies could provide novel insights into the role of B cells in chronic viral hepatitis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zgjim Osmani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Wang WX, Jia R, Jin XY, Li X, Zhou SN, Zhang XN, Zhou CB, Wang FS, Fu J. Serum cytokine change profile associated with HBsAg loss during combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α in NAs-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121778. [PMID: 36756119 PMCID: PMC9899895 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to explore the profile of cytokine changes during the combination therapy with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) and its relationship with HBsAg loss in nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs)-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods Seventy-six patients with chronic hepatitis B with HBsAg less than 1,500 IU/ml and HBV DNA negative after receiving ≥ 1-year NAs therapy were enrolled. Eighteen patients continued to take NAs monotherapy (the NAs group), and 58 patients received combination therapy with NAs and PEG-IFN-α (the Add-on group). The levels of IFNG, IL1B, IL1RN, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL12A, IL17A, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL10, TNF, and CSF2 in peripheral blood during treatment were detected. Results At week 48, 0.00% (0/18) in the NAs group and 25.86% (15/58) in the Add-on group achieved HBsAg loss. During 48 weeks of combined treatment, there was a transitory increase in the levels of ALT, IL1RN, IL2, and CCL2. Compared to the NAs group, CXCL8 and CXCL10 in the Add-on group remain higher after rising, yet CCL3 showed a continuously increasing trend. Mild and early increases in IL1B, CCL3, IL17A, IL2, IL4, IL6, and CXCL8 were associated with HBsAg loss or decrease >1 log, while sustained high levels of CCL5 and CXCL10 were associated with poor responses to Add-on therapy at week 48. Conclusions The serum cytokine change profile is closely related to the response to the combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α and NAs, and may help to reveal the mechanism of functional cure and discover new immunological predictors and new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Xin Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, The 985th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Jin
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang-Nan Zhou
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Zhang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Bao Zhou
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Junliang Fu, ; Fu-Sheng Wang,
| | - Junliang Fu
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China,Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Junliang Fu, ; Fu-Sheng Wang,
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